Antidepressants while breastfeeding?

Question

I went to see my doctor yesterday. He wants me to go back on antidepressiants. ( I have Bipolar disorder) THe problem is I am breastfeeding and I heard that antidepressiants can cause harm to my baby while i nurse. Has anyone taken medication and still breastfed. I enjoy nursing, but I also want to make sure I take care of myself. I have been on multiple drugs in the past and they didnt work.( Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, Welbutrin) The one drug that did work is not safe to take. (Topomax)

Answer 1

There are definitely antidepressents that are safe to use while breastfeeding.  

If your doctor says you have to wean to take them, be sure that he checks a reliable source (like Dr. Hale's book -- "Medications and Mothers Milk" -- PDR is NOT a good reference.)

So far as I am aware, Zoloft is  still the preferred drug, but if it doesn't work for you, there are other options.  Here's a good link:

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/anti...

And another (Dr. Hale's site)

http://66.230.33.248/discus/messages/43/...

Oh, and Hale okays Topomax.

http://66.230.33.248/discus/messages/57/...

Answer 2

I have Bipolar disorder and an anxiety disorder, was taking paxil and now Lithium. I was off my meds for a few years to try to get pregnant and through my pregnancy. Due to being so long off them I was very worried about getting sick and decided not to breast feed. I wanted to be able to enjoy my girl and not worry about my illness. So I pumped my milk for her the first three weeks- she was in the hospital due to being a preemie. When she came home I gradually switched to formula. It didn't go well for us because she has a sensitive stomach but now that she is on the right formula though there have been no issues. In some ways I of course regret not breast feeding- I don't get that bonding time with my girl , and I do believe it is healthier but I know for me no matter what med was given I would not want to pass that on to her through my milk. What doctors say is safe one time later is found to not be so. I know I made the right choice because I can have good quality time with my daughter now and enjoy it.  I would have hated for me to spend this amazing time sick. I would have regretted that more than not breast feeding. It really is a personal choice, weigh in your mind what is important to you and what you think you can handle - best of luck and lots of compassion to you

Answer 3

Well, I don't know about all drugs, but they have commercials on TV right now for lawsuits against the makers of Paxil because it caused harm to babies. If it were me, I wouldn't take anything while pregnant or nursing. They can tell you something is safe and then find out years later that they were wrong. It isn't worth the risk to me. You have two choices in my opinion, stop breastfeeding or stay of your meds a little longer. I am bi-polar as well, so I know the ramifications of being off meds.