How much sertraline gets into breast milk?

Understanding Sertraline Transfer into Breast Milk
Sertraline, a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression and anxiety, is often a concern for breastfeeding mothers regarding its transfer into breast milk and potential effects on infants. Research indicates that sertraline does indeed pass into breast milk, but the amounts are generally considered to be quite low.
Amounts Transferred
Studies have shown that the concentration of sertraline in breast milk is typically between 0.4% to 4.81% of the maternal dose. This means that if a mother is taking a standard dose of sertraline, the amount that reaches the breast milk is relatively minimal. For instance, one study involving 26 women who were an average of 15.8 weeks postpartum found that those taking an average of 124 mg of sertraline daily had measurable levels of the drug in their breast milk, with the highest concentrations occurring 5 to 9 hours after ingestion .
Safety for Infants
The safety profile of sertraline during breastfeeding appears reassuring. Most reports indicate that infants exposed to sertraline through breast milk do not experience significant adverse effects. In fact, the NHS notes that sertraline has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. Additionally, a review of the literature suggests that while some infants may have detectable levels of the drug, these levels are not typically associated with serious health issues.
Monitoring and Considerations
While the transfer of sertraline into breast milk is low, healthcare providers often recommend monitoring infants for any signs of sedation, irritability, or feeding difficulties. These symptoms could indicate that the infant is affected by the medication, although such cases are rare. Furthermore, infants who were exposed to sertraline during the third trimester of pregnancy may have a lower risk of withdrawal symptoms if they are breastfed.
Conclusion
In summary, sertraline does pass into breast milk, but in negligible amounts that are unlikely to affect most infants adversely. Mothers considering or currently taking sertraline while breastfeeding should consult with their healthcare providers to ensure a balanced approach to managing their mental health while safeguarding their child’s well-being.

How does sertraline affect a 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.

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.

Can breastfed babies withdraw from sertraline?

Breastfeeding while taking sertraline:
Most reports show no problems for babies who are exposed to sertraline through breast milk. Babies who were also exposed to sertraline in the third trimester of pregnancy may have a lower chance of withdrawal after birth if they are breastfed.

How much sertraline passes through breastmilk?

Sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. It is important to continue taking sertraline to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

How much medication goes into breast milk?

Although most medicines are excreted in breast milk to some degree, the amount is usually less than 10% of the maternal dose. Medicines excreted at less than 10% are considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Is sertraline secreted in breast milk?

For sertraline and paroxetine only low and often undetectable concentrations were measured in the breast fed infant, despite high concentrations in breastmilk. For citalopram however, detectable concentrations (up to 15 μg/L) are measured in the breastfed infant when the citalopram dose is ≥ 20 mg/day.

Is it safe to take 25 mg of Zoloft while pregnant?

Many women take Zoloft during pregnancy without any problems. To minimize risks, it is best to take the lowest dose that is still effective. Discuss the continued use of Zoloft with your clinician to weigh the benefits and address potential risks to ensure the best outcomes.

Is it OK to breastfeed while on Zoloft?

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.

Can 25 mg Zoloft cause serotonin syndrome?

The drugs and supplements that could potentially cause serotonin syndrome include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antidepressants such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle) and sertraline (Zoloft)

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