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What happens if you breastfeed on Adderall?

Understanding the Implications of Breastfeeding While on Adderall
Breastfeeding is a critical aspect of infant care, providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between mother and child. However, when a mother is prescribed Adderall, a medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), questions arise regarding the safety of breastfeeding during treatment.
Adderall and Its Presence in Breast Milk
Adderall, which contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is known to pass into breast milk. Research indicates that while the levels of the drug in breast milk are generally low, the potential effects on a breastfeeding infant are not fully understood. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the drug’s prescribing information suggest that mothers taking Adderall should consider refraining from breastfeeding due to the risks involved.
Potential Risks to Infants
The primary concerns for infants exposed to Adderall through breast milk include possible side effects such as decreased milk production in mothers and adverse reactions in babies. These reactions can manifest as restlessness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and in some cases, failure to thrive. Although the risk of significant harm appears to be low, the lack of extensive research on the long-term effects of Adderall exposure through breastfeeding raises caution among healthcare providers.
Consultation with Healthcare Providers
Given the complexities surrounding the use of Adderall during breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers. Medical professionals can offer personalized advice based on the mother’s health needs and the potential risks to the infant. They may also suggest alternative treatments or adjustments to medication dosages to mitigate risks while ensuring the mother’s mental health is adequately managed.
Conclusion
In summary, while Adderall is considered safe for some mothers during breastfeeding, the potential risks to infants cannot be overlooked. The decision to breastfeed while on this medication should be made collaboratively with healthcare professionals, weighing the benefits of treatment against the possible risks to the child. As always, informed choices are key to ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

How long does Adderall stay in breastmilk?

Prescribed Ritalin® (methylphenidate) remains in human milk for about 21 hours after use. Prescribed Adderall® (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) remains in human milk for over 24 hours. Can stimulants enter human milk? Yes.

How does Adderall affect a breastfed baby?

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.

What happens if you breastfeed with drugs in your system?

There is still a lot we don’t know about the effects of drugs on your baby when you are breastfeeding but it’s thought that, even at low levels, taking drugs is likely to: make your baby drowsy, feed poorly and have disturbed sleep patterns and poor weight gain. cause behavioural problems.

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 is Adderall in your breastmilk?

Prescribed Ritalin® (methylphenidate) remains in human milk for about 21 hours after use. Prescribed Adderall® (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) remains in human milk for over 24 hours. Can stimulants enter human milk? Yes.

Does Adderall affect baby?

Most studies conducted to find the effects of Adderall on a fetus utilizedanimal testing. The drug was found to cause birth defects and increase the possibility of miscarriages in lab mice. Adderall also caused the mice to be born prematurely, have a low birth weight and experience withdrawal symptoms.

What is a safe alternative to Adderall while pregnant?

This includes medications such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), Effexor XR (venlafaxine), Intuniv (guanfacine), Strattera (atomoxetine), and Qelbree (viloxazine). All of these drugs work differently than Adderall and may provide safer pregnancy outcomes.

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.

Is ADHD medication 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.

How long until Adderall is out of breast milk?

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.

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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