What is the safest antidepressant to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Antidepressant Safety During Breastfeeding
For new mothers grappling with postpartum depression or anxiety, the decision to take antidepressants while breastfeeding can be fraught with concern. The primary worry is the potential impact of these medications on the nursing infant. However, recent studies and expert opinions provide clarity on which antidepressants are considered the safest options during this critical period.
Key Findings on Antidepressant Use
Research indicates that all antidepressants do pass into breast milk to some degree. However, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that the benefits of treating maternal mental health conditions often outweigh the risks associated with medication exposure to the infant. This is particularly important as untreated maternal depression can adversely affect both the mother and the child.
Among the various classes of antidepressants, sertraline (commonly known by its brand name Zoloft) is frequently highlighted as one of the safest choices for breastfeeding mothers. Studies have shown that sertraline has a favorable safety profile, with low levels detected in breast milk and minimal reported side effects in nursing infants. Other medications that are also considered safe include paroxetine and nortriptyline, which have been supported by evidence for their use during breastfeeding.
Recommendations from Experts
Clinical guidelines often recommend psychotherapy as a first-line treatment for postpartum depression, particularly for mothers who may be hesitant about medication. However, when pharmacological intervention is necessary, sertraline and paroxetine are typically recommended as second-line options due to their established safety records.
Experts emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans. For mothers who have previously responded well to a specific antidepressant, continuing that medication during breastfeeding may be the best course of action, as it increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, while the use of antidepressants during breastfeeding is a nuanced issue, medications like sertraline and paroxetine stand out as the safest options based on current research and expert recommendations. Mothers are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks, ensuring both their mental health and the well-being of their infants are prioritized.

Is Prozac better than Zoloft for breastfeeding?

Depressed mothers, in part, do not breastfeed because of their concern about potentially negative effects of antidepressants on their infants. Although sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxol) concentrations are not detectable in infants’ sera, fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) do have detectable levels.

Why is my anxiety worse while breastfeeding?

D-MER is a rare condition which some breastfeeding women experience. Women with D-MER feel negative emotions seconds before their let-down reflex. It happens when they are breastfeeding or expressing and can also happen if their breasts let down at times when they aren’t breastfeeding.

Do you gain weight on Prozac vs Zoloft?

TCAs are well known to cause more weight gain than SSRIs. Of the SSRIs, fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) had the lowest weight gain. Zoloft and Prozac also had the lowest percentage of patients with a weight gain of 7% or more over their initial body weight (4.5% for Zoloft and 8.7% for Prozac).

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.

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.

What antidepressants are ok while 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.

What are the first line antidepressants for breastfeeding moms?

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.

What is the safest natural antidepressant?

Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?

• St. John’s wort.
• SAMe. This dietary supplement is a synthetic form of a chemical that occurs naturally in the body.
• Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts and some other foods.
• Saffron.
• 5-HTP.
• DHEA.

What can breastfeeding moms take for anxiety?

If you and your doctor decide that prescribed medication is the best route for you, there are several options which you can take and continue breastfeeding. They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity.