Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women and their families, however, it can also be a stressful time with many unknowns. For women who have been prescribed Adderall or other stimulants prior to becoming pregnant, the decision of whether or not to continue taking them during the first trimester of pregnancy can be a difficult one. Adderall and other stimulants have been linked to various pregnancy complications, and the research around their use during the first trimester is still developing. In this blog post, we will discuss the potential risks and benefits associated with taking Adderall during the first trimester of pregnancy, as well as the importance of having an open and honest dialogue with your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. By understanding the potential risks and benefits, you can make an informed decision about continuing to take Adderall and other stimulants during your first trimester of pregnancy.
And if you’re struggling with a dependency on Adderall, know that you’re not alone and there’s no shame in it. Take action as soon as possible. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s helpline is a free, confidential resource that offers 24/7 help every day of the year.
Even though being pregnant is a time of anticipation and excitement, there can be a tendency to think that there are many things you shouldn’t do, such as not consume alcohol, eat sushi (myth debunked), or soak in the hot tub (even though it would feel so good). You might wonder if “don’t take your medication” is on the list when you first become pregnant.
Finally, it’s possible that your physician will determine that the advantages of continuing to take Adderall outweigh the risks of stopping it. If so, you might simply have more examinations and scans performed throughout your pregnancy to ensure that the baby is healthy and developing normally.
Despite this general guidance, though, there may be certain situations where taking Adderall during pregnancy could be the best choice. “Given the side effects, a pregnant woman would only take Adderall if the benefits outweighed the risks to the baby,” explains Dr. Sherry A. Ross, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, California.
Generally speaking, advice regarding Adderall and trying to get pregnant is the same. “I always advise an ADHD patient to stop taking Adderall before trying to conceive,” says Dr. Ross. Adderall is a category C drug, so it can only be used before becoming pregnant if the advantages to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn child. ”.
The Use of Adderall During Pregnancy
Adderall, like many prescription drugs, is not thought to be safe to use while pregnant. The risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and premature birth may be increased by Adderall, according to scant evidence. But numerous studies have also demonstrated that Adderall is not linked to a higher risk of congenital heart defects. Doctors may prescribe Adderall to treat ADHD, or for a shorter period of time, during which time an alternative treatment can be found, as it does not appear to pose a significant risk during pregnancy.
Risks of taking Adderall During Pregnancy
Adderall can have a variety of side effects, both immediate and long-term, similar to many other stimulants. The short-term risks of taking Adderall include: Excessive sleeping.
Long-term risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy include:
FAQ
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