Adderall and Pregnancy: Risks, Side Effects, and Alternatives

Pregnancy comes with a lot of restrictions for the safety of the expectant mother and developing baby, including avoiding alcohol, hot tubs, and certain medications – including Adderall. While this medication is generally safe for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it can pose risks for pregnant women.

Find out more about the risks of Adderall and pregnancy and some alternatives for expecting mothers managing ADHD.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a combination drug that includes amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These two drugs work together to stimulate the central nervous system and increase the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can relieve the symptoms of ADHD.

In some people, Adderall can improve attention and focus while reducing impulsive behaviors. According to a study of children with ADHD, the use of stimulants like Adderall can improve symptoms in 75 to 80% of patients.[1]

There are some risks to Adderall, however, including side effects like:[2]

• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Rapid heart rate
• Restlessness
• Weight loss
• Cold or numbness in the extremities
• Dependence and addiction

Pregnancy Risks with Adderall

Many people who take Adderall experience symptom relief, but it may not be as effective during pregnancy. While Adderall can have serious side effects such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, the specific risks of psychosis, heart attack, stroke, or death related to Adderall use in the general population are not directly correlated to pregnant women without additional risk factors.[3] Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare provider for a personalized risk assessment.

However, if the expectant mother has severe ADHD with symptoms that may inhibit her ability to care for herself properly and put the growing baby at risk by extension, the benefits of ADHD may outweigh the risks.

Risks to the Developing Baby

There’s not a lot of research into Adderall’s effects on pregnant mothers and their developing babies. It’s difficult to determine how medications may affect babies in utero, partly because conducting tests on human subjects would require subjecting pregnant women and their babies to potentially harmful drugs.

Current research, including animal studies and limited human data, suggests a potential link between Adderall use during pregnancy and increased risk of congenital abnormalities, but the evidence is not definitive.[4] Further research is needed to understand these potential risks better. However, the risks are categorized as “very low.”

In addition, when pregnant women take Adderall during pregnancy, the risk of low birth weight, premature delivery, and withdrawal symptoms are increased. However, more research is needed to determine Adderall’s exact effects during pregnancy and their likelihood.

Alternative ADHD Treatments During Pregnancy

If you’re concerned about the possible risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy, there are other alternatives.

Unfortunately, the usual alternative drugs like Ritalin and Vyvanse may also carry risks for pregnant women. Treatments that don’t involve medication, such as talk therapy, may help to manage the symptoms during pregnancy and eliminate the potential risks associated with stimulant medications.

Another alternative treatment for ADHD that’s showing promise is practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga. According to a study, people with ADHD who practiced mindfulness saw an improvement in emotional regulation, which can, in turn, relieve some ADHD symptoms.[5]

For medication options, non-stimulant treatments such as certain tricyclic antidepressants have been considered for managing ADHD symptoms. While they may have a role in increasing norepinephrine levels, their safety during pregnancy varies, and they are not the first-line treatment for ADHD in pregnant women. Consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of all available treatments.

In some cases, your doctor may determine that staying on Adderall is the safer choice than risking the adverse effects of stopping its use during pregnancy. However, this may mean you need more rigorous monitoring to ensure you and your baby are healthy and properly developing.

Adderall While Trying to Conceive

The use of Adderall and other ADHD medications during pregnancy requires careful consideration due to potential risks. Animal studies have suggested possible reproductive effects, but direct extrapolation to humans is limited.[6] Individuals planning to conceive should discuss the timing of ADHD medication use with their healthcare provider to understand potential impacts and safety. Like Adderall studies during pregnancy, there haven’t been tests on Adderall’s effects on conception because of the potential risks.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and currently taking ADHD medication like Adderall, speak to your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you to continue.

Managing Adderall Abuse and Addiction During Pregnancy

While Adderall is a legal drug when taken as prescribed, it’s still a stimulant drug with abuse potential. People may abuse Adderall to feel euphoria, lose weight, or improve focus, which increases the potential for addiction and adverse effects.

For people with an Adderall addiction or current Adderall abuse who become pregnant, it’s not as simple to just quit taking the drug. Using Adderall can lead to dependence over time, which means your body is used to the presence of the drug. If you stop suddenly or reduce your dosage, you can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall is tapered to minimize withdrawal symptoms and “wean” people off of the drug if they want to stop taking it. Depending on the severity of the abuse or addiction, entering a medical detox program may be recommended for pregnant women to provide a safe way to withdraw from the drug under the supervision and care of a medical team and prevent complications.

Once detox is complete, you may need a formal addiction treatment program on an inpatient or outpatient basis to overcome addiction to Adderall, not just for the remainder of the pregnancy but for long-term recovery.

Know the Potential Risks of Adderall and Pregnancy

While more research is needed, taking Adderall during pregnancy may pose risks to the mother and developing baby. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendation for taking Adderall while pregnant or seeking out alternative treatment options to manage ADHD symptoms while caring for your growing baby.