Mother breastfeeding baby in bed

Is Zoloft Safe to Take While Breastfeeding?

Postpartum mood disorders are fairly common, affecting 13% of people who give birth in the United States, according to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Screening for depressive symptoms both before and after childbirth is important for getting the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, which can be lifesaving. Some people who experience postpartum depression are treated with a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants (via Mayo Clinic). However, whatever medication you take will enter your breast milk if you’re breastfeeding. Zoloft is a common treatment for depression and other mental health conditions, but is it safe to take while breastfeeding?

Zoloft, the brand name of the drug sertraline, is often used to treat a number of mental health disorders, such as major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, according to MedlinePlus. It can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly, so it’s important to speak to your doctor if you’re considering becoming pregnant or if you choose to breastfeed.

Often, a doctor will only recommend you take a medication while breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks (via Healthline). If postpartum depression goes untreated, it can have serious consequences. A mother with this condition may not be able to care for or bond with their baby, and they may have suicidal ideations.

The benefits of taking Zoloft while breastfeeding

Mother with postpartum depression

While Zoloft does pass into breast milk, it’s not enough to outweigh the benefits of treating postpartum depression (per Healthline). A 2024 study published in the Archive of Women’s Mental Health found that only small amounts are present in milk, with levels peaking about 8-9 hours after taking a dose. The benefits of breastfeeding are also vast, so continuing to nurse your baby is valuable, if that option is available. Benefits include various nutritional and health advantages, increased attachment, and opportunities for parent-baby bonding, per Healthline.

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However, there may be some side effects of taking Zoloft while breastfeeding that you should be aware of. It may cause slightly decreased milk production, lack of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia, increased sweating and urination, and decreased sex drive. Rarely, it may worsen depression symptoms or cause increased thoughts of suicide, in which case you should contact your doctor immediately. Other ways of treating postpartum depression include joining new parent support groups, getting regular exercise, massage therapy, and meditation.

Lesa O'Leary
Lesa O'Leary

Lesa is a dynamic member of OzHelp’s Service Delivery Team as the Service Delivery Team Leader and Nurse. She has been with OzHelp for five years and believes in leading by example. Lesa has experience in the not-for-profit sector, as well as many roles throughout different industries and sectors, including as a contractor to the Department of Defence. She has expertise in delivering OzHelp’s health and wellbeing programs and engaging with clients in a relaxed and comfortable manner that aligns with the organisation’s vision and objectives.

Lesa has a Certificate 4 in Nursing from Wodonga Tafe, Certificate 4 in Mental Health from Open Colleges, and is currently undertaking a Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment from Tafe NSW. For the past few months Lesa has been an Education and Memberships committee member of the ACT Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).