Breastfeeding and Anti-depressants

[ConcernedDP]

This is a second thread, similar subject but totally different question.

Was anyone prescribed any anti-depressents while they were breastfeeding? If so, which one were you prescribed? Some medication is safe to take as not all pass through the milk, but we'd just like to know if anyone has any experience of this?

I cannot recommend highly enough the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline It is staffed by a pharmacist who is also a breastfeeding counsellor. Her name is Wendy and she is brilliant. She gives you the facts, but also is very supportive and pro-breastfeeding, unlike some health professionals who may just tell you breastfeeding is incompatible with medication, without really knowing anything about it.

FWIW I take mirtazapine and quetiapine and also breastfeed my 7 month old. People have told me that sertraline is the breastfeeding AD of choice, but that type don't suit me. The studies indicate there is very little that gets into the milk and that there are no observable effects in the child.

It is a cost / benefit weigh up. I believe that breastfeeding gives my baby the best start, and have weighed up the possible risks as very small in comparison.

Thanks for your reply. I'll pass the info onto DP. She's also a very strong advocate for breastfeeding, and on our 3rd DC she really doesn't want to stop early.

The Psychiatrist also claims to support her decision to feed, and prescribed Paroxetine because of it. But she's been told that this is a very strong anti-depressent and is quite weary of it.

The study I found indicate that very little passes through the milk, and it looks as if it's safe at the dosage prescribed. I think it would be best to call the helpline and discuss it, personally.