What is a documented effect of Buspirone (Buspar) during perinatal use?

Buspirone (Buspar) is an anxiolytic medication often used for the treatment of anxiety disorders. When examining its effects in the context of perinatal use, one notable documented effect is the increase in serum prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone primarily associated with lactation and breast development, but it also plays a role in the regulation of mood and stress response.

Increased serum prolactin can be significant during the perinatal period because higher prolactin levels may influence maternal behaviors and emotions, as well as affect lactation post-delivery. This effect is particularly relevant for health professionals to monitor, as it may have implications for both maternal mental health and the breastfeeding process.

The context surrounding other potential effects of Buspirone is important too. While factors such as miscarriage risk, insomnia, or decreased serum prolactin levels are considerations in pharmacotherapy during the perinatal period, they do not directly correspond to the well-documented increase in prolactin associated with Buspirone use. Understanding these nuances helps illuminate the importance of tracking hormonal changes in response to medication, particularly in pregnant or postpartum individuals.