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How long do stimulants stay in breastmilk?

Understanding Stimulants and Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal way to nourish infants, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between mother and child. However, the use of stimulants—whether prescribed for conditions like ADHD or taken recreationally—raises important questions about safety and the potential impact on breast milk.
Duration of Stimulants in Breast Milk
The duration that stimulants remain in breast milk can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific stimulant in question, the dosage, and the individual metabolism of the breastfeeding mother. For instance, amphetamines, commonly prescribed for ADHD, have been studied in this context. Evidence suggests that when taken in prescribed dosages, amphetamines do not adversely affect nursing infants. However, the neurological development of infants exposed to these substances through breast milk has not been extensively researched, leaving some uncertainty about long-term effects.
The pharmacokinetics of drugs—how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted—play a crucial role in determining how long they stay in breast milk. Generally, the concentration of a drug in breast milk can be influenced by its molecular weight, lipid solubility, and the mother’s body composition.
Safety Considerations
Health professionals emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare provider before continuing stimulant medications while breastfeeding. While many women may have taken these medications during pregnancy, the transition to breastfeeding introduces new considerations. The potential for large dosages of stimulants to interfere with milk production is a concern, and mothers are encouraged to discuss their specific situations with their doctors.
In cases involving illicit stimulants, such as cocaine, the risks are more pronounced. Research indicates that cocaine can remain in breast milk for several hours, posing significant risks to the nursing infant.
Conclusion
In summary, while stimulants can be present in breast milk, the duration and impactStimulants and Breastmilk
The presence and duration of stimulants in breastmilk can vary depending on the specific drug, dosage, and individual factors. According to the available research:
– Amphetamines: In prescribed medical doses, amphetamines like those used to treat ADHD do not appear to adversely affect nursing infants. However, large recreational doses could potentially interfere with milk production and the infant’s neurological development.
– Cocaine: Cocaine can be detected in breastmilk for up to 5 days after last use. Mothers with cocaine use disorders are advised to avoid breastfeeding and instead use formula to feed their babies safely.
– Caffeine: Caffeine from coffee, tea, or energy drinks does pass into breastmilk, but typical maternal intake is not considered harmful to the infant.
The amount of a stimulant that enters breastmilk depends on factors like the drug’s chemical properties, the mother’s metabolism, and the timing of feedings relative to drug use. Health professionals can provide guidance on safe breastfeeding when taking stimulant medications. The general recommendation is to time feedings to minimize infant exposure and monitor the infant for any adverse effects.

How long does Adderall stay in your system with breastmilk?

Prescribed Adderall® (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) remains in human milk for over 24 hours. Can stimulants enter human milk? Yes. If you take stimulants, your milk will have stimulants in it.

How long until Vyvanse is out of your system?

The half-life of Vyvanse is less than one hour. Vyvanse can stay in the body for up to three days. Some people metabolize Vyvanse faster than others. Vyvanse can show up in a urine drug test for up to three days, a hair test up to two weeks, and a blood test for usually less than 24 hours.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

Do I need to pump and dump after 4 drinks?

Alcohol doesn’t stay in breast milk, and pumping and dumping doesn’t eliminate it from your system. Bottom line: Drinking a glass of wine, a beer or a cocktail here and there while you’re a nursing mom is just fine if you want to.

How long does Vyvanse stay in breastmilk?

It remains unclear how long Vyvanse remains in breast milk and whether it has negative impacts on a nursing infant. Some experts recommend not taking Vyvanse if you are currently breastfeeding. Consult with your medical provider before taking Vyvanse while breastfeeding.

How long should you wait to breastfeed after taking 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.

When can I breastfeed after taking drugs?

Drugs. If you use amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine or heroin, you should not breastfeed for 24 hours after use. If you smoke cannabis or tobacco you should breastfeed your baby before you smoke, and smoke outside and away from the baby. Do not have your baby in the same room as the smoke.

Do I have to pump and dump after taking medication?

If it is a short-term medication, pumping and dumping will keep your milk supply up until you can resume nursing. If you are on incompatible medications for the long term, discuss options with your provider. While you may need to wean, donor breast milk is an option for your baby or you may choose to use formula.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after drinking?

Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers. However, moderate alcohol consumption, meaning up to one standard drink in a day, is not known to be harmful to the infant. To be safest, the mother can wait at least 2 hours after a single drink before nursing.

Does ADHD medication pass through breast milk?

Adderall or Dextroamphetamine apparently transfers into milk avidly. Of the 6 infants studied thus far, no untoward effects have been reported in any infant. If you are going to breastfeed while taking this medication, the dose should be kept low, and your baby should be monitored for agitation, and poor weight gain.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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