Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Bupropion-Hcl? Is Bupropion-Hcl safe for nursing mother and child? Does Bupropion-Hcl extracts into breast milk? Does Bupropion-Hcl has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Bupropion-Hcl influence milk supply or can Bupropion-Hcl decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Bupropion-Hcl lactation summary

Bupropion-Hcl usage has low risk in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Bupropion-Hcl is 3 out of 8 which is considered Low Risk as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 3 indicates that usage of Bupropion-Hcl may cause some minor side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Bupropion-Hcl may cause moderate to no side effects in lactating mother.
  • Most of scientific studies and research papers declaring usage of Bupropion-Hcl low risk in breastfeeding are based on normal dosage and may not hold true for higher dosage.
  • While using Bupropion-Hcl We suggest monitoring child for possible reactions. It is also important to understand that side effects vary largely based on age of breastfed child and time of medication in addition to dosage.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Bupropion-Hcl usage in lactation

Selective inhibitor of the neuronal reuptake of catecholamines (noradrenaline and dopamine). It is used as an antidepressant and to help stop smoking (Baraona 2017). Administered orally, one daily dose. Although the concentration in milk is much higher than the plasma concentration, it is excreted in breast milk in very small amounts (Neuman 2014, Davis 2009, Haas 2004, Briggs 1993). The plasma levels of infants whose mothers were taking it were undetectable or very low (Neuman 2014, Davis 2009, Baab 2002, Briggs 1993). Given the negligible excretion in milk, the absence of plasma levels in infants and the fact that no problems were observed in infants in several publications (Nonacs 2005, Baab 2002, Briggs 1993), two cases of seizures in infants whose mothers were taking bupropion are difficult to explain, whether in monotherapy (Chaudron 2004) or associated with other antidepressants (Neuman 2014). Progress was satisfactory. Bupropion does not alter prolactin levels (Whiteman 1982). Avoid in mothers with a history of epilepsy since it decreases the seizure threshold. Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer alternatives known may be preferable (Sriraman 2015, Carson 2013, Berle 2011, Davanzo 2011), especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. See below the information of these related products:

Alternate Drugs for Drugs used in addictive disorders (nicotine, alcohol, opioids). ATC N07B

Naltrexone(Low Risk)
Varenicline(Unsafe)
Acamprosate Calcium(Low Risk)
Nicotine replacement therapy(Safe)
Disulfiram(Dangerous)
Electronic cigarette(Low Risk)
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