Hello!

Just wondering if anyone is breastfeeding while on an anti-depressant drug Fluoxetine? Also what’s some good and bad side effects people have had taking it please x TIA

Posted by anon, 11/09/13

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  • Can you take antidepressants and still breastfeed?”
    Yes, but antidepressants should be used with caution. Antidepressant medications currently in use include the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI’s), lithium, tricyclic antidepressants, and St. John’s wort. You might also consider alternatives to medication for depression alternatives to medication for depression. However, there are good reasons not to wean even if your depression must be treated with medication.
    The most commonly used antidepressants belong to a group of medicines collectively known as SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline). All these medications act similarly by boosting brain levels of the natural mood-elevating neurochemical, serotonin; they differ mainly in the strength of their action and in possible side effects. Some people do better on one of these drugs than on another. Zoloft seems to be the safest to take while breastfeeding. In studies of many breastfeeding infants whose mothers were taking Zoloft, the drug has either been undetectable in the infant’s blood or is present in insignificant amounts. Paxil would be the next choice, and Prozac the last choice, even though it too is considered compatible with breastfeeding. One case of severe colic has been reported in a breastfeeding infant who’s mother took Prozac.
    So If fluoxetine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. If the mother was taking fluoxetine during pregnancy or if other antidepressants have been ineffective, most experts recommend against changing medications during breastfeeding. Otherwise, agents with lower excretion into breastmilk may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. The breastfed infant should be monitored for behavioral side effects such as colic, fussiness or sedation and for adequate weight gain. Mothers taking an SSRI during pregnancy and postpartum may have more difficulty breastfeeding, although this might be a reflection of their disease state their depression. These mothers may need additional breastfeeding support.


  • I don’t know the answer but am really interest in what others have to say about this .. I’d be speaking to you GP more about it though if your unsure
    Good luck


  • Has your Dr said its ok for you to breast feed whilst in this anti depressant? I asked that and then thought how stupid it sounds, it’s probably the first thing you did :/


  • yeah definately see the doctor as they are the ones who know what to give you. you could also get advice from a pharmacist


  • I was told by my doctor that in order for me to restart my anti depressants I had to stop breastfeeding as it’s not reccommended . You should really talk to your doctor.


  • I don’t think it would be good for the baby, talk to your dr about it before taking and feeding


  • Have you checked with your doctor or chemist?


  • Ive heard its never a good idea


  • i never though of that. I wouldn’t think its a good idea. But i dont think you should stop taking them either.


  • This is very much a question for your doctor, but first of all good on you for seeking and accepting help, you and bub will be just fine!


  • I would check with your pharmacist. They should be able to give you a print out of the list of side effects as well.


  • I would check with your GP – or your chemist who should know


  • how did you go with it?


  • Did you find out if it was okay?


  • I would talk to the doctor about it


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