Is it safe to take Lexapro while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Take Lexapro While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether it is safe to take Lexapro (escitalopram) while breastfeeding is a nuanced one, with various expert opinions and research findings contributing to the discussion. Lexapro is commonly prescribed for depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and its use during breastfeeding raises important considerations for both maternal mental health and infant safety.
General Consensus on Safety
Experts generally agree that Lexapro is considered safe for most breastfeeding mothers. Studies have shown that while there are some reported cases of side effects in infants, such as sleepiness and weight loss, these occurrences are rare. In fact, most research indicates that there are no significant harmful effects on breastfed babies whose mothers take escitalopram. Notably, assessments of intellectual development in infants exposed to the drug during breastfeeding have shown no adverse differences compared to those not exposed.
Monitoring and Caution
While the overall safety profile appears favorable, healthcare providers often recommend that mothers taking Lexapro remain vigilant for any potential side effects in their infants. Experts suggest that mothers should monitor their babies for signs of unusual sleepiness or feeding difficulties. If any concerning symptoms arise, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Case Reports and Considerations
There have been isolated case reports linking escitalopram to specific health issues in infants, such as one instance of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, it is essential to note that causality was not established in this case, meaning that it is unclear whether the medication was directly responsible for the condition. This highlights the importance of individualized care; while many mothers may safely use Lexapro, those with specific health concerns or who are taking other medications should discuss their situation with their healthcare provider.
Conclusion
In summary, Lexapro is generally deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, with most studies indicating minimal risk to infants. However, as with any medication, it is vital for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of treating mental health conditions against any potential risks to their babies. Regular monitoring and communication can help ensure both maternal well-being and infant safety during this critical period.

How much weight gain does Lexapro have?

Increases in weight during Lexapro treatment may vary from 0.5% to more than 7% [2, 10]. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for people whose body mass index (BMI) was low before starting treatment to experience significant gains.

Do antidepressants affect milk supply?

Mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy may need more help with breastfeeding. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can delay the onset of milk secretion if taken during the last trimester of pregnancy.

What anxiety medication is safe 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.

Does Lexapro affect breasts?

Breast tenderness isn’t among the published Lexapro side effects, but some studies and unofficial reports have linked Lexapro and breast tenderness. Lexapro may interfere with the normal processing of prolactin — a hormone that affects breast tissue. It’s possible that this could lead to breast tenderness.

Is Lexapro or Zoloft better for anxiety?

SSRIs like Lexapro and Zoloft make more serotonin available in your brain—which in turn helps to relieve symptoms.. Some research suggests that Lexapro might be slightly more effective than Zoloft in treating depression and anxiety because it works slightly differently from other SSRIs.

Can newborns withdraw from Lexapro?

AAP Grand Rounds (2006) 15 (6): 72–73. Depression affects approximately 9% of pregnant women, and evidence is mounting that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant use during pregnancy can induce a withdrawal syndrome in exposed newborns.

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.

Is Lexapro good for postpartum anxiety?

Typically, antidepressants—like the SSRIs Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, etc. —are used and work very well. They are well studied and considered relatively safe for use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Does Lexapro affect the baby?

If you are taking escitalopram or citalopram at the time of delivery, your baby might have irritability, jitteriness, tremors (shivering), constant crying, different sleep patterns, problems with eating and controlling body temperature, and some problems with breathing.

Can Lexapro affect breastfed babies?

Escitalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts. It does not usually cause any problems but it has been linked with side effects including being unusually irritable or restless and being sick in a few breastfed babies.