Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant? Safety Considerations

Key Points

Adderall can help many people manage attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but pregnancy can make medication decisions feel more complicated.

The best course of action depends on your current ADHD symptoms, any previous health issues that may impact pregnancy, potential pregnancy risks, the amount of Adderall being consumed, and any input from your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), psychiatrist, or primary physician.

The objective is not to induce unnecessary fear. Rather, it is to weigh the potential dangers of Adderall compared to those resulting from untreated ADHD with the assistance of an OB-GYN, psychiatrist, or your prescribing physician.

Can You Take Adderall While Pregnant?

While it is true that some women may elect to continue using Adderall while pregnant, it is never advisable to take Adderall while pregnant without medical guidance. In fact, it is recommended that any changes to an existing medication regimen be made with the consultation of a healthcare professional.

According to MotherToBaby, the majority of the available literature indicates that prescribed dextroamphetamine and amphetamine exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy does not increase the likelihood of major congenital anomalies. [1] However, as noted earlier, some studies indicate that there may be possible associations between dextroamphetamine and amphetamine use during pregnancy and certain risks such as low birth weight, slow fetal growth, preterm delivery, hypertension, and preeclampsia.

While Adderall is not automatically contraindicated in every pregnancy, neither is it automatically risk-free. Any determination regarding whether or not to continue using Adderall while pregnant would depend on several factors including:

• The severity of ADHD symptoms
• The dosage level of Adderall
• The extent to which Adderall is being used as prescribed
• Blood pressure levels
• Heart rate
• Changes in appetite and/or body weight
• Quality of sleep
• History of anxiety, depression, or mood swings
• History of substance use
• Number and types of prescription medications currently being used
• Known pregnancy risks or concerns that may require closer monitoring
• Previous success, failure of behavioral therapies, or non-stimulant medications

If the severity of ADHD symptoms creates a situation where driving, safety, employment, student status, or well-being is significantly impacted, and the patient’s healthcare provider determines that the benefits of continuing to prescribe Adderall exceed the potential risks, then continuing at the minimum necessary dosage may be deemed acceptable. Conversely, if the patient’s ADHD symptoms are managed adequately, discontinuing medication, tapering, down-dosing, or replacing with alternative treatments may be indicated.

What Happens If You Take Adderall While Pregnant?

As previously mentioned, some women take prescribed ADHD medications throughout their entire pregnancy without experiencing any serious complications. Unfortunately, some women may experience various side effects that may be amplified during pregnancy, such as:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Tachycardia
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss or caregiver concern for inadequate weight gain
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Anxiety or irritability
• Low birth weight or preterm birth in some studies, and neonatal symptoms associated with amphetamine use at high doses or not as prescribed

It is worth noting that the FDA labeling for Adderall XR (extended release) states that babies born to mothers dependent on amphetamines have a higher risk of delivering prematurely, having low birth weights, and potentially exhibiting neonatal withdrawal symptoms like jitteriness, low energy, or poor feeding. [2] This is one reason it is critical to distinguish between medically prescribed usage and misuse of Adderall.

Does Adderall Increase the Risk of Birth Defects?

Recent research suggests that while not proving absolutely safe for all pregnancies, there appears to be relatively little risk associated with the use of prescribed amphetamines and/or dextroamphetamine during pregnancy.

A large cohort study examined stimulant medication use among pregnant women. The researchers discovered an association between methylphenidate exposure and cardiovascular malformations during the first trimester. No similar relationship was identified with amphetamines. [3] As previously stated, Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine but not methylphenidate.

Additionally, a prospective longitudinal study examined prescription stimulant exposure during pregnancy and child outcomes. [4] The authors reported no statistically significant associations between maternal amphetamine and/or dextroamphetamine exposure and either autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or a broad range of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

Taken together, these studies suggest that individualized decision-making is preferable rather than relying solely upon absolute generalizations.

Can I Continue to Take Adderall While Pregnant?

You may be able to continue using Adderall while pregnant if your healthcare provider deems that the benefits derived from continuing to use this medication outweigh any perceived risks.

Decisions regarding continuation will likely involve consideration of multiple factors including:

• The severity of your ADHD symptoms
• The quantity or dosage level of your current Adderall prescription(s)
• Whether you are using your Adderall as directed by your healthcare provider
• Blood pressure readings
• Resting pulse rates
• Your diet, appetite changes, body weight, or growth
• Sleep patterns
• Psychiatric, mental health history, substance use history, current prescription medications, pregnancy-specific risk factors, response to behavior modification, non-pharmacological therapies, or non-stimulant medications

Based upon your unique circumstances and considerations, your healthcare provider may advise whether to:

• Discontinue Adderall altogether
• Lower the dosage level
• Switch from immediate release to extended release formulations
• Monitor blood pressures or heart rates
• Track changes in diet, appetites, or body weight
• Assess changes in sleep quality, anxiety, depression, psychiatric, or behavioral difficulties
• Implement fetal growth monitoring as needed
• Discuss alternative treatments or supports

Do not stop or change Adderall without speaking with your prescriber. Some people may experience fatigue, depressed mood, poor concentration, sleep changes, irritability, or worsening ADHD symptoms after stopping stimulant medication.

