Generally speaking, ADHD medications are approved for breastfeeding as long as you don’t exceed the recommended dose {MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health: “Is It Safe to Take ADHD Medications While Breastfeeding?”}: Methylphenidate – 15 to 80 mg.
Are there any ADHD medications safe during pregnancy?
None of the medications used to treat ADHD — including Vyvanse, Adderall, and Ritalin — are proven to be safe to use during pregnancy, but they are also not proven to be harmful, according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Is it OK to take Adderall while breastfeeding?
“Large dosages of amphetamine might interfere with milk production, especially in women whose lactation is not well established,” says Dr. Mouanness. “Otherwise, daily Adderall therapeutic dosage has not been shown to affect milk production or supply.”
Does ADHD medication cause birth defects?
The study also found that women who took ADHD medicine during early pregnancy may be more likely to have a baby with some types of birth defects compared to women who did not take ADHD medicine. This is among the first few studies to look at ADHD medicine use among pregnant women and risk for individual birth defects.
What can I take instead of Adderall while pregnant?
Human data on Methylphenidate is limited and we cannot rule out the risk of malformation given the available information. Alternative pharmacologic treatment options include tricyclic antidepressants, bupropion and clonidine; these drugs have more evidence to support their safety in pregnancy.
What happens if you take Adderall while pregnant?
“Babies born to mothers taking Adderall in pregnancy are at increased risk of premature delivery, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms including agitation, dysphoria, laziness, and poor feeding and growth.”
How can I help my ADHD without medication?
A well-balanced diet, exercise, and meditation are all good options for individuals looking to reduce their ADHD symptoms. However, while these natural ADHD remedies may reduce the severity of certain ADHD symptoms, they do not address the individual’s underlying brain dysregulation.
Is Ritalin safe while breastfeeding?
When the RID is less than 10% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose, the medication is generally considered safe in breastfeeding and unlikely to cause adverse reactions in the infant. There are 6 infants reported to have been breastfed while their mothers were treated with methylphenidate.
References:
- https://www.additudemag.com/how-safe-are-adhd-medications-while-pregant-or-nursing/
- https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-breastfeeding-people-take-adderall-5207696
- https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/meds/treatingfortwo/features/keyfinding-ADHD-med-increase.html
- https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/clinical-update-use-of-stimulant-medications-in-pregnancy/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/adderall-and-pregnancy
- https://www.drakeinstitute.com/add-treatment-without-drugs
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4569107/