Can You Take Wellbutrin While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Wellbutrin While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, while breastfeeding, but there are some points to consider.

Studies suggest that maternal doses of up to 300 mg daily result in low levels in breastmilk and shouldn’t cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. That sounds like good news, but there's a “but”: there have been some reports of potential seizures 1 in partially breastfed six-month-olds, so that's something to be mindful of.

A safety scoring system also recommends caution when using bupropion during breastfeeding. It's not necessarily a no-go for breastfeeding if you need to take bupropion, but another drug might be a better option, especially when nursing a newborn or preterm infant. 

And here's another thing: if you're taking an SSRI along with bupropion, keep a close watch on your little one for any changes like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual sleepiness. If in doubt, get a serum level check to rule out toxicity.

In the end, while it's possible to use Wellbutrin while breastfeeding, it's super important to discuss it with your doctor to ensure it's the best decision for both you and your baby.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. "Bupropion"Jan 15, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501184/.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Take Wellbutrin While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Wellbutrin While Breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, while breastfeeding, but there are some points to consider.

Studies suggest that maternal doses of up to 300 mg daily result in low levels in breastmilk and shouldn’t cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants. That sounds like good news, but there's a “but”: there have been some reports of potential seizures 1 in partially breastfed six-month-olds, so that's something to be mindful of.

A safety scoring system also recommends caution when using bupropion during breastfeeding. It's not necessarily a no-go for breastfeeding if you need to take bupropion, but another drug might be a better option, especially when nursing a newborn or preterm infant. 

And here's another thing: if you're taking an SSRI along with bupropion, keep a close watch on your little one for any changes like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual sleepiness. If in doubt, get a serum level check to rule out toxicity.

In the end, while it's possible to use Wellbutrin while breastfeeding, it's super important to discuss it with your doctor to ensure it's the best decision for both you and your baby.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. "Bupropion"Jan 15, 2023https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501184/.


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