Q: are there any anxiety medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding?
Hi tm08;
I am not a physician, I am a Psychologist but have consulted with two friends who are Psychiatrists, and two friends who are OB/GYN's at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine about this very question -- for more than one patient.
They all have agreed that it is better for mom to be taking a medication for anxiety or depression while pregnant and nursing than to be suffering from either of these problems. Research has shown that the fetus is effected by the mother's moods and while the medications are going to effect the fetus, so will mom's moods. You need to consult with a doctor you trust and can believe in and follow his/her recommendations.
The other thing that comes to mind is that a serious problem we can encounter with holistic approaches is that herbal remedies are considered foods and not controlled by the FDA as medications. Therefore, the doses can vary in each pill, and be widely different between companies.
Always consult with your physician before self medicating. Your health and your baby's is at stake.
Dr. Diana Walcutt
Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
Yes, the natural anxiety supplement Panicyl may be taken safely while breastfeeding, but not while pregnant.
Hi tm08
I hope you are working closely with your doctor to monitor your health, including the medications he/she has prescribed for you. Do not take any medication or suppliment without letting your pharmacy and your doctor know what you are taking so they can determine if there are any interactions to be concerned about. Even if you are taking natural suppliments, make sure your health professionals know. Even drinking something as benign as grapefruit juice can make medications ineffective or have adverse reactions.
Panicyl is a natural vitamin treatment made up of B12, B6, Folic
Acid and Vitamin C, among other things that is said to be successful
for treating anxiety.
Seradyn is another all natural product made from things like Passion Flowers and Niacinamide.
Hope you find something useful here. Remember, online resources are great for managing your health in conjunction with your doctors solid medical care.
Take care!
Vicki M
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