These medications were originally developed to use in cancer chemotherapy but have been found to help in some of the more severe or advanced cases of these illnesses. Most are contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers. The mother needs to discuss any possible use of these medications with her health care provider. Interestingly, antidepressants are also often used not only for depression, but to control pain and help regulate sleep. For example, low doses of a certain tricyclic antidepressant may be prescribed for fibromyalgia because of its sedating quality.
Some antidepressants are better than others with regard to breastfeeding.
Encourage the mother to discuss with her doctor or health care provider the wide variety of antidepressants available in order to find one compatible with breastfeeding. In conclusion, mothers with arthritis who want to breastfeed may need accurate information and support for their decision. You can help a mother who calls with these conditions by providing information on medications and breastfeeding, and by helping the mother anticipate and solve some of the issues to help make her breastfeeding experience a satisfying one. References Hale, T. Medications and Mothers' Milk. 13th Edition, Vol. 2.