From the Research
Reboxetine is generally considered safe during breastfeeding, with limited data suggesting that the amount of reboxetine transferred into breast milk is low, and no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking reboxetine. The medication has a relatively short half-life, which helps minimize infant exposure 1. If reboxetine is needed for maternal mental health, the benefits of treating the mother's condition typically outweigh the theoretical risks to the breastfed infant. However, as with any medication during lactation, it's advisable to monitor the infant for unusual drowsiness, feeding difficulties, or changes in sleep patterns. For mothers who are concerned about minimizing infant exposure, taking the medication immediately after breastfeeding and waiting 2-3 hours before the next feeding session may help reduce the amount in milk, though this timing strategy isn't usually necessary given the low transfer rate.
Some key points to consider when evaluating the safety of reboxetine during breastfeeding include:
- The amount of reboxetine transferred into breast milk is low, with infants receiving approximately 1-2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose 1
- No adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking reboxetine 1
- The medication has a relatively short half-life, which helps minimize infant exposure 1
- Maintaining maternal mental health is crucial for both mother and infant wellbeing, so appropriate treatment should not be withheld due to breastfeeding concerns 2, 3, 4
It's essential to note that while reboxetine is considered safe, the decision to breastfeed while taking this medication should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual mother's and infant's health and circumstances 3, 4.