Summary of Use during Lactation

Because little information is available on the use of tranylcypromine during breastfeeding, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

A woman with severe depression took tranylcypromine 100 to 120 mg daily, as well as pimozide, diazepam and alprazolam during pregnancy and postpartum. She breastfed her infant until about 2 weeks postpartum when the infant developed abdominal distension and feeding intolerance. The symptoms resolved on discontinuation of breastfeeding.[1]

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Nine subjects were treated with an average dose of 29 mg daily (range 10 to 40 mg daily) of oral tranylcypromine for an average of 16 days. Serum prolactin levels increased by 3 mcg/L.[2]The clinical relevance of these findings in nursing mothers is not known. The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Nortriptyline, Paroxetine, Sertraline

References

1.

Kennedy D, Webster WS, Hill M, et al. Abnormal pregnancy outcome associated with high-dose maternal tranylcypromine therapy: Case report and literature review. Reprod Toxicol. 2017;69:146–9. [PubMed: 28237611]

2.

Price LH, Charney DS, Heninger GR. Effects of tranylcypromine treatment on neuroendocrine, behavioral, and autonomic responses to tryptophan in depressed patients. Life Sci. 1985;37:809–18. [PubMed: 4033356]

Substance Name

Tranylcypromine

CAS Registry Number

155-09-9

Drug Class

Breast Feeding

Lactation

Antidepressive Agents

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors