Celexa and Breastfeeding: An Overview
Celexa® (
citalopram hydrobromide) is passed through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer recommends that healthcare providers look at the possible risks and benefits before recommending Celexa while breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of starting, make sure to let your healthcare provider know.
When healthcare providers are asked about breastfeeding and Celexa, they often advise their patients that it is okay to breastfeed while taking the medication. This is because, in many cases, the benefits of nursing a child outweigh the possible risks the drug may present.
What Does the Research Say?
A few studies have looked at the use of
antidepressants during breastfeeding. These studies compared the level of antidepressant in the mother's blood to the level in the baby's blood. Some studies have shown that nursing infants may have higher levels of Celexa in their blood, compared to certain other
SSRIs, such as
Zoloft® (
sertraline hydrochloride) or
Paxil® (
paroxetine hydrochloride).
According to the manufacturer, there have been two reports of breastfeeding infants experiencing symptoms. These symptoms included:
- Excessive tiredness
- Decreased feeding
- Weight loss.
In one case, the infant's symptoms improved once the mother stopped taking Celexa. No follow-up information was available from the other case.
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