Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Antidepressants Can Be Causing By Breastfeeding?
Question: Antidepressants and breastfeeding?
Hi i have developed some weird neurological symptoms (inner tremor, muscle twitching etc) and my neurologist thinks os just stress and anxiety. She suggested that i only relax and ot will go away, however i developed severe health anxiety due to these symptoms. I lost my sleep and happinedd for 3 months now as i am scared i may have something serious. The neurologist saw me 3 times, and didn't find anything. She thinks i am very fatigued from having a baby and working really hard since day 10 of birth. My son now is 13 months and 11 kilos. Doctor gave cymbalta but i am scared to take them. As a pediatrician, what is your opinion? My sons pediatrician is my friend and i prefer not to let her know about my mental health problem. Thanks
Hi i have developed some weird neurological symptoms (inner tremor, muscle twitching etc) and my neurologist thinks os just stress and anxiety. She suggested that i only relax and ot will go away, however i developed severe health anxiety due to these symptoms. I lost my sleep and happinedd for 3 months now as i am scared i may have something serious. The neurologist saw me 3 times, and didn't find anything. She thinks i am very fatigued from having a baby and working really hard since day 10 of birth. My son now is 13 months and 11 kilos. Doctor gave cymbalta but i am scared to take them. As a pediatrician, what is your opinion? My sons pediatrician is my friend and i prefer not to let her know about my mental health problem. Thanks
Brief Answer:
You can take the medicine and shift to formula feeds
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Cymbalta contains Duloxetine, an antidepressant. This drug is secreted in breast milk and can cause some effects in baby too while on breast feeding. So it is suggested to stop breast feeding and shift to formula feeds. As he is already 13 months, nothing wrong in this.
Kindly take the medicine as advised by your doctor, as leaving the illness untreated can cause much more trouble to you and baby.
Also, no need to feel guilty or hide the illness from your friends and family. This is just like any other illness and once informed, you will get good mental and emotional support from friends and family, which equally important as taking medicines. World mental health day is celebrated on October 10th every year to create awareness about mental diseases among the public and patients, in an attempt to avoid such negative feelings.
So nothing to worry- start taking the drug as prescribed without a second thought and talk openly to your closer ones. You will be alright in a couple of months and we can taper down the drug after that. Wishing you good health
Dr Muhammed Aslam, Paediatrician
You can take the medicine and shift to formula feeds
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Cymbalta contains Duloxetine, an antidepressant. This drug is secreted in breast milk and can cause some effects in baby too while on breast feeding. So it is suggested to stop breast feeding and shift to formula feeds. As he is already 13 months, nothing wrong in this.
Kindly take the medicine as advised by your doctor, as leaving the illness untreated can cause much more trouble to you and baby.
Also, no need to feel guilty or hide the illness from your friends and family. This is just like any other illness and once informed, you will get good mental and emotional support from friends and family, which equally important as taking medicines. World mental health day is celebrated on October 10th every year to create awareness about mental diseases among the public and patients, in an attempt to avoid such negative feelings.
So nothing to worry- start taking the drug as prescribed without a second thought and talk openly to your closer ones. You will be alright in a couple of months and we can taper down the drug after that. Wishing you good health
Dr Muhammed Aslam, Paediatrician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
You are right that mental health should be stigmatised. Unfortunately he doesn't accept bottle feeding. I have tried with 3 different bottles and many brands of milk, he cries and he is completely negative. Do you have any suggestions on how to swap to formula feeding? Thank you
Brief Answer:
Can use cup/glass
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I understand your concern.
Usually babies do accept bottle feeds at least after a few days of repeated attempts.
Anyhow if he refuses, nothing to worry, we can try feeding him with a glass or cup and spoon, as he is already 13 months and is in a position to be trained so. Also, we can start giving almost all items in the family pot now.
Keep trying to feed himself with bottle feeds when he is hungry. Promote self feeding.
I hope this answer will help
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help; otherwise you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer.
Regards, Dr Aslam
Can use cup/glass
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I understand your concern.
Usually babies do accept bottle feeds at least after a few days of repeated attempts.
Anyhow if he refuses, nothing to worry, we can try feeding him with a glass or cup and spoon, as he is already 13 months and is in a position to be trained so. Also, we can start giving almost all items in the family pot now.
Keep trying to feed himself with bottle feeds when he is hungry. Promote self feeding.
I hope this answer will help
If you need further clarification, I will be happy to help; otherwise you can close the discussion and kindly rate the answer.
Regards, Dr Aslam
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
