Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant?

What Is Adderall & How Does it Work?

Adderall belongs to a class of medications known as stimulants. These medications are used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because they increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin within the brain.

Adderall contains mixed amphetamine salts and it’s important to note that the brand name Adderall is no longer available but Adderall XR, an extended release version, is available. Generic Adderall known as mixed amphetamine salts is also available in the immediate-release form.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used for communication within the body. Adderall affects the levels of these chemicals by blocking the storage and movement of the neurotransmitters. It’s thought that these actions may help control symptoms of ADHD.^{1, 2}

Side Effects of Adderall

While Adderall may be effective at treating ADHD, it has some side effects that may limit its use. Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. The increased activity in your brain is what helps improve ADHD symptoms. It also stimulates other areas of the body, which can cause unwanted and dangerous side effects. It is important to discuss any new or worsening issues that may appear after starting Adderall with your doctor or pharmacist.²

Common Adderall side effects include*:¹

• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Dry mouth
• Increased heart rate
• Headache
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Weight loss

Severe side effects of Adderall that require immediate medical attention include*:¹

• Irregular heartbeats
• Severe cardiovascular events
• Worsening of pre-existing psychotic disorder
• Emergence of new psychotic or manic symptoms
• Seizures
• Peripheral vascular disease (e.g. vasculitis, blood clots)
• Serotonin syndrome (e.g. restlessness, hallucinations, increased body temperature)
• Long-term suppression of growth

While taking Adderall, it is common to experience symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety or nervousness, increased heart rate, and decreased appetite leading to weight loss when using it to treat ADHD symptoms. Many of these symptoms can be resolved with adjusting the type or dose of your medication.¹

If you start experiencing any new or worsening heart problems such as an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or signs of a heart attack, contact your prescriber right away. While rare, other conditions such as serotonin syndrome can occur and be deadly if left untreated. Contact your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as increased blood pressure, heart rate, and/or body temperature.¹

*All medications, including Adderall, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Is Adderall Safe During Pregnancy?

No drug-associated risks of major birth defects or miscarriage have been noted since the time of its FDA approval. However, reports have shown pregnant parents who take Adderall during pregnancy have a greater risk of premature delivery and low birth weights. Animal studies have shown possible fetal harm when taking Adderall during pregnancy.¹

It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional before taking Adderall while you are trying to become or are pregnant. They will be able to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking the medication to determine if it is safe for you.

Can Adderall Cause Birth Defects?

No significant evidence of Adderall causing birth defects in humans has been found. There have been some reports of specific types of birth defects likely caused from use of ADHD medications within the first few months of pregnancy.³ However, there is no significant evidence for birth defects, it does not rule out the possible risk of one occurring.¹ With limited research and data, it is hard to conclusively associate birth defects with use of ADHD medications during pregnancy in humans.

Can Adderall Cause Withdrawal Symptoms in Your Baby?

Adderall and other stimulants used during pregnancy have been shown to potentially cause withdrawal symptoms in an infant after birth.⁴ Neonatal drug withdrawal is not as common with proper use of ADHD prescription medications during pregnancy, but there is still a potential risk.

Pregnant parents who misuse addictive prescription or illegal substances during pregnancy are more likely to give birth to a baby experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Infants tend to develop symptoms of withdrawal within four to seven days after birth.⁴ Some symptoms can mimic normal newborn behaviors, such as irritability, high-pitch crying, and sleep disturbances.⁵

Can Taking Adderall Cause Preterm Birth or Low Birth Weight?

Adderall has been shown to cause premature birth rates and lower birth weights in infants exposed during pregnancy. Low birth weights and premature births are likely due to the effect Adderall has on the pregnant parent’s body. It causes blood vessels to become narrow. This may decrease the blood flow to the fetus, causing issues with fetal development. It can also induce uterine contractions, which could cause premature delivery.¹

Can Taking Adderall Affect the Brain Development of Your Baby?

Adderall has not been shown to cause any harmful effects to brain development in infants. Researchers theorized there could be some potential risk for the infant to develop disorders like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or communication disorders. There is limited research, but no data supports that infants are at an increased risk of developing any mental disorders solely due to the use of Adderall during pregnancy.⁶

What Adderall Dosage Is Safe During Pregnancy?

All doses tested within pregnant animal studies were 2-12 times the maximum recommended human dose. At these doses, animals were seen to have issues with birth weights, premature delivery, and birth defects. There is no research or data on specific dosing that is safe for pregnant parents.¹

It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional before taking Adderall while you are trying to become or are pregnant. They will be able to discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking the medication to determine if it is safe for you.

