Meds while BFing?

[Korimomto2]

Can anyone give me a rundown on what my options would be if I decided to take something while tandem bfing? Is Zoloft my only option? I took Zoloft years ago and did really really poorly on it (escalated from moderate depression to suicidal within a week of going on it) so wouldn't consider it again, but it's the only thing I know mama's can Definately take while bfing.

Thanks!

[mccelticmom]

My doc gave me Paxil and Lexapro...I took them both (at different times of course) for different lengths of time.


You could research them on line...I didn't...I just took my doc's word that they were okay to take. HTH!

[Emilie]

I take cymbalta and bf. It is a newer drug- so not as much research- etc...dd is fine.

you have probally seen it on commercials-
it has done good- when i take it right....

[Korimomto2]

Thanks for the info! Paxil and Lexapro are more for anxiety than depression, right?

[Emilie]

hmm... i do not know....

i think you should go see a psychiatrist if possible so you get the right meds. it did womders for me and my family.

[wiccan mom]

hi momma...i think i posted almost the same question a couple months ago...

I'm taking Celexa30 mgs...was taking 20mgs while DS was inutero and had to up the dose due to PPD when he was 2 months(he's 6/12 mos now)...so far, there have been absolutely no problems.

DS sleeps thru the nite (most of the time) and I take my meds at nite...I think it helps him to nurse in the morn when the meds have peaked in my bloodstream overnite (altho my doc says there's really no issue about the levels...he says it won't affect DS)...there's lots of help here at this site and online.

Good luck with your choices...sending you healing energy...

[mccelticmom]

Originally Posted by Korimomto2

Thanks for the info! Paxil and Lexapro are more for anxiety than depression, right?

I'm pretty sure that they are for both.

Have you called your doc? Stay on top of depression my friend, take care of yourself!

[LynnS6]

I would definitely see a psych -- they are more on top of the meds and they have a better sense of how to do the dosage so that you can manage the side effects. They should definitely know about your bad experience with Zoloft - it could be that it's the wrong med, or that your initial dose was too high, or a million things.

Zoloft is the #1 choice because there is the most research on it. The choice hierarchy is: Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Effexor, Prozac

But that was done before some of the newer meds. You can check here to see if Dr. Hale has any more information.
http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/index.html

I have bf both of my kids on Paxil and they are fine. More than fine. Remember when you are weighing the risks to weigh the risk of you being depressed with the risk of the meds. And you definitely need the help of an 'expert' given your past experience.

[APmom2Libby]

thanks everyone...this makes me feel so much better. I'm not on meds yet, but I'm glad to know that it doesn't mean I have to wean if I do go on meds and that there are some meds that are compatiable with BF.

[Cloth4Colin]

Hi mama! I was able to safely take Lexapro while BFing. I did take it for anxiety, but it really helped lift my depression as well.

Best of luck to you! Many hugs!!