Clonazepam Tablet Breastfeeding
Modern medicine has evolved so much so that sooner or later every breastfeeding mother needs to take it in one form or other. Medication that is present in mothers blood will transfer into her breast milk to some extent. Most drugs do so at low levels and pose no real risk to infants but then there are some exceptions. In This post will discuss whether Clonazepam Tablet is safe in breast-feeding or not.

What is Clonazepam Tablet used for?


Seizure Disorders: Clonazepam is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures. In patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimides, clonazepam may be useful. In some studies, up to 30% of patients have shown a loss of anticonvulsant activity, often within 3 months of administration. In some cases, dosage adjustment may reestablish efficacy. Panic Disorder: Clonazepam is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-V. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks. The efficacy of clonazepam was established in two 6- to 9-week trials in panic disorder patients whose diagnoses corresponded to the DSM-IIIR category of panic disorder (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Trials). Panic disorder (DSM-V) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, ie, a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: (1) palpitations, pounding heart or accelerated heart rate; (2) sweating; (3) trembling or shaking; (4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; (5) feeling of choking; (6) chest pain or discomfort; (7) nausea or abdominal distress; (8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded or faint; (9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); (10) fear of losing control; (11) fear of dying; (12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); (13) chills or hot flushes. The effectiveness of clonazepam in long-term use, that is, for more than 9 weeks, has not been systematically studied in controlled clinical trials. The physician who elects to use clonazepam for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Is Clonazepam Tablet usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Clonazepam Tablet low risk for breastfeeding
Clonazepam is the one and only active ingredient present in Clonazepam Tablet. Clonazepam in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Clonazepam Tablet also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Clonazepam in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers: Mothers receiving clonazepam should not breastfeed their infants.

Clonazepam Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Clonazepam while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 1622-61-3

Intermediate-acting Benzodiazepine. Excreted in low levels into breast milk. No adverse effect on breastfed infant has been reported. However, some cases of high infant serum levels along with excessive somnolence and respiratory pauses when the mother started treatment at pregnancy were reported. Avoid use in preterm infants and early neonatal period. Whether anxiolytic rather than anticonvulsivant treatment is intended, benzodiazepines with a shorter half-life span like Lorazepam or Oxazepam should be considered. Eventual and low dose use of benzodiacepines are compatible with breastfeeding. Use the short-acting benzodiazepine and minimal effective dose as possible mostly in the neonatal period. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (2002) rates it compatible with breastfeeding. Follow-up for sedation and feeding ability of the infant. Bed-sharing is not recommended for mothers who are taking this medication.

Clonazepam Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Clonazepam while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 1622-61-3

Maternal clonazepam occasionally causes sedation in their breastfed infants, especially when given with other central nervous system depressants. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs. Monitoring of the infant's serum concentration may be indicated if excessive sedation occurs. Because it has a long half-life, a safer, shorter-acting drug should be used as rather than clonazepam.[1][2] An expert consensus guideline indicates that low-dose clonazepam is an acceptable choice for refractory restless leg syndrome during lactation.[3]


I am nursing mother and I have already used Clonazepam Tablet, what should I do?

Clonazepam Tablet is in the category of low risk, if you have already used it then its not a big deal if health and behavior of baby is good. However your health care provider shall be aware of the fact that you have used Clonazepam Tablet so you should inform him based on your convenience.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Clonazepam Tablet, is it safe?

Though Clonazepam Tablet dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Clonazepam Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much monitoring required while using Clonazepam Tablet


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Clonazepam Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Drug Brands with same Active ingredients

Clonazepam Tablet, Orally Disintegrating