Can you safely take antidepressants while nursing? - Page 2

[LinzluvsGJ]

Originally Posted by LynnS6

It's not a failure of will, mothering or moral fitness to seek out medical care for depression.

I would even venture to say that it is the strongest thing you can do-- to get help if you are depressed.

SSRI's have been in use since the 80s and one of the biggest side effects they have found in infants is fussiness. That's about it... so fussiness (which could easily be caused by things other than the meds), vs a mom who could be angry, withdrawn, have no zest for life, even to the point of suicidal or obsessive thoughts, it's not a hard thing for me to see what my preference would be.

SSRIs are absolutely safe to take while breastfeeding so please don't put off any treatment for yourself if you need it.

[Wildflower]

Hi_I just started a thread about this, but no replies so...If you were depressed and going to give birth in a few weeks, do you think it would make a diffference to the baby to try and wait til after delivery to start the meds (Lexapro for me). Like, how much less of a concentration will the babe get through milk vs. in the womb? I think I can make it until he's born--but if the concentration for the babe were the same while inside as through the milk, I'd go ahead and start NOW!

Also, do you all know any tips to have the baby get/absorb less traces in the milk? Like taking your pills on a full stomache, or at night, or anything? I know Lex isn't considered the best for nursing, but I also know it works great for me...

Thanks!

[Birth&Bunnies]

Originally Posted by Wildflower

Hi_I just started a thread about this, but no replies so...If you were depressed and going to give birth in a few weeks, do you think it would make a diffference to the baby to try and wait til after delivery to start the meds (Lexapro for me). Like, how much less of a concentration will the babe get through milk vs. in the womb? I think I can make it until he's born--but if the concentration for the babe were the same while inside as through the milk, I'd go ahead and start NOW!

Also, do you all know any tips to have the baby get/absorb less traces in the milk? Like taking your pills on a full stomache, or at night, or anything? I know Lex isn't considered the best for nursing, but I also know it works great for me...

Thanks!

My suggestion would be to start it now since it takes a couple weeks to build up and be effective and as you know there is a big hormonal drop post-partum. The first fews days could be much worse and you won't notice the difference in the meds for another couples weeks past that. Those are such crucial days immediately after birth. I can't remember the differences between last part of pregnancy or bf-ing, but I believe it's similar. Over all I think it's much better to make sure you are taken care of in such an important area, after all much better to be a happy medicated mother than a miserable drug-free wreck IMO.

[Wildflower]

Oh, thanks so much for your insights...BUT the last 2 times I've started Lexapro I feel a huge difference within 24hours--I know that's not usual---but that's one reason I think I can make it until right after the delivery, especially if there is much of a difference for the baby's intake....

[Birth&Bunnies]

Try www.Kellymom.com, I'm searching it now to see what there is, but that is a great up-to-date medication and Bf-ing site.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/med-risks.html
Lexapro is not specifically listed...this page has other sites to check.

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search
This is the page on Lexapro from Lactmed

Hope this helps, maybe get the Rx so you can start the day you birth and there is not delay PP. I'm just worried that you're going to drop really low and really fast after the birth.

[lovebug]

could not read and not post....

s mama