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Depression medication and Breast feeding...

Shawna - posted on 11/19/2009 ( 7 moms have responded )

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Hi! I have been having symptoms of depression for a very long time. I am still nursing and was wondering if there are any anti depressants that are safe while nursing?? I feel like that there are not any that are safe but right now... the way i feel. I think this would be whats best even if they may pose some dangers... my son i one now and in the process of weaning. I hate feeling like this, i just can't do it any longer... i need something to help me.

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Amber - posted on 01/30/2010

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zoloft i started when i was pregnant and continued with pumping and BF until he was 6 mths i got preggers again when he was 7 and im now 4-5 mths preggers and continue... if the benefits outweigh the risk then the answer is clear....

Sunni Chea - posted on 11/22/2009

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I have taken 20mg celexa the whole time while bfing. (81/2mo) It is the only thing that is as safe as zoloft. The only downfall with zoloft is it causes a lot of people to gain weight. There have only been two ppl who have reported side effects on their babies out of thousands, which was low weight gain. Hope this helps!

Bridgette - posted on 11/19/2009

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you need to go to your doctor there are medications that are safe for breastfeeding mothers just be sure to let your doctor know and they won't give you anything that will affect your milk

Brenda - posted on 11/19/2009

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Zoloft is considered safest, but others that are excreted in breastmilk are still safe. I took Prozac all throughout my pregnancy and have taken it while nursing to no ill effects.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/anti... is a great resource for what each one does. Prozac is considered the "least" safe, but even it is excreted in the amount of 1/5 of the dose in breastmilk. And then, the only possible side effects in the infant "may" be colic, since there is no way to tell.

Paxil, which is on that list, is ONLY safe if you have NO chance of becoming pregnant. Paxil can cause miscarriage and birth defects, so if you are not on birth control of some sort, or plan on becoming pregnant, it is best not to use this drug at all, though it is safe enough for breastfeeding.

Geralyn - posted on 11/19/2009

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There was just a post about this in the last couple weeks. There are definitely some meds that are safe with BF'ing. I had posted that Dr. Jack Newman (BF expert) indicated that Zoloft is safe - not measurable in breast milk - and is a good med to start with; its what he prescribes. Its successful for many women. That was his opinion in a nutshell. Definitely check with a pharmacist. Many doctors, even my OB, did not know about effects on breast milk. Do not feel as if you cannot get help because you are worried about the med passing to your child.

Shawna - posted on 11/19/2009

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Thanks for your response.

Kelly - posted on 11/19/2009

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You should talk to your Dr. about it. I too struggle with depression and have always had to take an antidepressant. My son's pediatrician told me it's much better to bf even though I take an antidepressant, than not to bf. I still wasn't convinced, so I asked the lactation consultant at the hospital, and she said the baby would only get two percent of the medication through my breastmilk, and highly suggested that I still bf. I know what your going through and hope this helps. Your son needs you to be healthy and happy so you can be the best mom you can be;)

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