Last update March 24, 2015

Maternal Depression

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Probably compatible. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

Postpartum depression is a very frequent condition (5% to 25% within the first postpartum year). If the mother is not treated harm effects on both the mother and the infant (psychomotor and growth delay) may occur.

Mothers who are treated with antidepressant medicaction are in need of stronger support for a higher risk of early breastfeeding failure.

Sudden or forced weaning may affect self-esteem of the mother.

In moderate or severe cases whenever a psychotherapeutic treatment fails other measures like the use of antidepressant drugs should be considered.

Most drugs used for treatment of depression are safe since they are hardly excreted into breast milk and they are not a cause of infant problems. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are most effective drugs to treat depression. Sertraline and Paroxetine are considered to be the safest. Also, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Dulexetine, Fluoxetine, and Fluvoxamine are considered safe. Antidepressant drugs like Velanfaxin, Moclobemide, Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Clomipramine, Imipramine and Nortriptyline are safe while nursing.

Consult available information on a particular product at our web.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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References

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