Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet Breastfeeding

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 Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet is safe for baby while breastfed.

What is Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet used for?


Lexapro® is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for: Acute and Maintenance Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents aged 12-17 years (1.1) Acute Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults (1.2) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Lexapro (escitalopram) is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and in adolescents 12 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.1)]. A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least five of the following nine symptoms: depressed mood, loss of interest in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation. 1.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Lexapro is indicated for the acute treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14.2)]. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by excessive anxiety and worry (apprehensive expectation) that is persistent for at least 6 months and which the person finds difficult to control. It must be associated with at least 3 of the following symptoms: restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance.

What are the risk associated with Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet usage while breastfeeding? What precautions shall I take while using it in breastfeeding?

Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet safe for breastfeeding
Escitalopram is the only one ingredient used in manufacturing of Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet, Which makes it easier to analyze its effect in breastfeeding. As per our analysis of Escitalopram it is safe to use Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet while lactating. We suggest you to check further details below about Escitalopram usage in breastfeeding.

Statement of Manufacturer/Labeler about breastfeeding usage
8.3 Nursing Mothers Escitalopram is excreted in human breast milk. Limited data from women taking 10-20 mg escitalopram showed that exclusively breast-fed infants receive approximately 3.9% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose of escitalopram and 1.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose of desmethylcitalopram. There were two reports of infants experiencing excessive somnolence, decreased feeding, and weight loss in association with breastfeeding from a racemic citalopram-treated mother; in one case, the infant was reported to recover completely upon discontinuation of racemic citalopram by its mother and, in the second case, no follow-up information was available. Caution should be exercised and breastfeeding infants should be observed for adverse reactions when Lexapro is administered to a nursing woman.

Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Escitalopram while Breastfeeding

Safe

CAS Number: 128196-01-0

S-Enantiomer of Citalopram that shares similar pharmacokinetics and properties with Citalopram. Excretion into breast milk is clinically non-significant. Serum levels of infants from breastfeeding mothers who were treated have been shown to be undetectable or very low. Overall, short or long-term harmful effect has not been reported among breastfed infants. Isolated cases of irritability and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis after intrauterine exposure have appeared in medical literature contrasting with harmlessness reported by others. Galactorrhea associated or not to hyperprolactinemia, may appear. Women who are on antidepressant treatment in pregnancy are in need of special and intensive support for breastfeeding because of a high risk of early weaning.

Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Escitalopram while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 128196-01-0

Is Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet safe while breastfeeding

Escitalopram is the -isomer of the antidepressant, citalopram. Limited information indicates that maternal doses of escitalopram up to 20 mg daily produce low levels in milk and would not be expected to cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially if the infant is older than 2 months. One case of necrotizing enterocolitis was reported in an breastfed newborn whose mother was taking escitalopram during pregnancy and lactation, but causality was not established. A seizure-like event occurred in an infant who was also exposed to bupropion in milk. Other minor behavioral problems have also been reported. Monitor the infant for drowsiness, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and when using combinations of psychotropic drugs. Mothers taking an SSRI during pregnancy and postpartum may have more difficulty breastfeeding, although this might be a reflection of their disease state.[1] These mothers may need additional breastfeeding support. Breastfed infants exposed to an SSRI during the third trimester of pregnancy have a lower risk of poor neonatal adaptation than formula-fed infants.


What should I do if already breastfed my kid after using Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet?

It is always a good idea to keep your healthcare provider or doctor informed about your drug usage during pregnancy and breastfeeding but if you have not informed your doctor about Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet and have used it then do not panic as Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet is mostly safe in breastfeeding and should not cause any harm to your baby.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet, is it safe?

Definitely, Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet is safe in lactation for baby. No wonder your doctor has recommended it.


If I am using Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

No extra baby monitoring required while mother is using Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate Tablet


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Lexapro | Escitalopram Oxalate 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

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