Can Lexapro affect breastfed babies?

Understanding Lexapro and Its Effects on Breastfed Babies
Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram, is a widely prescribed antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. As more mothers seek to manage their mental health during the postpartum period, questions arise about the safety of continuing such medications while breastfeeding.
How Lexapro Interacts with Breast Milk
Research indicates that Lexapro does pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. Studies suggest that maternal doses of escitalopram up to 20 mg daily result in minimal concentrations in breast milk, which are unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, particularly if the child is older. Experts believe that the low levels of medication present in breast milk may not significantly impact the developing nervous system of the baby.
Potential Risks and Observations
While the majority of studies report no harmful effects on breastfed infants, there have been isolated case reports of issues such as sleepiness and weight loss in some babies exposed to escitalopram through breastfeeding. However, these instances are not common, and most research has shown no significant differences in the intellectual development of infants who were breastfed by mothers taking SSRIs like Lexapro.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
Healthcare providers generally advise that if Lexapro is necessary for a mother’s mental health, it should not automatically lead to the discontinuation of breastfeeding. The benefits of breastfeeding, including the emotional and physical health advantages for both mother and child, often outweigh the potential risks associated with low medication levels in breast milk. Nonetheless, it is crucial for nursing mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that considers both their mental health needs and the safety of their infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while Lexapro does enter breast milk, the consensus among experts is that the levels are low enough to minimize risks to breastfed infants. Mothers should feel empowered to discuss their treatment options with healthcare professionals, ensuring that both their mental health and their baby’s well-being are prioritized. As always, individual circumstances can vary, making personalized medical advice essential.

What happens to a baby when the mother takes antidepressants?

“We can say with strong confidence that antidepressants don’t cause birth defects,” says Osborne. She adds that most studies finding a physical effect on babies from antidepressants taken during pregnancy fail to account for the effects of the mother’s psychiatric illness.

What is the best anxiety medication to take 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.

What is the safest antidepressant 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.

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.

Can Lexapro affect your birth control?

Escitalopram will not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.

What happens to breastfed babies on antidepressants?

There have been a small number of case reports of adverse events in infants exposed to antidepressants in breast milk, including jitteriness, irritability, excessive crying, sleep disturbance, and feeding problems.

What is the #1 side effect of Lexapro?

Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It can also cause trouble sleeping and sexual problems. Some of these side effects eventually go away as your body gets used to the medication.

What are the side effects of Lexapro in 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.

What does Lexapro do to a baby?

Neonates exposed to Lexapro and other SSRIs or SNRIs, late in the third trimester, have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery.