Is it safe to breastfeed after taking Adderall?

Understanding the Safety of Breastfeeding After Taking Adderall
The question of whether it is safe to breastfeed after taking Adderall, a medication commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a nuanced one that requires careful consideration of both the medication’s effects and the health of the breastfeeding infant.
Current Research and Recommendations
Adderall, which contains amphetamine salts, is known to pass into breast milk. However, the extent of this transfer and its implications for breastfeeding infants are still subjects of ongoing research. According to medical experts, the safety of breastfeeding while taking Adderall is not definitively established, and recommendations often vary based on individual circumstances. Carly Snyder, MD, a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist, emphasizes that the decision should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific health needs of the mother and child.
The prescribing information for Adderall indicates that the drug is distributed in human breast milk, leading some health professionals to advise against breastfeeding while on this medication. This caution stems from the potential for adverse effects on the infant, although studies suggest that the risk of significant harm is low when the medication is taken as prescribed.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While the levels of Adderall found in breast milk are generally low, the long-term effects on infants have not been thoroughly studied. Some sources indicate that the relative infant dose (RID) of the medication is a critical factor in assessing safety. If the RID is less than 10%, the medication is typically considered safe for breastfeeding. However, this calculation can vary based on the mother’s dosage and the infant’s weight and milk intake.
Healthcare providers often recommend that mothers discuss their medication regimen with their doctors before making any changes, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. This dialogue is crucial, as it allows for a tailored approach that considers the mother’s mental health needs alongside the infant’s safety.
Conclusion
In summary, while there is no blanket answer to whether it is safe to breastfeed after taking Adderall, the consensus among healthcare professionals is that it requires careful evaluation. Mothers should consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits of continuing their medication against any potential risks to their breastfeeding infants. Ultimately, the decision should prioritize both the mother’s health and the child’s well-being, ensuring that both are supported during this critical period.

When should I stop taking Adderall before getting pregnant?

In general, recommendations around Adderall and trying to conceive are the same as during pregnancy. “I always advise a patient with ADHD to get off Adderall before she attempts to get pregnant,” says Dr. Ross.

Can drugs be transferred through breastfeeding?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

Are ADHD medications safe 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.

Can nurses take Adderall if prescribed?

Therefore, it is a strong warning of the Boards that nurses should not take controlled substances including Adderall. Even if you have a valid prescription and your hospital may view a positive drug screen as a negative, it may come back to haunt you should you ever be called before the Board.

Does Adderall affect babies?

Taking stimulants like Adderall during late pregnancy have been linked to reduced fetal growth. This can mean your baby is born smaller and/or with a smaller head size.

Does breastfeeding prevent ADHD?

Choose 1 or more: For every additional month of breastfeeding, the odds of ADHD were reduced by 8%. Children who breastfed exclusively for 6 months had lower odds of ADHD compared with those who didn’t breastfeed exclusively but breastfed longer.

Are breastfed babies less likely to have ADHD?

Children who were bottle-fed at three months of age were found to be three times more likely to have ADHD than those who were breastfed during the same period. These results have been published in Breastfeeding Medicine.

How long do you have to wait to eat after taking Adderall?

When a drug’s absorption is significantly affected by food intake, its label usually says it is best taken either one hour before or two hours after a meal. The current approved labeling for Adderall does not address any need to take the medication on an empty stomach.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

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

How long after taking Adderall can I breastfeed?

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.