Can You Take Oxycodone While Breastfeeding?

How is Oxycodone Used?

Oxycodone, a powerful opioid medication, has gained significant attention in medicine due to its efficacy in alleviating moderate to severe pain. Often prescribed as a post-surgery or injury analgesic, it functions by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which consequently obstructs the transmission of pain signals. While oxycodone’s effectiveness has been widely acknowledged, its potential for dependency and abuse must not be overlooked. If you are taking this medication, you must be closely monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure safe and responsible usage.

If you are using oxycodone or another opioid and are pregnant or breastfeeding and find you cannot control your substance use, it is vital to seek qualified help like that offered at Guardian Recovery. We will work with you to develop an individualized and effective program to help you recover from addiction and get you started on the road to long-term recovery. We believe in the benefits of a full curriculum of clinical care, beginning with medical detoxification, transitioning into a higher level of treatment, and concluding with personalized aftercare planning. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options in your area.

Can You Breastfeed Infants While Taking Oxycodone?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends mothers avoid taking oxycodone while breastfeeding, as it can be excreted into breast milk. Because infants are still developing their central nervous systems, they may experience extreme sedation, difficulty breathing, or even seizures if exposed to oxycodone through breast milk.

There is evidence that prolonged use of this medication may impair cognitive activity in children, so caution should be taken before using oxycodone while nursing.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed you oxycodone while breastfeeding, additional steps must be taken to ensure your health and that of your baby. As a precaution, you may need to pump and discard your breast milk while taking the medication. Doing so will minimize the amount of oxycodone passed on to your baby through breast milk.

Should All Opioids be Avoided While Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is crucial for you and your baby, providing vital nutrients for the infant’s growth and development. As a mother, it is essential to be knowledgeable about the possible impact of medications, such as oxycodone, on the breastfeeding process.

Of all medication classes, opioids are the most troubling because traces of the drug are transferred to the breast milk, making their way into your infant’s system. Your newborn’s body may not have fully developed the ability to break down and eliminate the drug, potentially leading to adverse effects such as excessive sleepiness, difficulty breathing, or even life-threatening complications.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that opioids should only be used if absolutely necessary for pain management in breastfeeding mothers and urges caution when using them.

If you are considering taking opioids while breastfeeding, it is essential to closely monitor both your infant’s health and your own responses to the drug. If you or your baby experience side effects at any time, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, never share or mix medications without consulting with a doctor first.

What Effects Does Oxycodone Have on a Baby?

While physicians sometimes prescribe oxycodone to breastfeeding mothers, the long-term effects of oxycodone exposure on this vulnerable population are still being studied. When used during this period, oxycodone can expose your nursing infant to potentially dangerous side effects such as drowsiness, difficulty breathing, agitation, or even life-threatening complications. In some instances, oxycodone can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms in the child, including tremors, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Nursing moms taking oxycodone should be sure to evaluate any possible side effects with their healthcare provider and take steps to reduce oxycodone exposure if their baby begins to show any signs of distress.

Possible Long-term Effects of Oxycodone on Infant Development

While there is limited research available on the long-term effects of oxycodone exposure on the developing infant, preliminary studies suggest that opioid use during breastfeeding may have a negative impact on the baby’s physical and cognitive development. Research indicates that infants exposed to opioids in breast milk exhibit poorer performance on tests measuring motor skills and cognitive ability. Long-term oxycodone exposure could lead to developmental delays or behavioral issues as the child grows older.