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Is Breastfeeding Safe For A Child While On Lamictal?
I am 33 weeks pregnant and would like to breastfeed my newborn. However, I am taking Lamictal (400 mg) for bipolar II disorder. I cannot come off of the medication once she is born due to a high risk of postpartum psychosis (which occurred with my first child). Is it safe to breastfeed while continuing this medication? I have consulted my psychiatrist who said that the baby is already exposed, my pediatrician said it s moderately safe , however several medical publications on this issue has advised not to breastfeed because the baby cannot properly metabolize the medicatation and it builds up to therapeutic levels in their system. What should I do?
Mon, 11 May 2020
Hi dear,
Lamictal contains lamotrigine.
This drug is secreted in breastmilk, and can cause adverse effects like skin rash, drowsiness and poor feeding in baby. The effect depends, to some extent, on the dose you are taking.
So kindly discuss with your psychiatrist and pediatrician beforehand, so that we can do dose adjustments as necessary(may be able to decrease dose after delivery) and close monitoring for any effect on baby
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Dr Muhammed Aslam, Paediatrician
Lamictal contains lamotrigine.
This drug is secreted in breastmilk, and can cause adverse effects like skin rash, drowsiness and poor feeding in baby. The effect depends, to some extent, on the dose you are taking.
So kindly discuss with your psychiatrist and pediatrician beforehand, so that we can do dose adjustments as necessary(may be able to decrease dose after delivery) and close monitoring for any effect on baby
Hope I have answered your query
Let me know if I can assist you further
Dr Muhammed Aslam, Paediatrician
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