Will zoloft (sertraline) while breast feeding alter the baby's brain chemistry? will they become more reliant on this medication?

Considered safe: This medication is only fractionally (<2%) present in breast milk and existing studies consider it safe at maternal doses of <150mg/day. Its minimal transfer makes the effect on the babies system negligible.

Zoloft (sertraline): Because of the low levels of sertraline in breastmilk, amounts ingested by the infant are small and is usually not detected in the serum of the infant, although the weakly active metabolite desmethylsertraline is often detectable in low levels in infant serum. Most authoritative reviewers consider sertraline one of the preferred antidepressants during breastfeeding.

We don't know: But do not think so. This is a very difficult question with differing opinions depending on who you ask. Generally speaking, zoloft (sertraline) is considered safe during breastfeeding. However, you will need to discuss this with you primary and gynecologist. Many factors enter into the equation including your mental state, past history, post partum depression, benefits of breast feeding, etc etc. Etc.