Vertigo Medication and Breastfeeding

Vertigo Medication and Breastfeeding

Managing vertigo while breastfeeding can be challenging, as many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the nursing infant. It's crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before taking any medication for vertigo. Here's an overview of common vertigo medications and their compatibility with breastfeeding:

Meclizine (Antivert): Generally considered safe during breastfeeding. It passes into breast milk in small amounts, but no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants.

Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine): Use with caution. It may decrease milk production and can cause drowsiness in the infant. Short-term or occasional use is usually considered acceptable.

Promethazine (Phenergan): Not recommended during breastfeeding. It can potentially decrease milk production and may cause drowsiness or other side effects in the infant.

Diazepam (Valium): Not recommended during breastfeeding. It has a long half-life and can accumulate in the infant, potentially causing drowsiness, lethargy, and weight loss.

Lorazepam (Ativan): Use with caution. Short-term or occasional use is generally considered acceptable, but long-term use should be avoided due to potential sedative effects on the infant.

Ondansetron (Zofran): Limited data available, but generally considered safe for short-term use during breastfeeding.

Betahistine (Serc): Limited data available. It's best to consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Prochlorperazine (Stemetil): Use with caution. It may decrease milk production and can potentially cause drowsiness or other side effects in the infant.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Use with caution. It may decrease milk production and can cause drowsiness in the infant. Occasional use is generally considered acceptable.

Scopolamine (Scopoderm): Not recommended during breastfeeding. It can potentially decrease milk production and may cause side effects in the infant.

When considering medication for vertigo while breastfeeding, it's important to weigh the potential risks to the infant against the benefits of treating the mother's symptoms. In many cases, non-pharmacological treatments may be preferable. These can include:

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises: These can help retrain the balance system and may be particularly effective for certain types of vertigo.

The Epley maneuver: This repositioning technique can be effective for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Adequate hydration and rest: These basic self-care measures can sometimes help alleviate mild vertigo symptoms.

Dietary modifications: Reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake may help, particularly for M茅ni猫re's disease.

Stress reduction techniques: Stress can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation may be beneficial.

If medication is necessary, healthcare providers will typically recommend the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. They may also suggest timing medication doses to minimize infant exposure, such as taking the medication immediately after breastfeeding.

It's also worth noting that the age of the infant can be a factor in medication safety. Premature infants or newborns may be more susceptible to medication effects compared to older infants.

In some cases, pumping and discarding breast milk for a certain period after taking medication (known as ”pump and dump”) may be recommended. However, this is not always necessary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Lastly, it's important to monitor the infant for any unusual symptoms or changes in behavior when starting a new medication.