Q A psychiatrist prescribed me an antidepressant (SSRI). Can I take it while breastfeeding? And is it okay to take it together with herbal medicine?
A There are SSRIs that can be used while breastfeeding, so if you consult your specialist you can keep nursing while taking the medication. When combining with herbal medicine, inform both clinics that you are taking it and leave a gap of 1 to 2 hours.
Detailed Answer
Among antidepressants, SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are known to have low concentrations in breast milk and can be used relatively safely while breastfeeding. However, which medication to choose should be decided by a psychiatrist taking into account the baby's condition and nursing frequency, and stopping or reducing the dose on your own can cause withdrawal symptoms. If combining with herbal medicine, let both clinics know the list of medications you are taking, and leaving a gap of 1 to 2 hours generally allows them to be taken together without problems.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we always confirm that you are taking an antidepressant before composing the herbal formula. We base the prescription on a spirit-calming (ansin) formula that settles the Heart, while adjusting it to minimize the components passed to the baby during breastfeeding. We see combining antidepressants and herbal medicine not as a conflict but as a partnership that speeds recovery.
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