Does Lexapro affect breast milk?

Understanding Lexapro and Its Impact on Breast Milk
Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram, is a widely prescribed antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. As many new mothers navigate the complexities of postpartum mental health, a common concern arises: Does Lexapro affect breast milk, and is it safe for breastfeeding infants?
Transfer of Lexapro into Breast Milk
Research indicates that Lexapro does pass into breast milk, but the levels detected are generally low. Studies have shown 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 those who are older. This is reassuring for mothers who may need to continue their treatment while nursing.
Safety and Effects on Infants
While there have been isolated case reports suggesting potential side effects in infants, such as sleepiness and weight loss, the majority of studies have not found significant harmful effects associated with escitalopram exposure through breast milk. In fact, many studies report no discernible differences in the intellectual development or overall health of infants breastfed by mothers taking Lexapro.
Experts generally agree that the relative infant dose of escitalopram—calculated based on the mother’s weight-adjusted dose—ranges from 2% to 6%. This level is considered safe for breastfeeding. Furthermore, the medication is often undetectable in the blood of infants, which further supports its safety profile.
Conclusion
In summary, while Lexapro does enter breast milk, the evidence suggests that it is safe for most breastfeeding mothers to continue their medication without significant risk to their infants. As always, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of treating postpartum depression against any potential risks. This collaborative approach ensures that both maternal mental health and infant safety are prioritized.

Do antidepressants affect breast milk?

Antidepressants Let’s start with some good news on probably the most important of these questions: antidepressants. All antidepressants are secreted in breast milk, but there is little evidence of negative impacts on the baby.

What medications decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Is Lexapro good for postpartum?

Other Treatments for Postpartum Depression
In most cases, we recommend professional therapists for further help and will prescribe antidepressant medication such as Lexapro or Zoloft. These medications help increase serotonin levels and help balance hormones.

What is the biggest 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.

Can Lexapro affect 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 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.

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.

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.

How much weight gain does Lexapro have?

Increases in weight during Lexapro treatment may vary from 0.5% to more than 7% [2, 10]. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for people whose body mass index (BMI) was low before starting treatment to experience significant gains.

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.