How much sertraline goes into breastmilk?

Understanding Sertraline Transfer into Breastmilk
Sertraline, commonly known by its brand name Zoloft, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) frequently prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. For breastfeeding mothers, a critical concern is how much of this medication transfers into breastmilk and the potential implications for their infants.
Levels of Sertraline in Breastmilk
Research indicates that sertraline passes into breastmilk in very small amounts, typically ranging from 0.2% to 2.4% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose. This means that even at higher maternal doses, such as 200 mg daily, the concentration of sertraline in breastmilk remains low. For instance, a pooled analysis of various studies found that mothers taking an average daily dosage of 83 mg had an average breastmilk sertraline level of 45 mcg/L, with a range from 7 to 207 mcg/L.
Timing and Variability
The concentration of sertraline in breastmilk is not constant; it varies throughout the day. Studies show that sertraline levels in breastmilk are lowest within two hours before and one hour after the mother takes the medication, with peak levels occurring approximately between one and nine hours post-ingestion. This variability suggests that timing breastfeeding sessions in relation to medication intake could be beneficial for minimizing infant exposure.
Infant Exposure and Safety
Despite the presence of sertraline in breastmilk, the amounts ingested by infants are generally small and often undetectable in their serum. The weakly active metabolite norsertraline may be detectable in low levels, but significant adverse effects in breastfed infants have not been reported. Furthermore, studies have shown that sertraline does not appear to cause side effects or growth abnormalities in infants.
Conclusion
In summary, while sertraline does transfer into breastmilk, the levels are typically low and considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The drug’s high protein binding (98%) further reduces the likelihood of significant transfer into breastmilk. For mothers concerned about the effects of sertraline on their infants, consulting with healthcare providers can help in making informed decisions about medication management during breastfeeding.

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

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.

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 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.)

Can I donate breastmilk if I take Zoloft?

Community question: “Can I donate if I’m on a low dose antidepressant?” Yes. Make your medications known and it’s up to the mama in need to decide if she wants the milk. personally I would take donor milk with a low dose of anti depressant than formula any day.

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.

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.

Can you breastfeed while taking sertraline?

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 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.