What If You Took Adderall Before Realizing You Were Pregnant?

Numerous people unknowingly take prescription medications prior to discovering they are pregnant. If you unknowingly took Adderall prior to finding out you were pregnant, do not panic and do not assume you have caused harm to your baby.

Call your OB-GYN or primary provider immediately. Inform them regarding: (a) the number of pills you took per day, week, or month, (b) the strength and dosage level, (c) whether you obtained these pills via prescription, (d) whether you ingested alcohol, cannabis, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances. Providing honest information allows your care team members to assess whether any additional medical evaluations, testing, interventions, or referrals are required for you or your fetus.

Adderall Misuse During Pregnancy

Misusing Adderall carries risks unlike those experienced with appropriately prescribed ADHD treatment. Examples include:

• Taking Adderall without a valid prescription
• Using more Adderall than prescribed
• Taking more than one pill at a time (e.g., crushing or snorting)
• Using Adderall for purposes other than managing ADHD (e.g., losing weight or staying awake)
• Mixing Adderall with other substances (e.g., alcohol or other illicit substances)
• Feeling unable to stop consuming Adderall despite knowing it causes harm

Misusing Adderall increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, fast heart rates, malnutrition, weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, panic, withdrawal symptoms, or substance dependency. If you believe you cannot quit misusing Adderall or any other stimulant, pregnancy is not an excuse to keep secrets about substance use. Pregnancy is an opportunity for safe medical treatment for addiction and/or substance use.

Alternative Treatments for ADHD During Pregnancy

There are numerous alternatives available for supporting pregnant women with ADHD. Which ones will work best for each individual depends on:

• Symptoms
• Risk factors associated with pregnancy
• Previous successes, failures with other non-stimulant treatments, or non-medical treatments

Examples include:

• Behavioral therapy
• ADHD coaching
• Sleep routine guidance
• Work or school accommodations
• Exercise permitted by your pregnancy care provider
• Planned tools and reminders
• Reducing over-stimulation
• Treating anxiety or depression
• Psychiatry services during pregnancy
• Non-stimulant medications (if appropriate)

Prescribed non-stimulant medications are not guaranteed to be safer during pregnancy. Each has its own possible advantages and disadvantages based upon your specific circumstances. Consultation with your healthcare provider is necessary prior to switching treatments.

Adderall and Breastfeeding

Additional consultation with your healthcare provider should occur regarding breastfeeding. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine can cross into breast milk. According to MotherToBaby, product labeling advises against using amphetamine and dextroamphetamine while breastfeeding; however, as previously described, there may be instances where your healthcare provider weighs the advantages and benefits of treating you versus your ability to breastfeed.

If your healthcare provider recommends continuing use of Adderall while breastfeeding, they may monitor your infant for:

• Decreased feeding frequency or duration
• Changes in sleep patterns or unusual somnolence
• Increased irritability or agitation
• Poor weight gain in infant

When to Seek Help for Stimulant Use or Mental Health Concerns

Talk to a healthcare provider right away if Adderall use is causing health concerns, feels hard to control, or is mixed with other substances.

It may be time to seek support if you notice:

• Taking more Adderall than recommended
• Using Adderall without a prescription
• Cravings
• Signs of withdrawal
• Severe anxiety or panic, sleeplessness
• Elevated blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
• Depression, thoughts of suicide or harming oneself
• Substance use during pregnancy
• Combining stimulants with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other medications

For immediate assistance, if you are pregnant and experience chest pain, fainting, extreme shortness of breath, suicidal thoughts, or signs of an overdose, contact 911.

Adderall Addiction Treatment and Support in New Brunswick, New Jersey

At SOBA New Jersey, we provide treatment for adderall addiction at our New Brunswick, New Jersey, location. We offer a range of levels of care designed to support individuals at different stages of treatment and recovery.

If Adderall misuse or co-occurring mental health symptoms have become difficult to manage, professional support can help with assessment, stabilization, relapse prevention, and long-term recovery planning. Contact SOBA NJ today, and our admissions team will answer your questions and connect you with compassionate and comprehensive support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adderall and Pregnancy

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