Can you breastfeed while taking Wellbutrin?

Understanding Wellbutrin and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant nutrition and maternal bonding. However, many mothers face challenges when it comes to the medications they may be taking during this period. One such medication is Wellbutrin, an antidepressant commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin, generically known as bupropion, is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It is often used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and it is also prescribed as a smoking cessation aid. Wellbutrin is generally preferred due to its lower risk of sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants.
Safety of Wellbutrin During Breastfeeding
When it comesBreastfeeding and Wellbutrin: Navigating the Complexities
As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of providing accurate and comprehensive information when it comes to the delicate issue of breastfeeding while taking medication. In the case of Wellbutrin (bupropion), the answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather a nuanced discussion that requires considering various factors.
Wellbutrin and Breastfeeding: The Considerations
Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name bupropion, is an antidepressant medication commonly prescribed to treat conditions like depression and seasonal affective disorder. While the drug itself is generally considered safe for adults, the potential impact on breastfed infants is an important consideration.
Potential Risks
The primary concern with breastfeeding while taking Wellbutrin is the potential for the medication to be transferred to the infant through breast milk. Studies have shown that bupropion and its active metabolites can be detected in the breast milk of women taking the medication. In some cases, these levels have been found to be high enough to potentially affect the infant’s development and behavior.
Potential Benefits
On the other hand, the benefits of breastfeeding, particularly for the infant’s immune system and overall health, are well-established. Additionally, the treatment of maternal depression through Wellbutrin can have a positive impact on the mother-child relationship and the infant’s well-being.
Individualized Approach
Given the complex nature of this issue, healthcare providers typically take an individualized approach when advising patients on breastfeeding while taking Wellbutrin. Factors such as the mother’s dosage, the infant’s age and development, and the severity of the mother’s condition are all taken into account.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
It is crucial for breastfeeding mothers taking Wellbutrin to consult with their healthcare providers, including their obstetrician, pediatrician, and/or a lactation consultant. These professionals can help weigh the potential risks and benefits and develop a personalized plan that prioritizes the health and well-being of both the mother and the child.
In conclusion, the decision to breastfeed while taking Wellbutrin is a complex one that requires careful consideration and close collaboration with healthcare providers. By working together, mothers can make an informed decision that balances the needs of their own mental health with the nutritional and immunological benefits of breastfeeding.

How much weight do people lose on Wellbutrin?

The average weight loss on Wellbutrin is around 5-10 pounds. However some patients can lose up to 20 pounds, depending on the dosage and intended use.

What is the best anxiety medication for breastfeeding mothers?

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.

Is Wellbutrin an SSRI?

No, Wellbutrin is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Both SSRIs and NDRIs are antidepressants. However, they work differently in the body.

Is it okay to take Wellbutrin while breastfeeding?

Bupropion gets into breast milk in small amounts. Taking bupropion while breastfeeding is not expected to cause harmful effects for most breastfed infants. There are two case reports of seizures in 6-month-old babies exposed to bupropion through breast milk. The seizures stopped when bupropion was no longer used.

Is it harder to get pregnant on Wellbutrin?

While there’s no definitive evidence that it makes it harder to get pregnant or increases the risk of birth defects, some studies suggest a possible link with heart defects. It is important to discuss whether Wellbutrin is the best fit for you while pregnant with a prescriber.

How much antidepressant gets into breast milk?

Significant published evidence shows that fluoxetine passes into breast milk in variable amounts (ranging from 0.54%–10.8% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose) with maternal doses of up to 80mg daily. Some single case reports describe much higher levels; up to 20% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose.

When does Wellbutrin peak in breast milk?

Results: After a 100-mg dose, the peak bupropion breast milk concentration measured at two hours was 0.189 micrograms/mL. Milk-to-plasma ratios ranged from 2.51 to 8.58 over a six-hour interval.

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.

What is the lowest risk antidepressant in pregnancy?

Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Risks include high blood pressure for the pregnant person and premature birth. These risks are small.

Does Wellbutrin affect the baby?

There is no evidence that use of bupropion in pregnancy causes miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or low infant birth weight.