Lactation-Related Side Effects of Aripiprazole: A Study From Perinatal Psychiatry Services in India

Aripiprazole, a prolactin-sparing antipsychotic, is considered relatively safe during pregnancy and has a better metabolic profile compared to other antipsychotics. However, its impact on lactation has not been adequately studied. This study aimed to assess the relationship between aripiprazole use during pregnancy and the postpartum period with lactation outcomes.

Clinical charts of women attending perinatal psychiatry services between January 2016 and December 2021 were reviewed for details of aripiprazole prescription, clinical information, and lactation outcomes. Lactation failure was defined as the total absence of milk flow or secretion of minimal amounts for at least 7 days.

Among the 398 women attending perinatal psychiatry services, 60 were prescribed aripiprazole during pregnancy, with lactation data available for 35 women who continued the drug during the postpartum period. The mean age of women in years was 29 (±4.4) years. The most common diagnosis for aripiprazole prescription was schizophrenia (60%). Approximately 54.2% of the women were primiparous. Of the 35 women with available lactation data, 26 (74%) experienced complete lactation failure, and 4 (11%) had insufficient milk production while on aripiprazole. The mean dose of aripiprazole was 16.4 mg/day, with a mean duration of use of 20 months.

In this study, most women who continued aripiprazole through pregnancy and postpartum experienced either lactation failure or insufficient milk production. It is important to discuss lactation issues associated with the use of aripiprazole with women during pregnancy and the postpartum period.