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What is the safest SNRI while breastfeeding?

Understanding SNRIs and Breastfeeding Safety
When it comes to managing mental health during breastfeeding, the safety of medications is a paramount concern for new mothers. Among the various classes of antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed. However, the question remains: which SNRI is considered the safest for breastfeeding mothers?
Duloxetine: A Preferred Choice
Current evidence suggests that duloxetine may be the preferred SNRI for breastfeeding mothers. This recommendation stems from its relatively favorable safety profile when compared to other SNRIs. While it is essential to consider individual responses to medication, duloxetine has shown a lower incidence of adverse effects in breastfeeding infants, making it a viable option for mothers needing treatment for depression or anxiety.
Venlafaxine: Caution Advised
On the other hand, venlafaxine, another commonly prescribed SNRI, has been associated with some concerns. Reports indicate that infants exposed to venlafaxine through breastfeeding may experience symptoms such as lethargy and poor sucking ability, particularly at higher doses. Although these symptoms can resolve with time, the potential risks suggest that caution is warranted when considering venlafaxine for breastfeeding mothers.
General Recommendations
While duloxetine stands out as a safer option, it is crucial for mothers to consult healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen. Each individual’s health situation is unique, and the benefits of treating maternal mental health must be weighed against any potential risks to the infant. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of the infant’s health is advisable when a mother is taking any form of medication during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while duloxetine is generally regarded as the safest SNRI for breastfeeding mothers, the decision to use any antidepressant should always involve a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

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.

Is Pristiq safe for breastfeeding moms?

Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The drug comes as an extended-release oral tablet. Pristiq may be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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.

Can you have a baby on Effexor?

Magavi says, in general, all pregnant women have a 3% to 5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. Research on more than 700 women who took Effexor while pregnant shows that their risk was around the same range: 3% to 5%. Some research shows that Effexor is safe to take during the first trimester.

Is Cymbalta safe while breastfeeding?

Duloxetine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take duloxetine while breastfeeding. Duloxetine gets into breast milk in very small amounts, and has not been known to cause side effects in breastfed babies.

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.

Is Cymbalta safe for breastfeeding?

Duloxetine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take duloxetine while breastfeeding. Duloxetine gets into breast milk in very small amounts, and has not been known to cause side effects in breastfed babies.

Which is better, Pristiq or Zoloft?

Pristiq has an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from a total of 1128 ratings on Drugs.com. 60% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 22% reported a negative effect. Zoloft has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 1958 ratings on Drugs.com.

Can you take SNRI while breastfeeding?

Infants whose mothers take desvenlafaxine have serum levels that range from undetectable to 37% of maternal levels. These SNRIs have caused drowsiness and/or agitation in some cases. Overall, they have few adverse reactions and there is no evidence that suggests they hinder development.

Is Effexor safe while breastfeeding?

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take venlafaxine while breastfeeding. Venlafaxine passes into breast milk in small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. It has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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