Adderall and Pregnancy
Unfortunately, there is little data about the safety of stimulants during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For this reason, it is common for women with ADHD to stop taking their stimulant medication until after the baby is born. However, the number of pregnant women staying on ADHD medications like Adderall appears to be increasing.
Does Adderall Affect Birth Control?
There are multiple medications that can actually decrease how effective some birth control methods will be. Adderall is not known to be one of these medications. Studies on Adderall and birth control medications in animals have not indicated that Adderall carries a risk of decreasing the effectiveness of birth control.
Adderall While Trying To Get Pregnant
Little information exists about the risks of taking Adderall while trying to conceive. However, a study on methylphenidate — a stimulant related to Adderall — showed no increased risk of birth defects in women who took the drug during early pregnancy. A study on dextroamphetamine (a component of Adderall) had similar results. It found no impact on the baby’s weight, head circumference, length or risk of birth defects when the drug was stopped before the 28th week of pregnancy.
Adderall While Pregnant
While many women decide to stop using stimulants like Adderall while pregnant, cases may exist where the benefits of staying on Adderall outweigh the risks to the baby. For example, some women with ADHD have functional impairments in activities like driving when they are off their ADHD medication. Stopping Adderall in that case could increase the risk of a car crash. In such cases, a doctor may advise the woman to continue taking Adderall. The FDA recommends weighing the risks and benefits carefully before deciding whether to stay on Adderall.
Can Adderall Cause Miscarriage?
Adderall is a pregnancy category C medication, meaning that good research in humans does not exist but that animal studies show it can cause birth defects. Adderall has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage in lab mice. While data for humans is not readily available, there is a risk that Adderall could increase the chances of a miscarriage.
Can Adderall Cause Birth Defects?
Studies show that Adderall makes birth defects more likely during pregnancy. This does not necessarily mean that birth defects will definitely occur but that they are more likely. This should be a serious consideration for anyone who is considering becoming pregnant and uses Adderall.