What If You Are Already Taking Adderall When You Become Pregnant?

The first few months of fetal development are critical for organ formation. Animal studies show that Adderall has no effect on fetal organ development unless given at doses that cause severe harm to the pregnant parent.

There have been a few reports of specific birth defects possibly linked to early-term ADHD medication exposure. However, there is limited research available to draw any clear conclusions. If you become pregnant while taking Adderall, meet with your doctor and pharmacist as soon as possible to discuss your concerns and options.^{1, 3}

Should You Stop Taking Adderall If You Think You Might Be Pregnant?

If you are currently taking Adderall and become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before discontinuing any medications. Specific ADHD medications like Adderall can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly.

Can You Breastfeed While on Adderall?

It is recommended that pregnant parents taking Adderall refrain from breastfeeding. The active drug ingredient within Adderall is present in human breast milk at significant levels. There are no reports of short-term harmful side effects to infants despite the high drug levels. However, the long-term effects of infant stimulant exposure are unknown. Adderall may also cause issues with milk production in nursing parents. For these reasons, breastfeeding while taking Adderall is not recommended.¹

Adderall Alternatives During Pregnancy

There are several other medication options that work similarly to Adderall. Concerta and Ritalin are other types of stimulants used for the treatment of ADHD. Vyvanse is a newer stimulant option that works similarly to Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin. They all have slightly different active ingredients or way the medication is delivered in the body.

All of the stimulant medications have similar outcomes if taken during pregnancy. There is data showing a potential increase in fetal heart defects when the baby is exposed to Concerta rather than Adderall during pregnancy.⁷ With limited research, the link between drug-associated birth defects and the use of ADHD medication during pregnancy is not conclusive.

Adderall alternatives during pregnancy may include:

• Concerta (long-acting methylphenidate)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Non-stimulant ADHD Medications

Another option for treating ADHD is the use of non-stimulant medications. This includes medications such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), Effexor XR (venlafaxine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree (viloxazine).

All of these drugs work differently than Adderall and may provide safer pregnancy outcomes. However, there are always risks when taking medications during pregnancy. It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a non-stimulant ADHD medication while pregnant.

Non-prescription Alternatives to Adderall

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for ADHD has been a long-standing effective non-prescription treatment for ADHD. CBT is a short-term type of therapy aimed at trying to help patients recognize and restructure negative thought patterns that cause harmful behaviors. CBT may be done with a mental health practitioner such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. Practicing mindfulness and meditation may additionally help improve focus, concentration, and other symptoms of ADHD.

There is some research supporting that diets high in omega-3 fatty acids, like the Mediterranean diet, can help increase focus and diminish symptoms of ADHD.^{8, 9} There is also evidence that using L-tyrosine for ADHD may help manage symptoms. In disorders like ADHD, dopamine levels are low. Taking L-tyrosine may help the body make more dopamine, leading to enhanced mood.

Lifestyle Habits that Help Manage ADHD

After discontinuing your ADHD medication, your daily activities may become more challenging than they were while you were medicated. It is important to discuss with your doctor about lifestyle changes and habits that can help improve these symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the impact of sleep on mental health, the mental health benefits of exercise, and the importance of a well-balanced diet.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Adderall & Pregnancy

Taking Adderall or other ADHD medication during pregnancy may be considered if your quality of life is severely impacted while not on medication. Before becoming pregnant, discuss and create a plan with your doctor to make sure you will have good control of your ADHD symptoms. Have an open discussion with your mental care provider whether that’s your primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, or a therapist. If you are having issues receiving care from a mental health provider or need to switch doctors, online psychiatric services can be a helpful option for those struggling to find care.

Questions to ask your care team when considering using Adderall while pregnant may include:

• Do my symptoms warrant ADHD medication?
• I’m already on an ADHD medication, should I switch to another one?
• Which medication do you suggest for ADHD, and how did you reach that conclusion?
• What doses of Adderall are considered safe in pregnancy?
• Can I take any herbal supplements for ADHD while pregnant?
• Should I take ADHD medication throughout my pregnancy or only during certain trimesters?
• Does Adderall affect the baby? How?
• What happens if I decide to stop taking Adderall?
• Can I continue Adderall if I choose to breastfeed?
• Will Adderall help with postpartum depression?