From the Guidelines
It is not recommended to take Venlafaxine (Venixxa) while breastfeeding due to the potential risk of infant exposure to the drug through breast milk. According to a study published in the American Family Physician in 2015 1, Venlafaxine produces one of the highest infant plasma concentrations among antidepressants. While the study notes that there is little evidence to support a causal link between antidepressant use in breastfeeding mothers and adverse effects in infants, it also mentions that potential adverse effects in infants exposed to SSRIs and SNRIs via breast milk have been documented in case reports, including irritability and decreased feeding 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The lack of data on long-term neurocognitive effects of antidepressant exposure through breast milk 1
- The potential benefits of alternative treatments with better-established safety profiles during lactation, such as non-pharmacological approaches 1
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential benefits against any risks based on your specific situation and the severity of your symptoms. Given the potential risks and the availability of alternative treatments, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid taking Venlafaxine (Venixxa) unless absolutely necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
From the FDA Drug Label
Venlafaxine and ODV have been reported to be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from venlafaxine HCl, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother
- Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking venlafaxine HCl due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants.
- A decision should be made to either discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother 2.
From the Research
Venlafaxine and Breastfeeding
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the safety of taking venlafaxine while breastfeeding.
- However, it is known that venlafaxine is a serotonergic and noradrenergic antidepressant, and its use during pregnancy has been associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia 3.
- The studies provided focus on the efficacy, tolerability, and pharmacology of venlafaxine compared to other antidepressants, but do not address its use during breastfeeding specifically 4, 5, 6, 7.
- As a result, there is limited information available to determine the safety of venlafaxine for breastfeeding mothers, and more research would be needed to provide a definitive answer.