Denver Can I Breast-Feed When on Antidepressants? I found this article very informative and thought I'd pass along. So many people suffer from Post Partem Depression and it's scary to be on medication. There is also so much pressure out there to breastfeed. I agree with the comment about treating your depression/anxiety first and foremost. Can I Breast-Feed When on Antidepressants? - Depression - Health.com http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20189248,00.html Treating your depression is very important for your baby. Breast-feeding is good for your baby's health and your baby's bond with you, too. At best, you will be able to treat your depression and breast-feed your baby. But if you decide to choose between taking medicine and breast-feeding, treat your depression. Talk to your doctor and your baby's doctor about your antidepressant choices. Any antidepressant can get into mother's milk, but some do so in such small amounts that they can't be measured in babies' blood. Of the SSRIs, sertraline (Zoloft) is usually the first-choice medicine for breast-feeding mothers. It is the most studied and generally does not seem to affect breast-feeding babies. There have been reports of side effects in babies exposed to paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa). Fluvoxamine (Luvox) has not been well studied.Some SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, are passed on to the breast-fed baby more than others. And every woman uses (metabolizes) and passes on medicine in different amounts. Overall, your milk has the lowest possible level of medicine just before you take a daily dose. Each SSRI is different, but in general the medicine is highest in your breast milk several hours after taking a daily dose. Researchers are studying children who breast-fed while their mothers took SSRIs. So far, they have seen no signs of unusual problems in these children into their preschool years. How long do I need to take antidepressant medicine for postpartum depression? Antidepressants are typically used for at least 6 months, first to treat postpartum depression and then to prevent a relapse of symptoms. To prevent a relapse, your health professional may recommend that you take medication for up to a year before considering tapering off of it. Experts recommend long-term antidepressant treatment for women who have had three or more depressive episodes in the past. , lilaguide.com - Stores, Restaurants, Services, Products, Activities, Events

Treating your depression is very important for your baby. Breast-feeding is good for your baby's health and your baby's bond with you, too. At best, you will be able to treat your depression and breast-feed your baby. But if you decide to choose between taking medicine and breast-feeding, treat your depression.

Talk to your doctor and your baby's doctor about your antidepressant choices. Any antidepressant can get into mother's milk, but some do so in such small amounts that they can't be measured in babies' blood.

Of the SSRIs, sertraline (Zoloft) is usually the first-choice medicine for breast-feeding mothers. It is the most studied and generally does not seem to affect breast-feeding babies.
There have been reports of side effects in babies exposed to paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa).
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) has not been well studied.

Some SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, are passed on to the breast-fed baby more than others. And every woman uses (metabolizes) and passes on medicine in different amounts. Overall, your milk has the lowest possible level of medicine just before you take a daily dose. Each SSRI is different, but in general the medicine is highest in your breast milk several hours after taking a daily dose.

Researchers are studying children who breast-fed while their mothers took SSRIs. So far, they have seen no signs of unusual problems in these children into their preschool years.

How long do I need to take antidepressant medicine for postpartum depression?
Antidepressants are typically used for at least 6 months, first to treat postpartum depression and then to prevent a relapse of symptoms. To prevent a relapse, your health professional may recommend that you take medication for up to a year before considering tapering off of it. Experts recommend long-term antidepressant treatment for women who have had three or more depressive episodes in the past.

Board: Denver

Topic: Can I Breast-Feed When on Antidepressants?