Anti depressants/Anti anxiety medication while breastfeeding

[funinthesun19]

I’ve been putting off getting help for a while now because I’m still night breastfeeding DD who is now 17 months old.

However I’ve now reached the point where I can’t take any more of this pain I’m going through every single day. I keep strong for my children and keep going so I can give them the happy and stable life they deserve, but if I don’t get help soon things are just going to get worse.

I know I’m in darker place than I was about 12 months ago because this time last year I wasn’t having thoughts of wanting to end my life but now the thought crosses my mind every day. I won’t do it, but it just feel like the only way I’ll be free from the emotional pain. Anxiety is unbearable most days.

So, what can I do? Can I get help from my GP in the way of medication when I’m breastfeeding? The last thing I want is to make DD poorly and I still enjoy breastfeeding. Also, what therapy do you think will help me?

Yes you absolutely can take many first line antidepressants while breastfeeding. Please do seek help xx

Will they pass on to DD and affect her? That’s what I’m worried about and the biggest reason I haven’t seeked help any sooner.

You are most likely to be offered sertraline which I think has very low transfer in milk. Absolutely minimal chance of any effect on your DD, especially given her age and if you are only feeding at night. I have EBFed 2 premature babies on antidepressants, no one expressed any concern about this at all.

Oh that’s reassuring. Thank you.
How long does it take for Sertraline to have start having a positive affect? I’ve heard about side affects- what are they like?

I was just going to say the same a PP, Sertraline is most likely to be offered when breastfeeding. It's hard to say how long it would take to see a difference as everyone is different.
I had PND after both pregnancies. Took Citalopram after the first as had already had to stop BF and I'm currently on Sertraline and BF at 10 months. I found the Citalopram took a little longer to settle on and my moods even out more bland the Sertraline had an effect very quickly but I don't feel it's quite as effective although it is a massive massive help. Also having said all that my symptoms were different both times.
Anyhoo... Sorry for the ramble I think my point is that you need to seek help, you'll be glad you did.

As for side effects I had a dry mouth with Sertraline but that passed after a couple of weeks x