How much sertraline gets into breastmilk?

Understanding Sertraline Transfer into Breastmilk
Sertraline, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is often a concern for breastfeeding mothers due to its potential transfer into breastmilk. Research indicates that sertraline does enter breastmilk, but in relatively small amounts. This is largely influenced by its high protein binding capacity, which is about 98%. Such a high level of protein binding significantly reduces the likelihood of the drug transferring into breastmilk, making it less concerning for nursing infants.
Levels of Sertraline in Breastmilk
Studies have shown that the concentration of sertraline in breastmilk can vary throughout the day. Notably, the peak levels of sertraline in breastmilk occur between one and nine hours after ingestion of the medication. Conversely, the levels are typically lowest within the two hours before and one hour after the mother takes her dose. This fluctuation suggests that timing breastfeeding sessions around medication intake could be beneficial for minimizing infant exposure.
Safety for Infants
The safety profile of sertraline during breastfeeding appears reassuring. In a study involving 26 infants, none exhibited detectable acute adverse reactions to sertraline, despite their mothers taking an average of 124 mg daily. Furthermore, reports indicate that negligible amounts of sertraline are excreted in breastmilk, and there have been no clear indications of side effects or growth abnormalities in breastfed infants.
Interestingly, infants who were also exposed to sertraline during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience a lower chance of withdrawal symptoms if they are breastfed. This suggests that breastfeeding could potentially mitigate some of the withdrawal effects associated with prenatal exposure.
Conclusion
In summary, while sertraline does transfer into breastmilk, the amounts are minimal and generally considered safe for breastfeeding infants. The high protein binding of the drug, combined with the lack of reported adverse effects in infants, supports the notion that breastfeeding while on sertraline is a viable option for many mothers. As always, it is advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare providers to tailor their treatment plans according to their specific circumstances.

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.

Can I take 200mg sertraline while breastfeeding?

Sertraline and breastfeeding
It is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding and has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems. Sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies.

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 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.

How quickly is sertraline absorbed?

Sertraline is slowly absorbed, with peak concentrations (Cmax) occurring at 4–10 hours following ingestion, and has a half-life of 24–32 hours in children, adolescents and adults [11–20]. The therapeutic concentration range for sertraline has not been well established, but has been proposed to be 10–150 ng/mL [21].

Is it safe to take 50 mg of Zoloft while pregnant?

Sertraline can be taken in pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that sertraline might occasionally affect the development of a baby’s heart. However, if there is any risk, it is small, and the majority of babies born to women taking sertraline have a normal heart.

How quickly does sertraline get into your system?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for sertraline to work fully, although you should start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks. Side effects such as feeling sick, headaches and trouble sleeping are common. They’re usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.

How much Zoloft gets into breast milk?

Does Zoloft pass into 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.)

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

Zoloft use during pregnancy
Some studies suggest an increase in heart defects or other congenital disorders, but most studies have not found an increased chance for birth defects when Zoloft (sertraline) is used. Many women take Zoloft during pregnancy without any problems.

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