Many pregnant women are concerned about what they put in their bodies during those nine months, as everything they ingest can affect another life. One of the most commons concerns is prescription drugs. While pregnancy is an exciting time, it’s also a time to be careful about everything you do. Some medications are harmless to take while you’re pregnant, but Adderall may not be as safe. If you have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and take Adderall, your doctor may recommend you stop taking it during pregnancy. Please consult with a medical professional to know what the right answer is for you. You can also contact the Crossroads team to learn more about our Adderall addiction treatment program by calling 877.978.1667.
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name of a central nervous system stimulant made up of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Commonly, doctors prescribe this medication for ADHD or narcolepsy. It can treat hyperactivity, and many use it to improve their attention span. Unfortunately, it’s also highly addictive and can be a cause of concern if someone misuses it, especially during pregnancy. Most medical professionals agree that Adderall and pregnancy are not a good combination.
Adderall Use Risks During Pregnancy
As a stimulant, Adderall use can increase the risk of serious medical conditions like a heart attack, severe psychosis, a stroke, and even death. No one wants to add these risks to a pregnant mother. However, for women with severe cases of ADHD, their options may be limited. For instance, if a pregnant woman has intense ADHD symptoms that make her incapable of taking care of herself and her unborn child, Adderall may be the best option, even with the risks.
There are no exceptions when it comes to breastfeeding mothers. Those who breastfeed cannot take Adderall because the drug can pass through breast milk and adversely affect the baby. Symptoms in the baby could include:
- Not eating enough
- Not sleeping
- Constant agitation
- Delays in development
While the risks are low, research shows that a woman’s Adderall use while pregnant could help contribute to some congenital abnormalities, specifically with the limbs or digestive tract. There is also an increased risk of delivering prematurely or delivering an underweight baby. In addition, the baby could experience withdrawal symptoms if the mother uses Adderall during pregnancy. These could include not feeding well, being agitated, lethargy, and not growing at the rate expected.
Research shows that women who took Adderall while pregnant did not have any adverse effects, nor did their babies. The best course of action is to speak with your doctor and make a plan that is the safest option for you and your baby. Ideally, you don’t want to risk being on Adderall while pregnant or just before getting pregnant, but there are cases when that is not a choice.
Learn More About Crossroads
Many think of Adderall as a harmless way to treat a common condition like ADHD. However, it is still a potent controlled substance that should be used with care, whether you’re pregnant or not. While Adderall is not recommended for most pregnant women, there may be some cases where it’s necessary. In this case, a strong support network of medical professionals and family should be in place to monitor the woman’s use of the stimulant and harming herself or her unborn child. If you have ADHD and aren’t sure if Adderall use is safe for you while pregnant, talk with your doctor.
If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall abuse, the Crossroads team is here to help. Don’t delay getting the help you need. Our caring and compassionate team is standing by. Call us at 877.978.1667 or reach out online today.
