Is Tranylcypromine safe while breastfeeding?
Here is what LactMed, the Drugs and Lactation Database published by the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), reports about Tranylcypromine. The text below is quoted from that source — it is not our own verdict.
Summary of use during breastfeeding
Because little information is available on the use of tranylcypromine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Effects on the breastfed infant
A woman with severe depression took tranylcypromine 100 to 120 mg daily, as well as pimozide, diazepam and alprazolam during pregnancy and postpartum. She breastfed her infant until about 2 weeks postpartum when the infant developed abdominal distension and feeding intolerance. The symptoms resolved on discontinuation of breastfeeding.[1]
Effects on milk supply
Nine subjects were treated with an average dose of 29 mg daily (range 10 to 40 mg daily) of oral tranylcypromine for an average of 16 days. Serum prolactin levels increased by 3 mcg/L.[2]The clinical relevance of these findings in nursing mothers is not known. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Levels in milk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Alternatives LactMed lists
Source: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Tranylcypromine” (LM311). LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Educational summary of an authoritative source — not medical advice. Never start, stop, or change a medicine while breastfeeding without confirming with your doctor.