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Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs01:28

Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
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Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
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Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model

Published on: June 6, 2025

Antidepressant medication use during breastfeeding.

Teresa Lanza di Scalea1, Katherine L Wisner

  • 1Department of Neurosciences, Operative Unit of Psychiatry, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Nomentana, Rome, Italy.

Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 8, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Breastfeeding mothers can safely use certain antidepressants. Sertraline, paroxetine, nortriptyline, and imipramine are recommended for use during lactation, showing they are not mutually exclusive with breastfeeding.

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Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
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Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model

Published on: June 6, 2025

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Reproductive Health

Background:

  • Antidepressant use during breastfeeding is a common concern for mothers.
  • Limited data exists on the safety and efficacy of various antidepressants during lactation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review empirical evidence on antidepressant use during breastfeeding.
  • To identify antidepressants with the most supporting data for maternal and infant safety.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an electronic literature search (June 2002-December 2008) across multiple databases.
  • Included English-language articles reporting antidepressant levels in maternal serum, breast milk, and infant serum, along with clinical outcomes.
  • Analyzed 31 empirical papers.

Main Results:

  • Breastfeeding and antidepressant treatment are not mutually exclusive.
  • Sertraline, paroxetine, nortriptyline, and imipramine demonstrated the strongest evidence base for use during breastfeeding.
  • Data included maternal serum, breast milk, infant serum levels, and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Several antidepressants can be safely used by breastfeeding mothers.
  • Sertraline, paroxetine, nortriptyline, and imipramine are the most evidence-based choices for managing maternal depression while breastfeeding.