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Title: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Poison_viper on February 24, 2012, 06:12:45 PM
So, I am breastfeeding a 1 year old, and I have been put on lofepramine. The doctor did assure me it is safe while breastfeeding. But the leaflet, and the internet both seem to say to avoid as there is very little information on its safety while breastfeeding. Other sites with more information are saying different (but similar) Antidepressants should be used with preference, so I wondered why I was given these ones specifically?

I'm not too worried, my baby is generally quite healthy sturdy thing, and I will be keeping an eye on her, just a little.... nervous. Anyone had any experience? I suppose at least I wasn't told I must stop breastfeeding like so many women are told when given medication....
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Poison_viper on February 26, 2012, 04:34:53 PM
Shameless  :bump:

Would really love to know if anyone has any experience of breastfeeding on this.... or any other Tricyclics? Or breastfeeding on any antidepressants really!
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Bea on February 26, 2012, 06:22:02 PM
I was told by my psych that I had to stop breast feeding if I was going back onto ADs.  I decided I wanted to feed my baby more than I wanted the ADs, so I tore up the script and carried on feeding him.  
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Poison_viper on February 26, 2012, 06:35:09 PM
I wonder if that was down to a lack of breastfeeding knowledge or information?

My doctor was very convinced it was safe, but internet sources say only to take while breastfeeding if a medical professional thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.... which seems less safe...
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Bea on February 26, 2012, 07:29:07 PM
I wonder if that was down to a lack of breastfeeding knowledge or information?
Probably both ::)  My MH SW was the most supportive and she felt that positive mental benefits that I was getting from feeding him outweighed the depression, and that were I to stop before I was ready, then I would struggle with guilt and that wouldn't be good.
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Poison_viper on February 26, 2012, 08:24:38 PM
yeah, I would say breastfeeding is overall helpful to my mental health, sure I get tired, and down sometimes about the lack of freedom it gives me. But it is also such a positive thing for me, not just that is it healthiest for both of us. But when I am not feeling at my best, it ensures I spend the time connecting with mini-est viper, and bar the times when she rejects a feed or wiggles so much it is near impossible to keep her on it is such a lovely time for both of us, and tends to lift my mood  :)

But I also really do want to knock this depression on the head, I know I will be a better parent once I have.....

I have been taking the meds, and breastfeeding still, on the doctors advice, but still feeling a little uneasy about it.
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Bea on February 27, 2012, 03:04:53 PM
I can understand your fears  :hug1: your doctor wouldn't have started you on them if he wasn't sure it was ok  :hug2:

How many times are you feeding now - I guess as she's over 1, that you aren't  her only food source? Could you give her a morning feed , then take your tablet straight after, to give it plenty of time to get through your system - before feeding again? (or straight after her bedtime feed - giving the whole night for it to get through you ? )

  :hug1:
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: diamondwithaflaw on February 27, 2012, 03:19:18 PM
^ great suggestion. I've taken an AD before when breastfeeding and took at night as suggested here as cluster feeding at night was no longer happening.
Title: Re: lofepramine and breastfeeding?
Post by: Poison_viper on February 27, 2012, 04:25:54 PM
I can understand your fears  :hug1: your doctor wouldn't have started you on them if he wasn't sure it was ok  :hug2:

How many times are you feeding now - I guess as she's over 1, that you aren't  her only food source? Could you give her a morning feed , then take your tablet straight after, to give it plenty of time to get through your system - before feeding again? (or straight after her bedtime feed - giving the whole night for it to get through you ? )

  :hug1:
I'm not her only food source, but she is VERY keen on her milk, saying that though she has become less interested in her daytime feeds and has been taking more at night, I'm trying to rectify that at the moment by getting in as much daytime milk as possible, and holding out on night feeds as much as reasonably possible (without letting her scream for hours, which she will do if she really wants it!)

I am hoping she is simply deciding she needs less milk generally, I managed to get her to go 7 hours without a feed last night, so progress is being made! And I am taking my tablet straight after giving her last night feed, already thought it  :)