Does sertraline cause low milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Sertraline on Milk Supply
Sertraline, commonly known by its brand name Zoloft, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) frequently prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. While it is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, concerns have emerged regarding its potential effects on milk supply.
Reports of Decreased Milk Supply
Several anecdotal reports and studies suggest that sertraline may be associated with a decrease in milk production for some breastfeeding mothers. For instance, a review highlighted cases where women reported a reduction in milk supply while taking sertraline, although these observations were made without a comparative group for more rigorous analysis. In another instance, a mother noted an increase in her milk supply after discontinuing sertraline for a week, only to experience a decrease again upon resuming the medication. These individual experiences indicate that while sertraline is generally well-tolerated, it may have varying effects on lactation.
Mechanisms Behind Milk Supply Changes
The exact mechanism by which sertraline might influence milk supply is not fully understood. However, it is worth noting that SSRIs can affect prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production. Hyperprolactinemia, or elevated prolactin levels, has been observed in some cases with SSRIs, which could theoretically impact milk supply. Nonetheless, the relationship between sertraline and prolactin levels remains complex and not entirely clarified.
Safety and Recommendations
Despite these concerns, the consensus among health professionals is that sertraline is safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amounts of sertraline that pass into breast milk are considered negligible, and there have been no significant reports of adverse effects or growth abnormalities in breastfed infants. The NHS and other health organizations continue to support the use of sertraline during breastfeeding, emphasizing that the benefits often outweigh potential risks.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are anecdotal reports linking sertraline to decreased milk supply, the evidence is not definitive. Individual responses to the medication can vary, and some mothers may experience changes in milk production. For those concerned about their milk supply while taking sertraline, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss potential alternatives or strategies to manage lactation effectively.

Can sertraline affect breast milk supply?

Holland (2000) described six women who reported decreased milk supply while taking sertraline in the absence of a comparison group. The milk supply resolved with an increase in fluid intake and frequency of feedings.

How do you fix a dropped milk supply?

Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you’re away from your baby, can help build your milk supply. Relax and massage. Relax, hold your baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your milk to let down.

Does sertraline dry up milk supply?

Also, a small study of 6 patients using Zoloft found a slight decrease in milk production as a result. However, this is generally correctable with increased feeds or pumping between feeds. And there is a small risk of serious side effects that you shouldn’t ignore.

What is the best anxiety medication to take 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 does sertraline affect 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.

Can antidepressants decrease milk supply?

Serotonin plays an important role in human breast milk volume homeostasis within the mammary gland during lactation. Previous research has demonstrated that women taking antidepressants have lower rates of breastfeeding intention and initiation, and are more likely to experience delayed secretory activation.

Does sertraline help postpartum?

Women with PMD are more likely to have a remission of their depression with sertraline treatment, a finding that is more pronounced in women who have onset of depression within 4 weeks of childbirth. These data support the continued use of 4 weeks for the DSM-5 postpartum onset specifier for major depressive disorder.

Is Zoloft bad for breastfeeding?

Zoloft is considered one of the safest antidepressants to take while breastfeeding. Paxil, Pamelor, and Tofranil are also recommended options. Prozac, Celexa, and Effexor may be connected to more possible short-term side effects, but if they’ve worked for you in the past, they might still be worth considering.

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 medications drop 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.