Summary of Use during Lactation

Because of the lack of data on use during breastfeeding, other antidepressants are preferred during breastfeeding.

Drug Levels

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.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Phenelzine can elevate serum prolactin in some patients and has caused galactorrhea in nonpregnant, nonnursing patients.[1,2] 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.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Nortriptyline, Paroxetine, Sertraline

References

1.

Coker F, Taylor D. Antidepressant-induced hyperprolactinaemia: Incidence, mechanisms and management. CNS Drugs. 2010;24:563–74. [PubMed: 20527996]

2.

Segal M, Heys RF. Inappropriate lactation. Br Med J. 1969;4:236. [PMC free article: PMC1629889] [PubMed: 5388733]

Substance Name

Phenelzine

CAS Registry Number

51-71-8

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antidepressive Agents

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors