SSRIs To The Rescue For Postpartum Depression – Part II

The role of certain antidepressants taken during the course of breast-feeding has sparked quite a furore. Certain types of SSRI’s like fluoxetine and citalopram are noted to be passed on during the course of breast-feeding more than other antidepressants. Every woman has a different rate of metabolizing and passing on the medicine in varying quantities to the child. The extent of medicine noted in the breast milk would be partly dependent on when one takes one’s daily dosage. It is crucial to speak to the doctor when medicine concentrations are the least in breast milk.

Scientists are still analysing cases of infants that were breast-fed when their mothers were taking SSRIs. As yet, there have been no indicators of any problems in those children up to their pre-schooling years.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA has issued important advisory and has cautioned regarding the following:

• The FDA has issued an advisory on the use of antidepressants and the warning indicators of suicidal tendencies. The FDA does not advocate that individuals halt these medicines, rather these persons should be observed for any suicidal signs especially crucial during the commencement or dosage alterations of these medicines.
• The FDA also cautions about the strong links between Paxil and Paxil CR and congenital anomalies. These medicines when taken during the initial twelve weeks of pregnancy might raise the likelihood of giving birth to a child having a birth anomaly.
• A warning has also been issued regarding the intake of triptans taken for relieving headaches, with SSRIs or SNRIs (selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). If these medications are coalesced, it could lead to an atypical and grave condition known as serotonin syndrome.

Antidepressant medications and cognitive-behavioural therapy sessions have proven to be similarly effectual in several women. Therapy and support are deemed the preliminary line of treatment in PPD cases that range from mild to chronic. Mild PPD cases are seen to respond favourably to mere counselling sessions, while moderate to extreme PPD are recommended to take antidepressants alongside counselling.

An abrupt stoppage of SSRI medicines could lead to headaches, anxiety, nerviness or sleep disturbances. An SSRI must be weaned off in a gradual manner following the guidance of one’s doctor.

If the antidepressant that seems most suitable also is noted to be in elevated levels in breast milk, then one could speak to the doctor regarding whether to switch to formula feeds.

Read more at: SSRIs To The Rescue For Postpartum Depression – Part I

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