Essential Reads: Breastfeeding and ADHD Medications
Many women taking stimulants question whether it is safe to take these medications while breastfeeding. Â
You Asked: Is St John’s Wort Safe for Breastfeeding Women?
There is little published data on the use of St. John's wort during breastfeeding and because we lack data, we would typically recommend using a conventional antidepressant, such as an SSRI or SNRI.Â
Essential Reads: Cannabis and Breastfeeding
A significant number of women consume cannabis while breastfeeding. What do we know about the effects of cannabis on the nursing infant?
Lithium and Breastfeeding
Bipolar disorder (types I and II) affect up to 5% of the population in the United States. As the onset of this condition typically occurs during or before the reproductive years, the management of bipolar disorder in women is often complicated by pregnancy. There are concerns regarding fetal exposure to medication, the impact of untreated maternal illness, and data demonstrating that women are at increased risk for relapse during the postpartum period.
Can Paxil (Paroxetine) Be Used While Breastfeeding?
All medications are secreted into the breast milk, although concentrations appear to vary. There is a fair amount of information on the use of Paxil (paroxetine) in nursing women. While Paxil may be detected in the breast milk, there have been no reports of adverse events in the nursing infant. The only situation where one may want to avoid breastfeeding is when the baby is premature or has signs of hepatic immaturity, which may make it more difficult for the infant to metabolize the medication to which he or she is exposed. Premature babies are also probably more vulnerable to the toxic effects of these medications.