Can you breastfeed while taking Vyvanse?

Can You Breastfeed While Taking Vyvanse?
Breastfeeding mothers often face challenging decisions regarding medication use, particularly when it comes to drugs like Vyvanse, which is prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder. The active ingredient in Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a stimulant that can have implications for both the mother and the infant.
Safety Concerns with Vyvanse During Breastfeeding
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that breastfeeding while taking Vyvanse is generally discouraged. This caution stems from the potential risks associated with the transfer of amphetamines into breast milk. Studies indicate that while amphetamines can be detected in breast milk, the levels are typically low. However, there are concerns about the possible effects on the breastfeeding infant, including irritability, insomnia, and feeding difficulties .
Experts recommend that mothers who are prescribed Vyvanse should carefully consider the necessity of the medication against the potential risks to their child. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified amphetamines as contraindicated during breastfeeding, primarily due to their theoretical potential to cause adverse effects in infants.
Monitoring and Dosage Considerations
If a mother decides to continue breastfeeding while on Vyvanse, it is crucial to monitor the infant for any signs of distress or unusual behavior. The risk of adverse effects can vary based on the dosage of the medication and the individual circumstances of both the mother and the child. For instance, large dosages of Vyvanse may increase the likelihood of negative outcomes for the infant.
Healthcare providers often suggest that if a mother needs to take Vyvanse, she should discuss alternative treatment options or strategies to minimize risks with her doctor. This might include adjusting the timing of medication doses to coincide with periods when the infant is less likely to breastfeed.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is technically possible to breastfeed while taking Vyvanse, it is fraught with potential risks that warrant serious consideration. Mothers should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of medication against the safety of breastfeeding. Ultimately, the decision should be tailored to the specific needs of both the mother and her child, ensuring that both health and well-being are prioritized.

When should you stop taking Vyvanse when pregnant?

If an ADHD medication’s risks outweigh its benefits, experts recommend patients either stop taking it for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or take a different drug. “We also look for non-pharmacologic treatments for ADHD like cognitive behavioral therapy, diet, and exercise,” Dr. Mootabar says.

What is a safe alternative to Vyvanse during pregnancy?

Alternative treatment options for ADHD, including bupropion and clonidine, have more evidence for safety in pregnancy; however, there is less evidence for the efficacy of these drugs in adult ADHD, and responses might vary. Risks and benefits need to be weighed for each patient when making treatment decisions.

What happens if you take Vyvanse while pregnant?

With the use of stimulants like Vyvanse while pregnant, a baby is more likely to be born prematurely and with low birth weight. It is also possible that stimulants like Vyvanse can restrict blood flow to a fetus as well.

Is it safe to take Vyvanse while breastfeeding?

Hi, thanks for your post. The most popular medications for ADHD (Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexadrine) are all compatible with breastfeeding when taken as prescribed. Just watch your child for any new signs of significant insomnia, agitation, or poor weight gain.

How much weight can you lose on Vyvanse in a month?

After 4 weeks of treatment, the average weight loss in people who took Vyvanse was: 2.8 pounds (lb) to 4.3 lb (1.3 kilograms [kg] to 2 kg) in adults. 2.7 lb to 4.8 lb (1.2 kg to 2.2 kg) in children ages 13 to 17 years. 0.9 lb to 2.5 lb (0.4 kg to 1.1 kg) in children ages 6 to 12 years.

How long do stimulants stay in breastmilk?

Methamphetamine remains in human milk for up to 4 days after use. Prescribed Ritalin® (methylphenidate) remains in human milk for about 21 hours after use.

Can I take ADHD medication while breastfeeding?

Hi, thanks for your post. The most popular medications for ADHD (Vyvanse, Ritalin, Adderall, and Dexadrine) are all compatible with breastfeeding when taken as prescribed. Just watch your child for any new signs of significant insomnia, agitation, or poor weight gain.

What should you not do while on Vyvanse?

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Vyvanse. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Vyvanse. You should refer to the prescribing information for Vyvanse for a complete list of interactions.

Does Vyvanse affect fertility?

Vyvanse does not affect your ability to become pregnant, and if you discover you are pregnant you should stop taking it immediately and let your doctor know. If you are planning to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor ahead of time.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after Adderall?

To minimize your infant’s exposure, you can either breastfeed or pump right before taking your dose or after the peak concentration passes. That means waiting one to two hours for immediate release and six to eight hours for extended release.