Overview
Pregnancy can be quite challenging. Once you find out that you are pregnant, the question regarding what medications you can continue is the first one that crosses your mind, as your baby’s well-being is your most pressing concern. If you have the following question, ‘Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant?’ This article may help you decide that.
There are many medications that are considered safe and can be taken during pregnancy, but is Adderall safe during pregnancy? The precise answer is ‘No.’ Let us find out why.
Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant?
ADHD medications are stimulants that increase the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which help regulate attention and behavior. They are commonly available as Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall and Neuriva.
Adderall and pregnancy first trimester are not a good combination. Taking Adderall in early pregnancy is not recommended. Adderall helps people focus and perform tasks to the best of their abilities. If you are taking Adderall to improve your ADHD symptoms and trying to conceive, you must plan accordingly. Adderall has been found to cause birth defects, so it is not considered safe to take during pregnancy.
Does Adderall affect pregnancy? Is Adderall safe during pregnancy? Keep reading to find out more!
Is it safe to take Adderall while pregnant?
Taking Adderall while pregnant is unsafe as it can cause birth defects. The risks may be low, but more research is required before it can be concluded, ‘Can you take a low dose of Adderall while pregnant?’ Consequently, it is best to avoid Adderall while pregnant.
Can Adderall affect fertility?
Adderall and pregnancy is a topics still under research. Does Adderall affect fertility?
If you took Adderall while pregnant or are trying to conceive and wondering about its effect, you should know that according to research, ADHD medication impairs reproduction and may affect fertility. Adderall is classified as a category C medication and can be used only if the mom’s benefits outweigh the baby’s risks. Adderall can cause several side effects. It is addictive. Furthermore, it can lead to depression, irritability, headaches, insomnia and weight loss. These side effects can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
How does Adderall affect child development?
Adderall is unsafe for a developing fetus and may lead to birth complications. Taking Adderall while pregnant is associated with the following risks:
Low Birth Weight
Dextroamphetamine is an active ingredient in Adderall and has been linked to low birth weight. Babies with low birth weight babies develop jaundice, breathing problems and have an underdeveloped immune system.
Birth Defects
Taking Adderall while pregnant has been associated with birth defects, including gastroschisis and omphalocele. Gastroschisis is the condition when the baby’s intestines form outside of the body, and surgical repair is required.
Another defect known as omphalocele can occur when the baby’s organs form in a transparent sac outside the body. In this case, surgical repair is required as well.
Transverse limb deficiency has also been reported in babies whose mothers take Adderall while trying to conceive. In this condition, one or more arms and legs fail to develop fully.
If you have any questions, such as when to stop Adderall before pregnancy? or about Adderall alternatives while pregnant, connect with an online doctor to learn more.
Consult a Doctor
Conclusively, taking Adderall during pregnancy is definitely still questionable due to safety concerns. It is crucial to discuss with your doctor before using Adderall during pregnancy to know the benefits and risks of the medication. If you have any questions, like ‘When to stop taking Adderall before pregnancy?’ or ‘Is it safe to take Adderall while pregnant?’ Connect with our online doctor at Your Doctors Online for answers!
FAQs About Adderall Answered by Your Doctors Online Team
Several options besides medication are considered very effective in managing symptoms of ADHD. Some of these include:
Consulting a counselor or psychologist/ talk therapy
Relaxation techniques include yoga, massage, or meditation.
There are herbal supplements or over-the-counter formulations that have been proven effective alternatives to Adderall. Some well-known supplements include:
Vyvamind
Noocube
Mind Lab Pro
Unfortunately, studies show Adderall can pass through the placenta, leading to congenital disabilities. Hence, generally, it is classified as a category C drug.
There is limited research in this area; therefore, taking Adderall while breastfeeding is a decision that is made by you and your healthcare provider, according to your condition.
