An Overview of Symbyax and Breastfeeding
Symbyax® (
olanzapine and fluoxetine) is passed through breast milk. Because of the potentially serious side effects that could occur in the nursing infant, the manufacturer of the drug does not recommend that women who are breastfeeding use Symbyax. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or thinking of breastfeeding and have been prescribed Symbyax, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Symbyax and Breastfeeding: What Does the Research Say?
Symbyax passes through breast milk. There have been reports of a few problems when breastfeeding mothers took
olanzapine (one of the components of Symbyax). Drowsiness, yellow skin and eyes (jaundice), and
heart murmurs have occurred in breastfeeding infants whose mothers took olanzapine. If your healthcare provider recommends Symbyax while breastfeeding, be sure to watch for these and any other side effects in your child.
The other component,
fluoxetine, has been known to cause the following side effects in breastfed infants:
- Crying
- Sleeping problems
- Vomiting
- Watery stools.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Symbyax and Breastfeeding
You should talk with your healthcare provider about Symbyax and breastfeeding. Everyone's situation is different, and your healthcare provider understands your situation best. After considering what you want and expect (as well as your current health situation), the two of you can make a shared decision about Symbyax and breastfeeding that is right for you.
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