Can you take phenelzine while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Because of the lack of data on use during breastfeeding, other antidepressants are preferred during breastfeeding.
Quoted from Phenelzine — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised February 15, 2021.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of phenelzine. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much phenelzine gets into breastmilk
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.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Phenelzine can elevate serum prolactin in some patients and has caused galactorrhea in nonpregnant, nonnursing patients. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take phenelzine while breastfeeding?
Because of the lack of data on use during breastfeeding, other antidepressants are preferred during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of phenelzine while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Nortriptyline, Paroxetine, Sertraline as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does phenelzine pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for phenelzine are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking phenelzine?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on phenelzine
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.