Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a beautiful milestone in a woman’s life. During this time, it’s essential to prioritize the safety of both mother and baby by limiting the use of certain substances and avoiding specific medications.

If you’re taking Adderall and have become pregnant, you may be wondering whether it is safe to continue using it. Currently, there are no official warnings against pregnant women using Adderall, and no conclusive evidence linking its use to adverse effects on the pregnancy when taken as directed.

However, it must be noted that a few anecdotal studies have suggested a link between Adderall use during pregnancy and an increased risk of having a baby born underweight.

In this blog, you’ll learn about the effects that Adderall has on pregnancy and discover any potential risks to you or your baby.

Adderall Identification 

Adderall is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.[1][2] It is a central nervous system stimulant formulated from a combination of two chemicals: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.[1]

In individuals with narcolepsy, the use of ADHD medications like Adderall produces a stimulant effect that increases activity in the central nervous system.[3][4] This helps users avoid falling asleep in dangerous situations, such as walking or driving.

In individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Adderall’s stimulant effect improves focus, attentiveness, and concentration.[1]

Can I Take Adderall  While I’m Pregnant?

In most cases, taking Adderall during pregnancy poses no harm to a pregnant woman or her baby. The National Library of Medicine states that taking Adderall during pregnancy will not increase the risk of birth defects when taken as prescribed.[5] Additionally, they found that Adderall will not cause infertility or make it harder to get pregnant.[5]

Note: This information is specific to women who take Adderall as prescribed. It does not take into account women who abuse Adderall or take it recreationally. Similarly, these studies do not disclose whether test volunteers had pre-existing medical conditions.  

Can Taking Adderall During Pregnancy Cause a Miscarriage?

Miscarriage is, unfortunately, quite common, even in women who do not take prescription medications[6]. However, a miscarriage caused by Adderall use is unlikely.[5] While abusing Adderall may increase the risk of miscarriage, there isn’t enough research to confirm this connection.

If you face a higher-than-normal risk of miscarriage, have had a previous miscarriage, or are in a high-risk pregnancy, share your concerns with your obstetrician. They might recommend an alternative ADHD treatment.

Will Adderall Use  Result in a Higher Risk of Birth Defects in Pregnant Women?

According to the National Library of Medicine, 3% to 5% of all pregnancies result in birth defects, which is known as a background risk.[7] Studies focused on women taking Adderall through every trimester of pregnancy found that there was no increased risk of birth defects.[7]

Since there aren’t any studies observing defect risks in women who misuse Adderall, it’s best to take the medication as prescribed to minimize the risks.

Can Taking Adderall While Pregnant Lead to Low Birth Weight?

Most studies indicate that taking Adderall during pregnancy does not increase health risks for the mother or her unborn child. However, some research points to a possible heightened risk of preterm deliveries, slowed growth, and low birth weight in newborns.[8]

Some women may also encounter side effects while taking Adderall that may be concerning.[9] These effects include a higher-than-usual heart rate, increased blood pressure, and weight loss; however, the impact this has on the pregnancy is unknown. Contact your healthcare provider if these side effects are uncomfortable or if you’re concerned about how they are affecting your baby.

I’m Pregnant, Should I Stop Taking Adderall?

If your doctor prescribes you Adderall, despite being pregnant, he/she has determined that the benefits of taking Adderall outweigh the risks. So, there’s no need to discontinue the use of your Adderall prescription during pregnancy. However, if you were taking Adderall before becoming pregnant and have become pregnant while on it, notify your physician.

If you want to stop taking Adderall, do so only under your doctor’s guidance. They will likely recommend tapering your dose, which means gradually reducing it over time to help you avoid withdrawal symptoms that can occur after long-term use.

Does Stopping the Use of Adderall Trigger Withdrawal Symptoms?

Yes, abruptly stopping Adderall can cause withdrawal symptoms.[10]

However, this is more common in individuals who have used Adderall long-term or at high doses. People who abuse Adderall, whether pregnant or not, may develop a tolerance to its effects, needing higher doses to achieve the same effect.[11] Unfortunately, this can lead to physical dependence, which may cause withdrawal symptoms once the drug is no longer in the user’s system.[11]

Adderall withdrawal can occur within 24 hours of quitting and can continue for many weeks.[12]

The symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:[12]

• Anxiety
• Adderall cravings
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Decreased motivation
• Depression

Won’t Therapy Be a Safer Treatment Option for ADHD in Pregnancy?

Therapy is always an option for individuals finding it hard to cope with the effects of ADHD, especially during pregnancy. Therapy provides important coping strategies that make it easier to live with ADHD. A combination of both is often better than choosing either one.

As far as safety, both therapy and Adderall are safe approaches to ADHD treatment, though therapy has inherently fewer risks to a pregnant woman.

Are There Any Alternative Treatments for  ADHD in Pregnant Women?

If you’re pregnant and currently taking Adderall, but are concerned about its effects on you or your baby, you may want to try an alternative treatment. Abruptly quitting Adderall may not be an option.

Alternatives to Adderall for pregnant women include bupropion and clonidine.[13]

If My Partner Takes Adderall, Does the Risk of Birth Defects Increase?

The effects Adderall has on male fertility are unknown. Unfortunately, there isn’t any information regarding the health of a baby born to a man who takes Adderall regularly. Mother-to-Baby states that men taking Adderall are not likely to have a baby born with birth defects.[14]

Should I Stop Using Adderall to Avoid Potential Complications?

If you’re concerned about how Adderall use will affect you and your unborn baby, you should inform your obstetrician. However, it is not advisable to alter your scheduled dosing in any way.

Getting Help for Adderall Addiction During Pregnancy

If you have a substance use disorder that makes it hard to stop using Adderall despite the risks it poses to yourself and your unborn child, we can help.

At Engage Wellness Acton, we provide a range of science-backed services proven to help you overcome drug cravings and lower your risk of relapsing after abstinence. These services are available at both inpatient and outpatient levels of care for your convenience.

For more information about our services and the care we provide at our fully accredited facility, contact Engage Wellness Acton today.

You don’t have to battle addiction on your own; we are here to help every step of the way.

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