Can Zoloft Be Causing My Breast Milk?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I am taking 50mg of Zoloft daily due to trauma that occurred in my family.  I am the mother of 3 and my youngest is nine.  The problem that I am experiencing is that both of my breasts are producing milk again as if I were breast feeding (which I did do for all three children).  Is this as common as my gynecologist is telling me?  I am to see him for blood tests to rule out something, but I am concerned.  Could you give me some answers?

Thank you.

ANSWER:

Zoloft is unlikely to be causing the breast milk.  Your doctor will be checking your "prolactin" blood level.  The usual reason for this problem is a tiny tumor in the pituitary gland that will require close medical follow up over time.