Can I breastfeed while on Lexapro?

Can I Breastfeed While on Lexapro?
Breastfeeding while taking Lexapro, the brand name for escitalopram, is a concern for many new mothers managing their mental health. Lexapro is commonly prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and understanding its effects on breastfeeding is crucial for both maternal and infant health.
Escitalopram and Breast Milk
Research indicates that escitalopram does pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. Studies suggest that maternal doses of up to 20 mg daily produce minimal amounts in breast milk, which are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, particularly if the child is older. Experts agree that while Lexapro can be detected in breast milk, the concentration is low enough that it typically does not pose significant risks to the infant.
Potential Side Effects for Infants
While most studies report no harmful effects on breastfed babies, there have been isolated case reports of side effects such as sleepiness and weight loss. Additionally, some infants may exhibit irritability or restlessness, although these occurrences are rare. Importantly, research has shown no significant differences in the intellectual development of infants exposed to escitalopram through breastfeeding compared to those who were not.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Despite the reassuring data, it is essential for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers when considering breastfeeding while on Lexapro. Each case is unique, and a doctor can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s mental health needs and the infant’s health. The general consensus among healthcare professionals is that Lexapro is usually safe for breastfeeding mothers, but they should remain vigilant for any unusual symptoms in their infants.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while on Lexapro is generally considered safe, with low levels of the medication passing into breast milk and minimal reported adverse effects in infants. However, ongoing communication with healthcare providers is vital to ensure both the mother’s mental health and the infant’s well-being are adequately supported.

What is the safest anxiety medication while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

Does Lexapro affect breasts?

Breast tenderness isn’t among the published Lexapro side effects, but some studies and unofficial reports have linked Lexapro and breast tenderness. Lexapro may interfere with the normal processing of prolactin — a hormone that affects breast tissue. It’s possible that this could lead to breast tenderness.

How much weight gain does Lexapro have?

Increases in weight during Lexapro treatment may vary from 0.5% to more than 7% [2, 10]. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for people whose body mass index (BMI) was low before starting treatment to experience significant gains.

Is Lexapro ok for breastfeeding?

Escitalopram and breastfeeding
Escitalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. It does not usually cause any problems but it has been linked with side effects including being unusually irritable or restless and being sick in a few breastfed babies.

Is Lexapro or Zoloft better for anxiety?

SSRIs like Lexapro and Zoloft make more serotonin available in your brain—which in turn helps to relieve symptoms.. Some research suggests that Lexapro might be slightly more effective than Zoloft in treating depression and anxiety because it works slightly differently from other SSRIs.

Can Lexapro affect breastfed babies?

Escitalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. It does not usually cause any problems but it has been linked with side effects including being unusually irritable or restless and being sick in a few breastfed babies.

Is it OK to breastfeed on Lexapro?

The study shows that escitalopram is safe for use during breastfeeding. Because its absolute infant dose is lower than that for an equivalent antidepressant dose of rac-citalopram, it may be preferred over rac-citalopram in treating depression in lactating women.

What antidepressants are safe while breastfeeding?

Sertraline and paroxetine (among SSRIs) and nortriptyline and imipramine (among TCAs) are the most evidence-based medications for use during breastfeeding because of similar findings across multiple laboratories, usually undetectable infant serum levels and no reports of short term adverse events.

What are the nursing implications for Lexapro?

Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Does Lexapro affect the baby?

If you are taking escitalopram or citalopram at the time of delivery, your baby might have irritability, jitteriness, tremors (shivering), constant crying, different sleep patterns, problems with eating and controlling body temperature, and some problems with breathing.