Can you donate breast milk if you take Zoloft?

Can You Donate Breast Milk If You Take Zoloft?
The question of whether you can donate breast milk while taking Zoloft (sertraline) is a nuanced one, primarily revolving around the safety of the medication for breastfeeding infants and the policies of milk banks regarding medication use.
Zoloft and Breastfeeding Safety
Zoloft is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that the levels of sertraline in breast milk are low, meaning that the amount ingested by an infant is minimal and often undetectable in their serum. The weakly active metabolite of Zoloft, norsertraline, may be present in low levels in infant serum, but again, the overall exposure is quite limited. This suggests that mothers taking Zoloft can continue to breastfeed without significant risk to their infants.
Milk Donation Policies
However, when it comes to donating breast milk, the situation can differ. Many milk banks have strict guidelines regarding medications that potential donors are taking. While some mothers may be able to breastfeed while on Zoloft, they might still be ineligible to donate their milk due to the presence of the medication. This is often a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the milk being provided to vulnerable infants, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units.
Practical Considerations for Donors
If you are a breastfeeding mother on Zoloft and are considering donating your milk, it is essential to check with the specific milk bank you are interested in. Policies can vary significantly between different organizations. Some may allow donations from mothers on certain medications, while others may not. It’s advisable to contact the milk bank directly to discuss your situation and understand their criteria.
Conclusion
In summary, while Zoloft is deemed safe for breastfeeding, it may limit your ability to donate breast milk. If you are in this situation, reaching out to a local milk bank for guidance is the best course of action. They can provide clarity on their policies and help you make an informed decision about your milk donation.

Can I donate breast milk if I take Prozac?

What medications can I take and still be a milk donor? Prenatal vitamins, Tylenol, Advil, most allergy medications, several antidepressants, thyroid medications, and low dose estrogen birth control pills (prefer progestin only) are acceptable to take while pumping for the Milk Bank.

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 drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What disqualifies you from donating breastmilk?

You may be disqualified from donating breast milk if you: Have or are being treated for HIV, HTLV (human T-cell leukemia virus), hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have a sexual partner who is at risk for HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. Have used recreational drugs within the last year.

Can you donate breast milk if you are on Zoloft?

Community question: “Can I donate if I’m on a low dose antidepressant?” Yes. Make your medications known and it’s up to the mama in need to decide if she wants the milk. personally I would take donor milk with a low dose of anti depressant than formula any day.

What medications prevent you from donating breast milk?

Prescribed medicines which you should NOT take when you are donating but can be taken when feeding your own baby:

• Sleeping tablets (includes herbal products)
• Sedatives (includes herbal products and over-the-counter products)
• Domperidone.

Can you donate while on Zoloft?

Antidepressants do not prevent normal blood donation. However, some prevent the donation of platelets. Sleeping pills and drugs that help you get to sleep are not obstacles to blood donation. If you begin taking regular antidepressants, you should wait at least one month before donating blood.

Can antidepressants transfer through breast milk?

Infant exposure of antidepressants through breast milk is generally low to very low. We consider that when antidepressant treatment is indicated in women with postpartum depression, they should not be advised to discontinue breastfeeding. Paroxetine and sertraline are most likely suitable first-line agents.

Who should not donate milk?

You should never donate breast milk if any of the following applies: You have ever tested positive for HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You have not been tested yet but think you might have HTLV, Hepatitis B or C, or syphilis. You are HIV positive.

Does Zoloft pass through breast milk?

Yes, Zoloft can pass into breast milk. While more research is needed in this area, current research indicates that only a very small amount passes through. (Peak levels in the hindmilk were typically found 8 to 9 hours after a dose.)