Can I breastfeed while taking Lamictal?

Can I Breastfeed While Taking Lamictal?
Breastfeeding while taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a topic of significant concern for many new mothers, particularly those managing conditions like epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Understanding the implications of this medication during lactation is crucial for both maternal and infant health.
Lamictal and Its Presence in Breast Milk
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Research indicates that lamotrigine does pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. The concentration of the drug in breast milk is typically much lower than what would be administered directly to an infant for seizure control. This suggests that while infants are exposed to the medication through breastfeeding, the risk of significant adverse effects is minimal.
Safety and Monitoring
Studies have shown that breastfeeding while on lamotrigine does not adversely affect infant growth or development in most cases. In fact, some research indicates that breastfed infants exposed to lamotrigine may even demonstrate higher IQs and enhanced verbal abilities compared to their non-breastfed counterparts at the age of six. However, it is essential for mothers to monitor their infants for any signs of toxicity, especially in the early stages of breastfeeding.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
While the risks are low, it is crucial for mothers to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers. Each case is unique, and factors such as the mother’s dosage, the infant’s health, and any other medications being taken can influence safety. Healthcare professionals often recommend that mothers continue taking lamotrigine to manage their mental health effectively, as discontinuing the medication can lead to serious consequences for the mother.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while taking Lamictal is generally considered safe, with low risks of adverse effects for most infants. However, it is vital for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure proper monitoring and management of both their health and their baby’s well-being. The benefits of breastfeeding, combined with the careful management of lamotrigine, can lead to positive outcomes for both mother and child.

What mood stabilizers can you take while breastfeeding?

Carbamazepine and valproic acid are also considered relatively safe. Lamotrigine can be used but at the lowest doses and considered for individual cases. Among the antipsychotics, quetiapine and olanzapine should be considered as first-line treatment options.

What is the safest mood stabilizer during pregnancy?

Lithium and lamotrigine are reasonable treatment choices for bipolar illness in pregnancy. Lithium is a first choice for pregnant women with bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine is thought to be better at preventing depression than mania. Atypical antipsychotics do not appear to be teratogenic.

Does Lamictal cause a cleft palate?

Results: A total of 16 (2.3%) of 684 infants exposed to lamotrigine had major malformations that were identified at birth. Five infants (7.3/1,000) had oral clefts: isolated cleft palate (3), isolated cleft lip (1), and cleft lip and palate (1).

Does Lamictal cause weight gain?

Unlike most mood stabilizers, though, Lamictal is less likely to cause weight gain. In clinical trials, less than 5 percent of those taking Lamictal gained weight. If you take Lamictal and have gained weight, the weight gain may be an effect of the disorder itself.

Can lamotrigine affect the baby?

Taking lamotrigine in pregnancy is not expected to cause problems that would require extra monitoring of your baby. However, women with epilepsy may be more closely monitored during pregnancy to ensure that they remain well throughout and that their baby is growing and developing as expected.

Is Lamictal safe for breastfeeding?

Nerdlover: Lamictal has been well studied in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. The transfer into milk is moderate, about 9.2% – 18.3% of the mothers dose transfers. This will in some instances produce low levels (about 30% of mom’s) in the infants plasma.

What to avoid while on Lamictal?

There are no specific drug-food interactions with lamotrigine, but you may want to avoid foods that could trigger seizures, impede drug absorption, or exacerbate side effects. Consider limiting or avoiding grapefruit, sugary foods, aspartame, caffeine, and alcohol.

What psych meds are safe for breastfeeding?

During lactation, SSRIs can be used with moderate safety. Among mood stabilizers, valproate and carbamazepine are considered safe. Regarding antipsychotics, whenever possible, use of clozapine should be restricted.

What does Lamictal do to birth control?

While other anticonvulsants may decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives, lamotrigine has not been shown to affect the efficacy of oral contraceptives.