Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Lunesta? Is Lunesta safe for nursing mother and child? Does Lunesta extracts into breast milk? Does Lunesta has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Lunesta influence milk supply or can Lunesta decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Lunesta lactation summary

Lunesta usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Lunesta is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Lunesta may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Lunesta may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Lunesta low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Lunesta We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Lunesta usage in lactation

Isomer of zopiclone with similar hypnotic effects as benzodiazepines.Used for insomnia. At latest update no published data on excretion into breast milk were found. Zopiclone is excreted in milk in non-significant amount. Because the available published experience is poorer than with other drugs of the same group, it would be preferable an alternative and better known drug that would be considered safer, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity.

Answer by DrLact: About Lunesta usage in lactation

Because no information is available on the use of Lunesta during breastfeeding, an alternate hypnotic may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Data from the racemate, zopiclone, in larger doses indicate that occasional use while breastfeeding an older infant should pose little risk to the infant, but the infant should be monitored for excessive drowsiness.[1]

Lunesta Side Effects in Breastfeeding

In 12 mothers who were 2 to 6 days postpartum and took 7.5 mg of zopiclone, infant breastfeeding was interrupted for 8 to 10 hours before resuming. No unusual effect were noted in the infants.[1] Thirty-week preterm twins were born to a mother who took zopiclone 3.75 mg 4 times daily for tension headache during pregnancy. They developed withdrawal symptoms during the first week of life. Beginning at 2 weeks of age, they were about two-thirds breastfed by their mother who continued the drug at the same dose. The infants had no clinical abnormalities and were discharged from the hospital 6 weeks after birth.[4]

Alternate Drugs

Triazolam(Low Risk)
Temazepam(Low Risk)
Ketamine(Low Risk)
Quazepam(Unsafe)
Estazolam(Low Risk)
Phenobarbital(Low Risk)
Flurazepam(Unsafe)
Meprobamate(Low Risk)
Oxazepam(Safe)
Butalbital(Low Risk)
Midazolam(Safe)
Butabarbital(Low Risk)
Lorazepam(Safe)
Pentobarbital(Low Risk)
Eszopiclone(Low Risk)
Secobarbital(Low Risk)
Diazepam(Low Risk)
Clorazepate(Low Risk)
Propofol(Safe)
Alprazolam(Low Risk)
Sodium Oxybate(Low Risk)
Chloral Hydrate(Low Risk)
Zolpidem(Safe)
Nitrazepam(Low Risk)
Zaleplon(Safe)
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.