Sedating drugs and breastfeeding

Question If a mother takes a sedating drug during breastfeeding, will it cause central nervous system (CNS) depression in her breastfed baby? Answer In some cases (eg, with the use of codeine or oxycodone) sedating drugs will likely cause CNS depression in breastfed infants and in other cases (eg, with the use of benzodiazepines) they will likely not. Mothers using sedating drugs should monitor their breastfed infants for signs of CNS depression (eg, drowsiness; difficulty breathing, feeding, or latching; or cyanosis), paradoxical effects (eg, unusual excitement, irritability), or inadequate weight gain.