What antidepressants are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antidepressant Safety During Breastfeeding
The decision to use antidepressants while breastfeeding is a complex one, often fraught with concerns about the potential risks to the infant. However, research indicates that certain antidepressants can be safely used by breastfeeding mothers, allowing them to manage their mental health without compromising their child’s well-being.
Key Antidepressants Considered Safe
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently recommended as first-line treatments for breastfeeding mothers. Among these, sertraline (commonly known as Zoloft) is often highlighted for its favorable safety profile. Studies suggest that sertraline has minimal transfer into breast milk, making it a preferred choice for many healthcare providers. Other SSRIs like paroxetine and fluoxetine are also considered safe, with substantial data supporting their use during lactation.
In addition to SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) and imipramine (Tofranil) are viable options. These medications have been used for decades, and their safety during breastfeeding is well-documented. While TCAs can have side effects like drowsiness and dry mouth, they are generally well-tolerated by nursing mothers.
Considerations and Recommendations
When prescribing antidepressants to breastfeeding mothers, healthcare providers typically consider the following factors:
1. Infant’s Age and Health: The age and health of the infant can influence the choice of medication. Newborns may metabolize drugs differently than older infants, necessitating careful monitoring.
2. Maternal Mental Health: The mother’s mental health is paramount. Untreated depression can adversely affect both the mother and the infant, potentially impacting bonding and breastfeeding success.
3. Monitoring for Side Effects: While many antidepressants are deemed safe, some may cause mild side effects in infants, such as drowsiness or irritability. Regular follow-ups can help manage any emerging concerns.
4. Individualized Treatment Plans: Each case should be approached individually, with a thorough discussion between the mother and her healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of continuing or starting antidepressant therapy while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while the use of antidepressants during breastfeeding requires careful consideration, several options are available that are generally regarded as safe. SSRIs like sertraline and tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline provide effective treatment for postpartum depression without significant risk to the nursing infant. Ultimately, the decision should be made collaboratively between the mother and her healthcare provider, ensuring that both maternal and infant health are prioritized.

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.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

Is Zoloft ok while breastfeeding?

Yes, probably. Zoloft is a preferred medication for PPD while breastfeeding. If you want or need medication to address your symptoms, your healthcare provider may decide to prescribe Zoloft. Other SSRIs that are generally safe for most people to take while breastfeeding are Paxil and Luvox (fluvoxamine).

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.

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.

Which antidepressant is most compatible with 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.

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.

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 I take Lexapro 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.

Is Zoloft or Lexapro safer for pregnancy?

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.