Can taking Mirtazapine while breastfeeding increase the hunger in the baby?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been taking Mirtazapine 15 g a day for anxiety. I have a baby who is 17 days old. He is hungry most of the time and will take between 3 to 5 ounces at each feed which is between two to three hours. I know the Mirtazapine can increase hunger, and I have put on weight since starting it. Can it affect my son by increasing his hunger? I want to know if his hunger is normal or if it is a side effect of the medicine. Along the breastfeeding, I am also feeding him formula milk. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

The dose of Mirtazapine you are taking is very low. Mirtazapine is an antidepressant found in milk only when the dosage is higher than 120 mg per day. Even if secreted in milk, the amount found in milk is very low, giving undesirable side effects. To check if the hunger your baby is having is normal for her age or a side effect of Mirtazapine, I think we should evaluate her growing chart. Please discuss this with her pediatrician. If everything is ok, then her hunger is not due to Mirtazapine.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.