What is the best mood stabilizer for breastfeeding?

Understanding Mood Stabilizers During Breastfeeding
The postpartum period can be a challenging time for many women, particularly those with a history of bipolar disorder or other mood disorders. The need for effective mood stabilization must be balanced with the safety of breastfeeding, as many mothers are understandably concerned about the potential effects of medications on their infants.
Key Considerations for Mood Stabilizers
When it comes to mood stabilizers, lamotrigine (Lamictal) has emerged as a commonly recommended option for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that lamotrigine is generally well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile during lactation. Its concentrations in breast milk are relatively low, which suggests that the exposure for breastfeeding infants is minimal. This makes it a preferred choice for many clinicians treating women with bipolar disorder during this sensitive period.
On the other hand, carbamazepine and valproate are also considered compatible with breastfeeding, although they come with caveats. While these medications can be effective, there is a need for careful monitoring due to potential adverse reactions and the variability in how different infants may respond to these drugs.
The Role of Lithium
Lithium, a well-known mood stabilizer, presents a more complex scenario. While it is effective for managing bipolar disorder, its use during breastfeeding is often approached with caution. The data on lithium’s safety in breastfeeding is less robust compared to lamotrigine, and it may lead to higher levels of the drug in breast milk, which could pose risks to the infant. Therefore, healthcare providers typically weigh the benefits against the potential risks when considering lithium for breastfeeding mothers.
Monitoring and Safety
The overall consensus among healthcare professionals is that mood stabilizers can be prescribed during breastfeeding without significant adverse effects in most infants. Studies have shown a low prevalence of laboratory abnormalities in infants exposed to these medications through breast milk. However, it is crucial for mothers to maintain regular follow-ups with their healthcare providers to monitor both their mental health and their infant’s development.
Conclusion
In summary, lamotrigine stands out as the best mood stabilizer for breastfeeding mothers due to its safety profile and low levels in breast milk. Carbamazepine and valproate are also viable options, albeit with more caution required. Lithium should be used judiciously, with thorough monitoring. Ultimately, the decision regarding which mood stabilizer to use should be made collaboratively between the mother and her healthcare provider, ensuring that both the mother’s mental health and the infant’s safety are prioritized.

Is it safe to take Abilify while breastfeeding?

A limited number of studies have shown that when a person who is breastfeeding takes up to 15mg of aripiprazole a day, the medication passes into breastmilk in small amounts. While there have been cases of babies becoming sleepier than usual, most breastfed babies exposed to aripiprazole have no reported symptoms.

Which antipsychotic is preferred in breastfeeding?

The level of antipsychotics which pass to the baby through breastmilk is lowest for Olanzapine and Quetiapine. This does not mean that you can’t breastfeed with other antipsychotics.

What two hormones relax the mother during breastfeeding?

Prolactin is sometimes called “the love hormone.” In animals, it is responsible for mothering behaviors. Oxytocin is responsible for the relaxed, sometimes sleepy, calm feelings that accompany milk letdown. Together, these two hormones keep mothers relaxed, calm, and ready to care for their babies (Uvnas-Moberg, 2003).

What psych meds are safe for 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 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

What is the safest mood stabilizer?

Lamotrigine, compared with other mood stabilizers, is characterized by a higher safety profile in terms of teratogenicity and safety during breastfeeding [7]. Additionally, there was no negative effect found on the metabolic profile of patients, and it may even reduce body weight [2,7].

What is the happy hormone while breastfeeding?

Prolactin also produces the hormone oxytocin, which is often nicknamed “the love hormone” or “baby bonding hormone.” “Oxytocin is the reason why we feel so content and happy when we are breastfeeding,” Cortner explains.

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.

What is the safest mood stabilizer for breastfeeding?

Data for lamotrigine (LTG) appears to be more favorable than other antiepileptics. During lactation, use of valproate and LTG is reported to be safe. Use of typical and/atypical antipsychotic is a good option during pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder.

Can I take magnesium while breastfeeding?

Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is poor, so maternal magnesium hydroxide is not expected to affect the breastfed infant’s serum magnesium. Magnesium oxide supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.