Carbatrol and Breastfeeding: An Overview
Carbatrol® (
carbamazepine) is a medication used to treat
seizures in people with
epilepsy. It is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia. Carbatrol has been shown to pass through human breast milk. Because of the serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer of the drug does not recommend that women breastfeed while taking it. Therefore, if you have been prescribed Carbatrol, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding.
Carbatrol and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?
Although Carbatrol passes through breast milk in women, healthcare providers often consider it to be safe for many women who are breastfeeding and for their infants. Most infants do not have any side effects, although there have been reports of drowsiness, poor sucking, and liver problems in breastfed infants whose mothers took carbamazepine (the active ingredient in Carbatrol). If your healthcare provider recommends taking Carbatrol while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for any side effects in your child.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Carbatrol and Breastfeeding
It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about Carbatrol and breastfeeding. Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about Carbatrol and breastfeeding that is right for you.
