Can you take Prozac while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Use of Prozac While Breastfeeding
The question of whether it is safe to take Prozac (fluoxetine) while breastfeeding is a nuanced one, involving careful consideration of both the mother’s mental health and the potential effects on the infant. Prozac is a widely prescribed antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and its use during breastfeeding has been the subject of various studies and expert opinions.
Safety Concerns and Recommendations
According to health experts, the safety of Prozac during breastfeeding is not straightforward. The product label for fluoxetine advises against its use for breastfeeding mothers, particularly due to concerns about potential side effects in newborns, especially those under two months of age. In this age group, the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects may be higher compared to older infants .
However, the prevailing view among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of continuing treatment with Prozac may outweigh the risks for many mothers. Maintaining maternal mental health is crucial, as untreated depression can have significant negative impacts on both the mother and the child.
Drug Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that fluoxetine does transfer into breast milk, and the levels found in breastfed infants can be higher than those of many other SSRIs. Notably, the active metabolite of fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, is also detectable in the serum of most breastfed infants during theCan You Take Prozac (Fluoxetine) While Breastfeeding?
The short answer is that Prozac (fluoxetine) can be taken while breastfeeding, but with some important considerations.
According to the available research, Prozac does pass into breastmilk, and the levels in the infant’s bloodstream can be significant, especially in the first two months after birth. This means there is a potential for side effects in the breastfed baby, such as irritability, poor feeding, and slower weight gain.
However, the benefits of a mother continuing to take Prozac to manage her mental health may outweigh the potential risks in many cases. The product label for fluoxetine does recommend that people who are breastfeeding avoid using the medication, but also notes that the benefits may outweigh the risks.
Key Considerations:
– Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, who can help weigh your specific situation.
– Monitor the breastfed infant closely for any signs of side effects.
– Consider using the lowest effective dose of Prozac.
– Breastfeed before taking a Prozac dose, to minimize the amount in breastmilk.
– If the infant shows signs of side effects, consider temporarily stopping breastfeeding or switching to formula.
Overall, with proper medical guidance and monitoring, many women are able to safely take Prozac while breastfeeding. The decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of both the mother and the infant.

Is Zoloft better than Prozac for breastfeeding?

Finally, when taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, there may be an increased risk for congenital disabilities associated with using Prozac compared to other SSRIs. Taking Zoloft during pregnancy tends to be the safest antidepressant option.

What can I take for anxiety 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.

Is it safe to breastfeed on Prozac?

Fluoxetine and breastfeeding
Fluoxetine passes into breast milk, usually in fairly small amounts. It has been linked with side effects in a few breastfed babies, but has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.

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.

How much weight does Prozac make you gain?

Studies: Weight Changes with Prozac
In studies looking at weight changes with Prozac (fluoxetine), weight loss has ranged from about 0.2% of body weight to a gain of about 1%.

Is Prozac good for postpartum?

Prozac for Postpartum Depression User Reviews. Prozac has an average rating of 9.8 out of 10 from a total of 4 reviews for the treatment of Postpartum Depression. 100% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.

What medication is not safe for breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

How does Prozac affect baby?

While reproductive psychiatrists generally agree that SSRIs do not pose a major risk to the developing fetus, there may be a risk of a short-term adaptation syndrome for the newborn as well as a very small risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Does Prozac cause withdrawal in newborns?

According to observational studies and meta-analyses of observational studies, approximately one third of the neonates of mothers treated with SSRIs/venlafaxine during pregnancy develop a withdrawal syndrome (Shea et al., 2021; Wang & Cosci, 2021).

Does Prozac cause weight gain?

Even though Prozac can cause weight gain, it might help to know that this drug specifically isn’t believed to cause “serious” weight gain. Some research shows that, on average, people only gain about seven pounds when they start Prozac — and other studies show that slight weight loss is even possible.