Effect of exposure to dothiepin and northiaden in breast milk on child development

This study looks at the outcome of infants exposed to dothiepin in breast milk in an attempt to guide clinicians on the risk-benefit ratio of breast-feeding when on antidepressants.

Thirty women, who had had HDRS scores > 15 within the first five years postpartum from the same women's hospital, were assessed with their children 3-5 years postpartum; half had breast-fed while on dothiepin (study group). Thirty-six non-depressed women were also assessed. Rating scales assessed depression, anxiety, self-esteem, personality, social support, marital relationship, child behaviour and temperament. The children were assessed by the McCarthy Scale.

Comparisons of the two depressed groups showed no significant differences on any measures except marital conflict and child behaviour, which were the most disturbed in the study group (P < 0.001). Overall cognitive scores for the children did not differ between the groups. Higher levels of dothiepin and northiaden were associated with higher cognitive scores on subscales (P = 0.02).

We are cautiously optimistic about the lack of any negative associations between cognitive development and exposure to dothiepin via breast milk.