Adderall During Pregnancy: Is It A Safe Option For Women With ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or as it is commonly known as ADHD, has grown to be one of the infamous disorders that can happen to anyone, irrespective of age and conditions. In the case of pregnant women, this can happen due to stress, hormonal changes, or exposure to toxins like alcohol. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy cause a lot of stress, and if the woman has ADHD in addition, then the condition just gets worse. Adderall is a widely used stimulant that is prescribed to tackle ADHD. But being a stimulant, it has several side effects that can be harmful for the mother and baby. So, the question is, can you take Adderall during pregnancy? has been quite a matter of discussion since there is not much research done and very less sources available that would confirm this.

In this blog, we will discuss the risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy, alternatives to Adderall, and when to stop taking Adderall during pregnancy.

Overview of Adderall Use During Pregnancy: Side Effects & Alternatives

What is Adderall? & Its Uses

Adderall consists of a combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine. Adderall IR (immediate-release) and Adderall ER (extended-release) are the two available forms of the drug and can be taken with or without food and water. The Amphetamine salts help boost mood, alertness, and attention. In addition to ADHD, Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy. This drug, if used along with behavioural therapy, can be the most efficient form of treatment.

Adderall’s ability to increase focus and attention is not only helpful for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, but is also useful in various other ways, such as:

• Used by athletes as a performance enhancer
• Cognitive enhancers
• Appetite suppressants for weight loss
• For recreation purposes

Side Effects of Using Adderall

Since every other medicine carries a side effect, it is not uncommon for people administered Aderall to have one. But if it starts to interfere with your daily life, then consider visiting a doctor immediately. The effects of Adderall on the body can be in the form of long-term and short-term effects. The short-term effects of Adderall are restlessness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. Similarly, the long-term and more adverse effects of Adderall include liver damage, brain injury, and heart problems.

Is It Safe To Take Adderall During Pregnancy?

Whether or not Adderall is a safe option for pregnant women has been a controversial decision. Some studies have shown that Adderall has been really effective in dealing with the situation. It helps in improving the condition of pregnant women, which enables them to take care of the baby and themselves. But, despite all these, the adverse effects of Adderall are rather more concerning. It’s better to discuss with your healthcare providers about your condition and let them provide you with complete guidance based on your situation.

Side Effects of Taking Adderall During Pregnancy

It is important to be aware of the risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy to avoid all the side effects that the drug can cause in your body. Let’s discuss how the fetus and the mother are affected due to Adderall.

Risks to The Developing Fetus

The major risk of Adderall is to the fetus. The fetus absorbs things from the mother’s body, and if the pregnant woman takes any drugs like Adderall, then there is a risk of the fetus being damaged. The high potency of Adderall can also result in withdrawal symptoms after the baby is born. Additionally, there are risks like premature birth, low birth weight, and a small head or body.

Maternal Health Risk

The health of the mother is the most important factor for a baby to develop and be born safely. If the mother takes certain types of drugs, then it’s sure to deteriorate her health as well as the child’s. If the mother faces all the side effects of Adderall along with those of ADHD symptoms, then she can become too weak to take care of herself as well as the baby. The accidental overdose can also result in congenital malformation and premature labour. It also possesses a potential risk of miscarriage and death.

When Should You Stop Taking Adderall During Pregnancy?

If the symptoms of Adderall start to interfere with your daily life, then it is the perfect time to consult with your doctor and take advice on how to stop them. If the feeling of anxiety and restlessness increases, then ask your doctor to reduce the level of dose or prescribe you an alternative. Do not try to stop or change the doses of Adderall on your own, because the withdrawal symptoms that will happen will be worse as compared to the drug itself. Look out for these withdrawal symptoms after quitting Adderall.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Oversleeping
• Increased appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Body aches
• Anxiety

Alternatives to Adderall For Pregnant Women

The pregnant woman should avoid medicines because all of them have some side effects that are not good for them as well as the baby. So, what can be the alternative that can be taken, which would work in the same way?

Natural Alternatives

These are the best ways to avoid the harmful and long-lasting side effects. Some of the natural remedies to try are:

• Psychotherapy
• Regular moderate exercise
• Take a nutrient-rich diet
• Take natural supplements like vitamins, iron
• Practice yoga for a calm mind and increased concentration
• Try herbal supplements

Medicines

For those of you who have severe ADHD, natural alternatives won’t be able to deal with the symptoms for even a day. There is no other option than taking medicines for such a case. Instead of going for high-potency stimulant medicines for your disease, you can opt for non-stimulants such as Clonidine or Bupropion. Some methylphenidates, such as Ritalin and Concerta, are also used in some cases, even though they are stimulants.

Conclusion

After considering all the points, it can be concluded that using Adderall during pregnancy can have mixed results. Adderall can help ease those detrimental symptoms, but on the contrary, it can also cause harm to the baby and mother. It’s always the best choice to consult with your doctor regarding all of your health conditions before taking any steps. Try to be very careful while taking the drug and never try to overuse it. Seek help immediately if you face any discomfort and be safe.