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Long term effects of Lexapro

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  • Long term effects of Lexapro

    I was recently given a prescription for Lexapro, but haven’t taken it yet. I know it is considered compatible for breastfeeding, but I am still nervous about taking it and have some concerns. Are there any studies/information on the long term effects on the nursing baby? Also, is there a time in relation to when I nurse, that would be ideal to take it? I usually take my vitamins and such right before I nurse one last time before going to bed. Is that an ok time to take it or should I wait until after I nurse to take it? Thank you so much for your help!

  • #2
    Heidimo37,

    Lexapro (escitalopram) is rated an L2-probably compatible. The amount that transfers into breast milk is 5.2-7.9% of your dose. "Recent and good data now show that levels in milk are low, and that plasma levels of escitalopram are low to undetectable in most infants. While the number of case reports in the literature are still low, it would appear this medication is suitable to use in breastfeeding mothers." (Medications and Mothers' Milk database, Dr Thomas Hale PhD).This pubmed article states that the median amount of transfer is only 1.7% of your dose. ([url]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29651785/[/url]). Long term effects have not been studied well. ([url]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10752001/[/url]), but we think as long as your infant is not symptomatic while you are taking the medication then it should not be a problem later down the road. Monitor your infant for sedation or irritability, poor feedings and poor weight gain.

    Sandra Lovato R.N.
    InfantRisk Center

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by Sandra View Post
      Heidimo37,

      Lexapro (escitalopram) is rated an L2-probably compatible. The amount that transfers into breast milk is 5.2-7.9% of your dose. "Recent and good data now show that levels in milk are low, and that plasma levels of escitalopram are low to undetectable in most infants. While the number of case reports in the literature are still low, it would appear this medication is suitable to use in breastfeeding mothers." (Medications and Mothers' Milk database, Dr Thomas Hale PhD).This pubmed article states that the median amount of transfer is only 1.7% of your dose. ([url]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29651785/[/url]). Long term effects have not been studied well. ([url]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10752001/[/url]), but we think as long as your infant is not symptomatic while you are taking the medication then it should not be a problem later down the road. Monitor your infant for sedation or irritability, poor feedings and poor weight gain.

      Sandra Lovato R.N.
      InfantRisk Center
      Thanks for the infomation

      Comment

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