Antipsychotics of Choice during Lactation

Lactation is a period when mothers are not only nurturing their infants physically but also emotionally. However, for mothers with severe mental health conditions, the challenges can be overwhelming. Untreated psychiatric disorders can adversely affect the mother’s ability to bond with her baby and meet the infant’s needs. Thus, finding a balance between effective treatment and breastfeeding becomes crucial.

The decision to use antipsychotics during lactation involves weighing the benefits of maternal mental health improvement against potential risks to the infant. Through open communication with healthcare providers and careful monitoring, mothers can make informed choices that prioritize the well-being of both themselves and their precious infants.

LET’S ANSWER THIS QUESTION FIRST:

Which of the following antipsychotics have the lowest risk of passage in breast milk?

Answer: Olanzapine

  • Maternal doses of olanzapine up to 20 mg daily produce low levels in milk and undetectable levels in the serum of breastfed infants.
  • Among second-generation antipsychotics, olanzapine is the first-line agent during breastfeeding.

 

Source: Lactmed

FOR ACADEMY MEMBERS:

Antipsychotics of Choice During Lactation

This academy chapter will summarize the use of antipsychotics during lactation in the following sections:

  1. FIRST-LINE treatment options during lactation. 
  2. Use these antipsychotics with CAUTION.
  3. Which antipsychotics to AVOID.
  4. Dividing antipsychotics based on Relative Infant Dose during lactation.

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Responses

  1. Love this post! Dr Singh please make more video discussion about antipsychotics, CATIE trials and LAI antipsychotics please!

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