Benzodiazepine use while breastfeeding

Consider the advice for benzodiazepine use while breastfeeding in accordance with the Principles of psychotropic use while breastfeeding.

If a benzodiazepine is needed while breastfeeding, if possible, use one with a shorter half-life (eg temazepam, lorazepam). Chronic use of longer-acting benzodiazepines (eg diazepam, clonazepam) can accumulate in a breastfed infant, resulting in ‘floppy infant syndrome’, with symptoms of hypotonia, lethargy and reduced suckling. Exercise caution with benzodiazepine use in the first 4 postnatal days, especially if the neonate has jaundice, because their liver may not be able to adequately metabolise both the benzodiazepine and increased levels of bilirubin.

For advice on benzodiazepine use in females of childbearing potential, see here.