Is Lexapro safe while breastfeeding?

Is Lexapro Safe While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether Lexapro, a commonly prescribed antidepressant containing the active ingredient escitalopram, is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one. As mental health remains a critical aspect of postpartum care, understanding the implications of medication use during this period is essential.
Current Understanding of Lexapro and Breastfeeding
Research indicates that escitalopram is generally considered possible to use while breastfeeding. A safety scoring system has categorized its use as acceptable, suggesting that the benefits may outweigh potential risks for many mothers. However, it is crucial to approach this topic with caution and to consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While many experts believe that Lexapro can be safely taken during breastfeeding, there are some important considerations. For instance, one case of necrotizing enterocolitis was reported in a breastfed infant whose mother was taking escitalopram. However, it is important to note that causality was not established, meaning that it is unclear whether the medication was directly responsible for this condition.
Additionally, some studies have indicated that while Lexapro may not be the first choice for breastfeeding mothers, it can be used if no alternative medications are available that would provide optimal mental health support. This highlights the need for a careful evaluation of the mother’s mental health needs against the potential risks to the infant.
Monitoring and Consultation
Experts recommend that mothers who choose to breastfeed while on Lexapro should be vigilant and monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms or side effects. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to ensure that both the mother’s mental health and the infant’s well-being are prioritized.
In summary, while Lexapro is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is not without its risks. Each case should be evaluated individually, and ongoing communication with healthcare professionals is vital to navigate the complexities of medication use during breastfeeding.

What is the lowest risk antidepressant in pregnancy?

Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Risks include high blood pressure for the pregnant person and premature birth. These risks are small.

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.

What is the safest anxiety medication 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.

Who should not use Lexapro?

have ever had an allergic reaction to escitalopram or any other medicine. have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – escitalopram may increase your risk of having a seizure. have a heart problem – escitalopram can give you an irregular heartbeat or make your heart beat faster.

Can a nursing mother take Lexapro?

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.

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.

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.

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?

Other Treatments for Postpartum Depression
In most cases, we recommend professional therapists for further help and will prescribe antidepressant medication such as Lexapro or Zoloft. These medications help increase serotonin levels and help balance hormones.