Can sertraline be taken in breastfeeding?

Can Sertraline Be Taken While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether sertraline, a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can be safely taken during breastfeeding is one that many new mothers grapple with. As mental health remains a critical aspect of postpartum care, understanding the implications of medication use during this period is essential.
Safety Profile of Sertraline in Breastfeeding
Sertraline is often regarded as one of the preferred antidepressants for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that it passes into breast milk in very small amounts, which has led to its widespread use among nursing mothers without significant reported issues. According to the NHS, many breastfeeding mothers have taken sertraline without encountering problems, suggesting a favorable safety profile for both mother and infant.
The amount of sertraline that an infant might ingest through breast milk is minimal, typically not detectable in the infant’s serum. This is corroborated by findings from the Drugs and Lactation Database, which notes that while sertraline is present in breast milk, the levels are low enough that adverse effects in breastfed babies are rare. Furthermore, the weakly active metabolite norsertraline may be detectable in low levels, but it does not appear to pose significant risks.
Research Findings and Recommendations
A meta-analysis examining the effects of sertraline during breastfeeding found that the drug is generally well-tolerated by infants. Most studies indicate no adverse effects on infant development when mothers consume sertraline while nursing. Additionally, reports suggest that infants who were exposed to sertraline during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience a lower chance of withdrawal symptoms if they are breastfed.
Experts emphasize the importance of weighing the benefits of treating maternal mental health conditions against the potential risks of medication exposure to the infant. The consensus among healthcare providers is that the advantages of breastfeeding and managing maternal mental health typically outweigh the small risks associated with sertraline use.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
While the evidence supports the safety of sertraline during breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers. Individual circumstances, such as maternal dosage, the extent of breastfeeding, and the infant’s age, can influence the decision-making process. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized guidance and monitor both maternal and infant health to ensure optimal outcomes.
In conclusion, sertraline is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with minimal risks to infants. However, ongoing communication with healthcare providers is essential to navigate the complexities of medication management during this critical period.

Is sertraline good for postpartum?

Brand names: Zoloft
Sertraline has an average rating of 8.3 out of 10 from a total of 80 reviews for the treatment of Postpartum Depression. 80% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 9% reported a negative experience.

Can sertraline cause lactation?

In the literature, there are three case reports about galactorrhea associated with the use of sertraline. Bronzo and Stahl, in a case with major depressive disorder, have reported galactorrhea after a 5-week treatment using sertraline 100 mg/day.

What anxiety medication is safe 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.

How much weight do you gain on sertraline?

Zoloft is associated with more weight gain when compared with Prozac. However, it’s not much of a difference. One two-year study by the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sertraline (generic Zoloft) users gained an average of 5.9 lbs compared to fluoxetine (generic Prozac) users who gained 4.6 lbs.

What is the safest antidepressant to take 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 can I do for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Increase skin-to-skin contact: If you’re breastfeeding, try bringing your baby closer to your body. This feeling can lower your cortisol levels and decrease your heart rate, almost like a calming effect. Practice meditation or deep breathing: Trying to relax is key. This lowers anxiety and reduces stress.

Can breastfed babies withdraw from sertraline?

Breastfeeding while taking sertraline:
Most reports show no problems for babies who are exposed to sertraline through breast milk. Babies who were also exposed to sertraline in the third trimester of pregnancy may have a lower chance of withdrawal after birth if they are breastfed.

Can breastfed babies take Zoloft long term effects?

There is no evidence that a mother’s use of Zoloft during breastfeeding causes developmental delays. The majority of drugs aren’t contraindicated for use during breastfeeding, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). There is no evidence of a relationship between Zoloft and autism in nursing babies.

How does sertraline affect a baby after birth?

Taking sertraline throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding does not seem to have any effects on physical or mental development or behaviour over the first years of the child’s life. There have been several large studies of mums taking antidepressants in pregnancy and the risk of the baby then having ADHD or autism.

Is sertraline safe while breastfeeding?

Sertraline and breastfeeding
It is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding and has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems. Sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies.