Is it safe to take fluoxetine while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Fluoxetine While Breastfeeding
Fluoxetine, commonly known by its brand name Prozac, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) often prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. For breastfeeding mothers, the question of whether it is safe to continue taking fluoxetine is a significant concern, as the medication can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the nursing infant.
Current Recommendations and Considerations
The consensus among healthcare professionals is nuanced. While fluoxetine is known to transfer into breast milk, the amount is generally higher compared to many other SSRIs. This raises concerns, particularly for newborns under two months of age, who may be more susceptible to side effects from the medication. The product label for fluoxetine advises against its use during breastfeeding, yet many experts acknowledge that the benefits of continuing treatment may outweigh the risks for some mothers .
Healthcare providers often emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans. If a mother has been effectively managing her mental health with fluoxetine prior to breastfeeding, switching medications could lead to a relapse of her condition, which could be detrimental not only to her but also to her infant. Therefore, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their doctors or pharmacists to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing fluoxetine while nursing.
Potential Risks and Monitoring
Research indicates that fluoxetine and its active metabolite, norfluoxetine, can be detected in the serum of breastfed infants, particularly during the first two months postpartum. This raises the possibility of side effects in infants, although the exact incidence and severity of such effects are not fully understood. Some studies suggest that while the risk exists, many infants exposed to fluoxetine through breast milk do not exhibit adverse effects.
Mothers taking fluoxetine are advised to monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms, such as changes in feeding patterns, irritability, or sleep disturbances. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help ensure that both mother and baby remain healthy during this period.
Conclusion
In summary, while fluoxetine is not universally recommended for breastfeeding mothers due to its presence in breast milk and potential effects on infants, many healthcare professionals recognize that the benefits of treatment may outweigh the risks in certain cases. It is essential for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their specific circumstances. Ultimately, the priority should be the well-being of both the mother and her child, ensuring that mental health needs are adequately addressed while considering the safety of breastfeeding.

Is fluoxetine safe when breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take fluoxetine while breastfeeding. Fluoxetine passes into breast milk, usually in fairly small amounts. It has been linked with side effects in a few breastfed babies, but has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.

Is Prozac excreted in breast milk?

Approximately one tenth of the adult therapeutic dose of fluoxetine is excreted in breast milk.

What are the side effects of fluoxetine for babies?

In a small number of cases, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, and less sleep have been reported. One study noted slightly less weight gain in infants exposed to fluoxetine via breast milk; however, this would likely only be an issue if the infant’s weight gain were already a concern.

Who should avoid fluoxetine?

Who may not be able to take fluoxetine

• have ever had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or any other medicine.
• have a heart problem, as fluoxetine can make your heart beat faster or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding.

What medication is not safe for 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 can I take for anxiety 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 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 fluoxetine cause miscarriage?

What are the risks of continuing fluoxetine during early pregnancy? There does not appear to be a clear link with an increased risk of major malformations or miscarriage, stillbirth or having a baby born early if you take a usual dose of fluoxetine.

What is the hardest antidepressant to come off of?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most likely antidepressants to cause withdrawal symptoms. Listed according to their risk of causing withdrawal, they include: With a high risk of withdrawal: Desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq)

Can fluoxetine affect your breasts?

Less common or rare

• Abnormal dreams.
• breast enlargement or pain.
• change in sense of taste.
• changes in vision.
• feeling of warmth or heat.
• flushing or redness of the skin, especially on face and neck.
• frequent urination.
• hair loss.