Common questions

Is sertraline safe to take while breastfeeding?

Is sertraline safe to take while breastfeeding?

When a mother takes sertraline, only a small amount of the drug passes into the breast milk. Very small amounts of sertraline and its breakdown product, norsertraline, are found in breast milk. Most published reports on sertraline and breastfeeding reported no harmful effects on the nursing infant.

How long does sertraline take to work?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for sertraline to work. Side effects such as feeling sick, headaches and trouble sleeping are common. They’re usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.

What antidepressants can you take when breastfeeding?

Sertraline, paroxetine, nortriptyline and imipramine are the most evidence-based medications for use during breastfeeding.

Does sertraline cause low milk supply?

“Common antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine, sertraline and paroxetine are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs and while they can affect mood, emotion and sleep they may also impact serotonin regulation in the breast, placing new mothers at greater risk of a delay in the establishment of a …

Will sertraline affect my baby?

SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include maternal weight changes and premature birth. Most studies show that SSRIs aren’t associated with birth defects.

How much sertraline is in breastmilk?

Maternal Levels. In a pooled analysis of serum levels from published studies and 4 unpublished cases, the authors found that 15 mothers taking an average daily dosage of 83 mg (range 25 to 200 mg) had an average breastmilk sertraline level of 45 mcg/L (range 7 to 207 mcg/L).

What is the most common side effect of sertraline?

Commonly reported side effects of sertraline include: diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools, nausea, tremor, headache, paresthesia, anorexia, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, ejaculation failure, and xerostomia.

What happens when you first start taking sertraline?

You can feel drowsy in the first few days of taking sertraline. This should get better after the first week or two. If it makes you feel drowsy, try taking it just before you go to bed. You could also, strangely, get insomnia (difficulty getting to sleep), and disturbing dreams or nightmares.

What can I take for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding

  • SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity.
  • Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.
  • Beta blockers e.g. propranolol act to reduce heart rate and slow the body and act very quickly.

What’s the safest antidepressant in pregnancy?

Antidepressants that are considered safer include:

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Amitriptyline (Elavil)
  • Desipramine (Norpramin)
  • Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Can you gain weight on sertraline?

Like other antidepressants, SSRis — including Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram, Prozac (fluoxetine) and others — can cause certain side effects, including weight gain. In fact, some studies have shown that the more often you use them, the more weight you may gain.

Can Zoloft affect my baby?

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Ruth Doyle