Is sertraline safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Sertraline While Breastfeeding
As new mothers navigate the complexities of postpartum life, the question of medication safety during breastfeeding often arises. One commonly prescribed antidepressant, sertraline, known by its brand name Zoloft, has been a focal point of discussion regarding its safety for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
The Benefits vs. Risks
Research indicates that while all antidepressants, including sertraline, do pass into breast milk, the benefits of treating maternal mental health conditions generally outweigh the potential risks to the infant. According to health experts, sertraline is considered one of the safest antidepressants for breastfeeding mothers. The low levels of sertraline found in breast milk mean that the amounts ingested by infants are minimal, often undetectable in their serum .
Infant Exposure and Development
Most studies suggest that infants exposed to sertraline through breastfeeding do not experience significant adverse effects. In fact, babies who were also exposed to sertraline during the third trimester of pregnancy may have a lower chance of withdrawal symptoms after birth if they are breastfed. This is an encouraging finding for mothers who are concerned about the implications of their medication on their newborns.
Monitoring and Consultation
While the consensus leans towards the safety of sertraline during breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to remain vigilant. Healthcare providers often recommend monitoring for any potential side effects in infants, such as changes in behavior or feeding patterns. If mothers notice any decrease in breast milk supply or other concerning symptoms, they should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
Conclusion
In summary, sertraline is generally regarded as a safe option for breastfeeding mothers. The low transfer of the drug into breast milk and the absence of significant adverse effects on infant development make it a viable choice for those needing treatment for depression or anxiety during this critical period. However, ongoing communication with healthcare professionals remains essential to ensure both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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.

How much sertraline passes through breast milk?

Significant published evidence shows sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts (0.2–2.4% of the weight-adjusted maternal dose) with maternal doses up to 200mg daily. In many cases, the amount in breast milk was negligible.

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.

Does Zoloft decrease milk supply?

Also, a small study of 6 patients using Zoloft found a slight decrease in milk production as a result. However, this is generally correctable with increased feeds or pumping between feeds. And there is a small risk of serious side effects that you shouldn’t ignore.

Can sertraline affect a baby?

There are reports of more than 25,000 pregnancies exposed to sertraline. Some studies have suggested an increased chance for heart defects or other birth defects. However, most studies have not found an increased chance of birth defects when sertraline is used in pregnancy.

Can breastfed babies withdraw from sertraline?

After delivery and when things have settled your sertraline can usually be restarted at the dose you were taking before pregnancy. What about sertraline and breastfeeding? If your baby becomes restless, very sleepy or develops feeding problems stop breastfeeding and quickly seek medical advice.

Is it safe to take sertraline while breastfeeding?

Sertraline and breastfeeding
It is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding and has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems. Sertraline passes into breast milk in very small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies.

Does sertraline cause low milk supply?

During a 3-month period each of the 6 patients I cared for who began treatment with sertraline experienced a reduction in their milk supply upon commencing the medication. This effect was overcome by increasing both oral fluids and the frequency of feeding, with a return to normal supply after 2–3 days.

Will sertraline affect my baby?

Taking sertraline throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding does not seem to have any effects on physical or mental development or behaviour over the first years of the child’s life. There have been several large studies of mums taking antidepressants in pregnancy and the risk of the baby then having ADHD or autism.

How much weight do you gain on sertraline?

Zoloft is associated with more weight gain when compared with Prozac. However, it’s not much of a difference. One two-year study by the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that sertraline (generic Zoloft) users gained an average of 5.9 lbs compared to fluoxetine (generic Prozac) users who gained 4.6 lbs.