‘The darkest period of my life’: I struggled to breastfeed – then a drug sent me spiralling (30 May 2024)

Summary

Despite not being indicated for lactation in the UK, the anti-sickness medicine domperidone is increasingly being prescribed or bought illegally to aid lactation, but its side-effects can include anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. In this account for The Guardian, Rose Stokes describes her experience of being prescribed domperidone after the birth of her son. When her milk production didn't increase and with her mental health rapidly deteriorating, Rose bought her own supply of the drug online and through a private doctor and ended up taking more than five times the NHS maximum dose. When her mental state continued to worsen, she decided to suddenly stop taking domperidone which left her suicidal. She describes receiving no guidance on the mental health risks associated with the medication or sudden withdrawal.