My family physician and family counselor have prescribed prozac. However, I am breastfeeding my seven-week-old son and I have concerns. My doctor says that the drug will have no effects on my child, yet the pharmacist read the information from the manufacturer stating possible side effects. Do I have to stop breastfeeding in order to be a happier and healthier mom?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an antidepressant. It is excreted in breastmilk. Peak levels occur in human milk within six hours. Fluoxetine is readily absorbed, has a long half-life and may accumulate in the infant. One study reported increased fussiness, crying and severe colic in babies whose moms used this medication.
If you do decide to use this medication to treat depression while nursing, you may want to discuss having your baby's Health Care Provider monitor blood concentrations of this drug. The American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Drugs, in their 1989 policy statement recommended this as an option if a drug has the possibility of accumulating in the infant.
Keep in mind that there are also health risks associated with weaning to formula, such as allergic reactions. Thomas Hale, R.Ph., Ph.D, in Medications and Mothers' Milk, 1997, states that because of possible side effects associated with Prozac, nursing mothers may want to discuss using Zoloft (sertraline) with their Health Care Provider.
