Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet Breastfeeding

Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet while Breastfeeding

Q: I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet , is it safe?

Though Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.

It is a well known fact that breastfeeding is best source of nutrition for infants. Breast milk provides minerals, vitamins and antibodies in most acceptable format when they need it. Nutrition taken by mother passes to breast-milk and same thing applies to medicines taken by mothers. Not all drugs cause problem for baby but some do. Lets analyze if Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet is safe for baby while breastfed.

What is Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet used for?

Bupropion hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder. A physician considering bupropion hydrochloride tablets for the management of a patient’s first episode of depression should be aware that the drug may cause generalized seizures in a dose-dependent manner with an approximate incidence of 0.4% (4/1,000). This incidence of seizures may exceed that of other marketed antidepressants by as much as 4-fold. This relative risk is only an approximate estimate because no direct comparative studies have been conducted (see WARNINGS ). The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride tablets has been established in 3 placebo-controlled trials, including 2 of approximately 3 weeks’ duration in depressed inpatients and one of approximately 6 weeks’ duration in depressed outpatients. The depressive disorder of the patients studied corresponds most closely to the Major Depression category of the APA Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III. Major Depression implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks); it should include at least 4 of the following 8 symptoms: change in appetite, change in sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive, increased fatigability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicidal ideation or attempts. Effectiveness of bupropion hydrochloride tablets in long-term use, that is, for more than 6 weeks, has not been systematically evaluated in controlled trials. Therefore, the physician who elects to use bupropion hydrochloride tablets for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.

I am breastfeeding mother and I am using Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet. Can it have any bad effect on my kid? Shall I search for better alternative?

Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet low risk for breastfeeding

Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet contains only one active ingredient that is Bupropion hydrochloride. We have analyzed the usage of Bupropion hydrochloride in breastfeeding and our analysis suggest that Bupropion hydrochloride poses Low risk for infant while breastfeeding and hence Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet itself shall be considered Low risk item for breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
Nursing Mothers Like many other drugs, bupropion and its metabolites are secreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from bupropion, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys

Bupropion hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 34911-55-2

Is Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet safe while breastfeeding

Selective inhibitor of the neuronal reuptake of catecholamines (noradrenaline and dopamine). It is used as an antidepressant and to help stop smoking (Baraona 2017). Administered orally, one daily dose. Although the concentration in milk is much higher than the plasma concentration, it is excreted in breast milk in very small amounts (Neuman 2014, Davis 2009, Haas 2004, Briggs 1993). The plasma levels of infants whose mothers were taking it were undetectable or very low (Neuman 2014, Davis 2009, Baab 2002, Briggs 1993). Given the negligible excretion in milk, the absence of plasma levels in infants and the fact that no problems were observed in infants in several publications (Nonacs 2005, Baab 2002, Briggs 1993), two cases of seizures in infants whose mothers were taking bupropion are difficult to explain, whether in monotherapy (Chaudron 2004) or associated with other antidepressants (Neuman 2014). Progress was satisfactory. Bupropion does not alter prolactin levels (Whiteman 1982). Avoid in mothers with a history of epilepsy since it decreases the seizure threshold. Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer alternatives known may be preferable (Sriraman 2015, Carson 2013, Berle 2011, Davanzo 2011), especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. See below the information of these related products:

Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2

Bupropion hydrochloride while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 34911-55-2

Limited information indicates that maternal bupropion doses of up to 300 mg daily produce low levels in breastmilk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. However, there is little reported use in breastfed newborn infants and case reports of a possible seizure in partially breastfed 6-month-olds. If bupropion is required by a nursing mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, another drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Infants exposed to bupropion and an SSRI through breastfeeding should be closely monitored for vomiting, diarrhea, jitteriness, or sedation and possibly measurement of serum levels to rule out toxicity if there is a concern.

What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet comes in category of low risk drug.

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet, is it safe?

Though Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.

If I am using Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Bupropion Hydrochloride Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week