What antidepressants can be used while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antidepressant Use During Breastfeeding
The intersection of mental health treatment and breastfeeding presents unique challenges for new mothers. While the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented, the potential risks associated with antidepressant medications—especially their transfer into breast milk—raise important questions for nursing mothers dealing with depression.
Safe Antidepressants for Breastfeeding Mothers
Research indicates that certain antidepressants are considered safer for use during breastfeeding. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly sertraline and paroxetine, are frequently recommended due to their favorable safety profiles. These medications have been extensively studied, and evidence suggests that they pose minimal risk to nursing infants.
In addition to SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline and imipramine are also viable options. These medications have been shown to be effective and are often preferred when SSRIs are not suitable.
Considerations and Recommendations
While many antidepressants can be used during breastfeeding, it is crucial to consider the individual circumstances of each mother. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other health organizations often recommend starting with psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for postpartum depression, reserving medication for cases where therapy alone is insufficient.
For mothers who require medication, the choice of antidepressant should be guided by available safety data. Citalopram and escitalopram are also considered safe, although they may cause mild side effects such as drowsiness in infants.
Monitoring and Consultation
It is essential for breastfeeding mothers to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers. Regular monitoring of both the mother’s mental health and the infant’s development is vital. Adjustments to medication may be necessary based on the mother’s response and any observed effects on the infant.
In conclusion, while the use of antidepressants during breastfeeding can be complex, options like sertraline, paroxetine, nortriptyline, and imipramine provide effective treatment pathways with manageable risks. Mothers should work closely with their healthcare providers to ensure both their mental health needs and their infant’s safety are prioritized.

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.

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 Zoloft safe for breastfeeding moms?

Is Zoloft safe for you and baby if you’re breastfeeding? In general, Zoloft is considered fairly safe for people who are breastfeeding. When thinking about the safety of a medication, doctors will consider the ramifications of not prescribing a medication.

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 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.

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].

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 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.

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.