Which antidepressants may we prescribe during breastfeeding?
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2015.v5.178Keywords:
Postpartum depression, antidepressants, actation, breastfeedingAbstract
Untreated maternal depression is associated with serious morbidity for the mother, the infant, and the family. The condition has significant negative effects on the mother’s ability to interact appropriately with her child. There are concerns regarding pharmacological treatment during this period because of the infant’s exposure to medication through breast milk. This article advocates that, when antidepressant treatment is indicated for postpartum depression, women should generally not be advised to stop breastfeeding. With regardto the specific antidepressant chosen for each case, paroxetine and sertraline should be considered first. Even though some concern exists with regard to fluoxetine, citalopram, and venlafaxine, because of their high concentrations in human milk, clinicians should consider that, if the mother has been effectively treated with one of these drugs during pregnancy, it is usually acceptable that treatment with the same drug should be maintained (rather than switching to another drug), even among breastfeeding mothers.
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