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Serum fluvoxamine levels in breastfed infants
C M Piontek1, K L Wisner, J M Perel
1Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|March 15, 2001
Summary
Mothers taking fluvoxamine for postpartum depression had undetectable levels in their infants. Both infants remained healthy, suggesting potential safety, but more research is needed for breastfeeding mothers.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Psychiatry
- Neonatal Pharmacology
Background:
- Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of new mothers.
- Antidepressants are effective but their infant safety during breastfeeding is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess infant serum levels of fluvoxamine in breastfeeding mothers.
- To evaluate infant safety during maternal fluvoxamine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Case series of two mother-infant pairs treated with fluvoxamine postpartum.
- Maternal and infant serum fluvoxamine levels were measured after a stable dose.
Main Results:
- Infant serum fluvoxamine levels were below the limit of quantification (2.5 ng/mL).
- No adverse events were observed in the infants.
- Infants remained healthy 2-3 years post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- Infant exposure to maternal fluvoxamine appears to be safe in these limited cases.
- Further studies with larger sample sizes and behavioral observations are warranted.
- This data aids risk-benefit decisions for breastfeeding mothers on fluvoxamine.