Serzone and Breastfeeding

In a clinical study on Serzone and breastfeeding, the medication passed through the mother's breast milk to the nursing baby. Although there has been one report of Serzone causing problems in a breastfed baby, the full risks are not known because long-term studies have not been conducted at this point. Since there are potential risks with Serzone, breastfeeding mothers should talk to their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of nursing while taking the antidepressant.

 

Serzone and Breastfeeding: An Overview

The manufacturer of Serzone® (nefazodone hydrochloride) states that it is not known if the drug passes through breast milk. However, recent studies have shown that Serzone is indeed passed through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, it is recommended that healthcare providers look at the possible risks and benefits before recommending Serzone while breastfeeding. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding, make sure to let your healthcare provider know.
 
Practically, when healthcare providers are asked about Serzone and breastfeeding, they often advise their patients that it is okay to breastfeed while taking the medication. This is because, in many cases, the benefits of breastfeeding a child outweigh the possible risks.
 

Serzone and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?

One study has looked at whether Serzone is passed through breast milk. In this study, it was shown that the medication passes through breast milk. Additionally, there is one report of Serzone causing problems in a breastfed baby. The baby experienced the following symptoms:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Poor feeding
  • Problems with keeping a steady body temperature.
     
Also, because there are no long-term studies on the effect of exposure to Serzone through breastfeeding, the full risks to the baby are not known.
 
(Serzone and Breastfeeding Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;