Is bupropion safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Bupropion and Breastfeeding Safety
Bupropion, commonly known by its brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant often prescribed for major depressive disorder and to assist with smoking cessation. For nursing mothers, the question of its safety during breastfeeding is crucial, as many medications can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant.
Current Research and Guidelines
Recent studies indicate that while bupropion does enter breast milk, the levels are relatively low. According to the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health, all antidepressants, including bupropion, are secreted into breast milk, but the exposure for nursing infants is generally minimal. This suggests that the benefits of treating maternal depression may outweigh the risks associated with the medication.
The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) provides a safety scoring system that categorizes bupropion as “possible with caution” during breastfeeding. It emphasizes that if a nursing mother requires bupropion, it should not be a reason to discontinue breastfeeding . This aligns with the consensus among healthcare professionals that managing maternal mental health is vital for both mother and child.
Monitoring for Side Effects
While bupropion is considered relatively safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their infants for any potential side effects. Reports suggest that while serious adverse effects are rare, symptoms such as sedation, mood changes, feeding difficulties, or weight fluctuations in the infant should be observed. Additionally, there are specific concerns regarding infant seizures, which can manifest as unusual movements or pauses in breathing.
Considerations for Newborns and Preterm Infants
Healthcare providers often recommend caution when prescribing bupropion to mothers nursing newborns or preterm infants. The limited data available suggests that while bupropion can be used, alternative medications might be preferable in these cases. This is particularly important as the developing systems of younger infants may react differently to medications.
Conclusion
In summary, bupropion can be used by breastfeeding mothers, but it is essential to do so under medical supervision. The low levels of the drug in breast milk and the potential benefits for maternal mental health are significant factors in this decision. However, close monitoring of the infant for any adverse effects is crucial. As always, consulting with a healthcare provider is the best course of action to ensure both mother and child remain healthy and safe.

How much weight do people lose on Wellbutrin?

The average weight loss on Wellbutrin is around 5-10 pounds. However some patients can lose up to 20 pounds, depending on the dosage and intended use.

When does Wellbutrin peak in breast milk?

Results: After a 100-mg dose, the peak bupropion breast milk concentration measured at two hours was 0.189 micrograms/mL. Milk-to-plasma ratios ranged from 2.51 to 8.58 over a six-hour interval.

Is it safe to take bupropion while breastfeeding?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Limited information indicates that maternal bupropion doses of up to 300 mg daily produce low levels in breastmilk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants.

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.

What is the safest antidepressant to take while breastfeeding?

Paroxetine and sertraline are the SSRIs of choice during breastfeeding. More evidence is available on the use of SSRIs during breastfeeding than other antidepressant groups and limited data show encouraging outcomes when considering longer term effects on infants.

What medications are not compatible with breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

What happens to breastfed babies on antidepressants?

There have been a small number of case reports of adverse events in infants exposed to antidepressants in breast milk, including jitteriness, irritability, excessive crying, sleep disturbance, and feeding problems.

Does Wellbutrin dry up breast milk?

Some women experiences changes in the milk supply while on Wellbutrin. Therefore, tell your doctor if you see this drug is causing suppressed milk production.In conclusion, always take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.

Is Wellbutrin for anxiety or ADHD?

Technically, the use of Wellbutrin to treat ADHD is what’s called an “off-label” use. Officially, it is only approved by the FDA to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and as a smoking cessation aid. But doctors also sometimes recommend it to help with symptoms of anxiety and ADHD.

Does Wellbutrin affect the baby?

There is no evidence that use of bupropion in pregnancy causes miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, or low infant birth weight.