What antidepressants are ok while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antidepressant Use During Breastfeeding
The intersection of mental health treatment and breastfeeding presents unique challenges for new mothers. Many women experience postpartum depression, and while effective treatment is crucial, the safety of antidepressants for breastfeeding infants is a significant concern.
Key Considerations
All antidepressants pass into breast milk to some degree, which raises questions about their safety for nursing infants. Consequently, healthcare providers often recommend psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for postpartum depression. If medication is necessary, certain antidepressants are considered safer options for breastfeeding mothers.
Recommended Antidepressants
Research indicates that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed due to their favorable safety profiles. Among these, sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram, and escitalopram are frequently recommended. These medications have been shown to have minimal adverse effects on breastfeeding infants.
Additionally, paroxetine (Paxil) is another SSRI that is often cited as a safe choice during breastfeeding.
For mothers who may require alternatives to SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) and imipramine (Tofranil) are also considered safe options. These medications have a long history of use and are supported by evidence regarding their safety in breastfeeding contexts.
Monitoring and Consultation
While many antidepressants are deemed safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to tailor treatment to their specific needs. Factors such as the mother’s mental health status, the infant’s health, and any potential side effects should be carefully weighed.
Healthcare professionals typically monitor both the mother and the infant for any signs of adverse reactions, ensuring that the benefits of treatment outweigh any potential risks.
Conclusion
In summary, while the use of antidepressants during breastfeeding requires careful consideration, options like sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, nortriptyline, and imipramine are generally regarded as safe. The priority remains the well-being of both mother and child, and ongoing communication with healthcare providers is vital to navigate this complex landscape effectively.

Can I breastfeed on Lexapro?

The study shows that escitalopram is safe for use during breastfeeding. Because its absolute infant dose is lower than that for an equivalent antidepressant dose of rac-citalopram, it may be preferred over rac-citalopram in treating depression in lactating women.

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.

What is a natural anti anxiety while breastfeeding?

Studies show that passion flower and oat are as effective as prescription anxiety medications. Plus, oats can help boost the metabolism of fats and increase milk production for nursing mamas. Melissa (Lemon Balm). Melissa, a member of the mint family, helps ease anxiety and depression and is an effective antiviral.

What is the best SSRI for postpartum?

Overall, sertraline is the SSRI with the most evidence in the treatment of PPD [60, 63, 64].

What is the safest antidepressant while breastfeeding?

Zoloft (sertraline) is one of the safest antidepressants to take while breastfeeding. It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. If medications like Zoloft aren’t an option, your healthcare provider may recommend Pamelor (nortriptyline) or Tofranil (imipramine).

Which antidepressant is safest in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Infant exposure of antidepressants through breast milk is generally low to very low. We consider that when antidepressant treatment is indicated in women with postpartum depression, they should not be advised to discontinue breastfeeding. Paroxetine and sertraline are most likely suitable first-line agents.

Does Zoloft affect breastfed babies?

Sertraline and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, it is OK to take sertraline while breastfeeding. It is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding and has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.

Is Lexapro breastfeeding safe?

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.

Which SSRI is least secreted in breast milk?

Sertraline has the lowest passage of SSRI drugs into breastmilk. Citalopram also passes into breastmilk in low levels. If a breastfeeding mother has found an antidepressant previously prescribed of benefit, that may influence the choice of drug prescribed.

Is Lexapro safe while breastfeeding?

Escitalopram and breastfeeding
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.