Here are a couple studies on the use of tricyclic antidepressants during
lactation (I'm not a med. professional, so these citations may not be in proper
form, but should be complete enough for you to find them).

Int'l. Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, Vol. 21(2), 1991
Trycyclic Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Preliminary Report
S. Misri & K. Sivertz
Dep't. of Psychiatry
University Hospital-Shaughnessy Site
Vancouver, B.C.

"no adverse effects on the breastfed infants of mothers on TCAs.  However, all
of the lactatiing mothers who refused TCAs had exacerbation of symptoms; two
required treatment in hospital, and all five ultimately had to discontinue
nursing and commence treatment with TCAs."

and

Int'l Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, Vol. 24(2), 1994
Psychotropic Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation
H. Goldberg & R. Nissim
Kauai Community Mental Health Center
University of Hawaii

This study is a literature review.

The older the baby the better (kidney function), and there are a lot of BF women
who are using medication as a PART of treatment for PPD.  IMHO, weaning in order
to use medication (as well as plenty of other reasons for weaning) could really
worsen the PPD.  BF is something to take pride in, it really is the best thing
for babies and moms.  What about a check on hormone levels by a good
endocrinologist?

While we are on the subject, I highly recommend the Postpartum Survival Guide by
Dunnewold and Sanford. Good for moms to read and excellent reference material.

BTW: one side effect of tricyclics can be an increased milk supply due to
increase in prolactin concentration :)

Okay, hope it's helpful.  Best wishes to the mom.

Anne Varberg, LLL leader applicant
in Minneapolis