Is Lexapro ok for breastfeeding?

Is Lexapro Safe for Breastfeeding?
When it comes to managing mental health during breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of medications like Lexapro, known generically as escitalopram. This selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, but its implications for breastfeeding mothers and their infants require careful consideration.
Understanding Lexapro and Its Effects
Lexapro is designed to help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. While it is effective for many, its use during breastfeeding raises important questions about potential risks to infants. Research indicates that Lexapro does pass into breast milk, but the concentrations are generally low. This suggests that while some medication is transferred, it may not pose significant risks to a breastfeeding infant.
Expert Opinions and Recommendations
Experts generally consider Lexapro to be relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when the benefits of treating maternal mental health outweigh potential risks. The American Academy of Pediatrics categorizes escitalopram as a medication with limited data but likely compatible with breastfeeding. However, it is crucial for mothers to consult their healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits specific to their situation.
Potential Risks and Monitoring
While many mothers can safely take Lexapro while breastfeeding, there are some considerations to keep in mind. A few cases have been reported where infants experienced health issues, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, although causality was not firmly established. Additionally, some experts recommend monitoring infants for any unusual symptoms, such as increased irritability or feeding difficulties, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, Lexapro is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, with low levels of the drug found in breast milk. However, it is essential for mothers to have open discussions with their healthcare providers to ensure that their mental health needs are met while also safeguarding their infant’s well-being. Each case is unique, and personalized medical advice is crucial in making informed decisions about medication use during breastfeeding.

Is it safe to take 5mg of Lexapro while pregnant?

“Some studies show that Lexapro can cause problems with pregnancy, especially into the third trimester leading to respiratory problems with the newborn. Unfortunately, the beginning of pregnancy can sometimes trigger depression, so this is a question that’s better left to your doctor.”

Will anxiety go away with Lexapro?

Yes, Lexapro can bring relief from anxiety symptoms in a few weeks. Tracking your symptoms before and after starting the medication can be beneficial.

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.

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.

What is the #1 side effect of Lexapro?

Common Lexapro side effects include nausea, headache, and diarrhea. It can also cause trouble sleeping and sexual problems. Some of these side effects eventually go away as your body gets used to the medication.

Is it safe to take Lexapro while breastfeeding?

Escitalopram and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take escitalopram while breastfeeding. Escitalopram passes into breast milk in small amounts.

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.

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.

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.

Will my baby have withdrawals from Lexapro?

The use of SSRIs during the third trimester can increase the likelihood that your newborn baby will show some withdrawal signs from the medication. Experts like to call these discontinuation symptoms, and they can include: respiratory distress. irritability.