Is Venlafaxine compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine

July 1, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

It is a reuptake-inhibitor of Serotonin and Norepinephrine, and a precursor of Desvenlafaxine.

Excreted into breast milk in amounts that may be clinically significant, which has been found in the plasma of breastfed infants from treated mothers. However, side-effects in those infants have not been shown.

Various studies failed to show short or long-term side-effects among infants whose mothers were on Venlafaxine, both on physical or psychomotor development.

It may induce galactorrhea.

The poor extrauterine adaptation that may appear in neonates just after birth when the pregnant woman has been treated with selective reuptake-inhibitors of Serotonin like Venlafaxine or Mirtazapine, is seen to be mild if the baby is breastfed. In the case report of a mother who was taking this medication during pregnancy, her infant had shown amelioration of symptoms due to Abstinence Syndrome after having been breastfed.

Women who use antidepressant medication during pregnancy are in need of more support for breastfeeding since they are at risk for early weaning.

Alternatives

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Writings

  • βενλαφαξίνη υδροχλωρική (Greek)
  • Венлафаксина Гидрохлорид (Cyrillic)
  • 塩酸ベンラファキシン (Japanese)

Drug trade names

References

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