Anti-depressants and breastfeeding

[TracyJ]

Does anybody know of an anti depressant which is relatively safe to take while breastfeeding? I came off my tablets to conceive and have three weeks to go before my baby is due. I am desperate to breastfeed but am not coping very well and feel that I would be better going back on my pills. My GP isn't much help but my midwife is lovely and says there are some that are ok - she just doesn't know which ones. If nobody can help perhaps somebody can suggest a way of bypassing my doctor and asking a consultant at the hospital (I get the impression I can't do that without my GP's permission)

[smudge]

I do feel for you TracyJ. I would insist on seeing another GP! Good luck.

[ursula62]

Hi Tracy

You could look up your tablets here, and see if they are OK to take.

http://www.safefetus.com/

[Hgrove]

There is a mental health website:  www.mentalhealth.com  which I believe is reliable, however I believe it is Canadian so they may not know about the way the NHS works.

[woofgang]

smudge, I was going to post to say first thing is dump the unhelpful GP!!! Are you seeing anyone in maternity apart from your midwife? they do have ob/gynae doctors who you could ask to see without going through your GP

[smudge]

Yes, I'm glad my GP isn't like Tracy's woofgang!

[TracyJ]

Thanks for the replies. That safefetus website is really good. I've managed to look up a few sites which have told me that tons of research has been done on anti-depressants and breastfeeding and most doctors find them to be safe - so I'm going to print off a few pages and wave them under my GP's nose. Wish me luck!

[kick3m0n]

Tracy....I'd still urge you to change GPs.  Yours sounds really quite poor at his job.

[ursula62]

Tracy, if your GP has a group practice you are always at liberty to ask to see one of the other GPs in the practice, particularly if you feel that your doctor is being unsympathetic. It doesn't matter if your own GP is named as your doctor in your domino care plan, you can see anyone at the practice for advice and care.

[l_h_kings]

Hi Tracey,

I am currently on an antidepressant medication my gp and a locum have both told me is fine to take while trying to concieve and during pg, so i imagine it would be ok while bfeeding too. It is called cipralex and has really helped me feel a lot better since a very close bereavement in 03 and a miscarriage in 04.

good luck

[Marvin84]

So why does it say on the packaging Not to take them if trying to conceive or pregnant???

[joenjulie]

hi tracy, i do feel for you. like everyone else i say change your doctor. You do not have to go through any particular procedure. if there are other gps in the practice,make an appt to see another gp that you feel you have a rapport with and discuss your concerns with him or her. if there arent make an apt to see the practice manager and explain you would like to change your gp. if this seems a bit intimidating write a letter saying the same thing to the practice manager. then choose another gp. unfortunatley not all gps are as switched on to mental health issues as we could wish. Ii am a psych nurse but have been out of it for the last few years with kids ,so although i know there are antidepressents for use during breast feeding i wouldnt be comfortable stating names as things may have changed and updated. dont lose hope ,a decent gp will help. also if you continue to find it very hard to cope and need extra support your gp or midwife can refer you to the mental health services and they are very humanand will help. hope this helps and good luck!