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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

ADHD medication and pregnancy

3 replies

Hg44 · 30/10/2024 10:30

Hello, has anyone continued to take their ADHD medication when pregnant? We are TTC and my clinician has taken me off my Amfexa top up and kept me purely on Elvanse.

Has anyone had any experience with still taking meds when pregnant?

OP posts:
Alwaystired94 · 30/10/2024 10:31

I don't have personal experience but know of others. I believe it's something to discuss with Drs in regards to your own personal health and risk assessment. There are risks associated with ADHD meds unfortunately - can they look at a non stimulant med when you are successful?

SomeOfMyChildrenAreFurry · 30/10/2024 11:08

Hi @Hg44,

Just wanted to hop on to say that I have stayed on my ADHD medication (also on Elvanse) throughout my pregnancy so far (15 weeks today).

I know it's a bit of a divisive topic and there will be some people who will unfairly judge that decision. For context, my decision was based on the fact that life would have become completely unmanageable without. My mum is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and I also unfortunately lost my contract due to the mass layoffs happening across my industry, so life has already been stressful enough. The decision was taken to preserve my mental health.

So far, everything appears to be looking good. I was actually even put a few days ahead of my actual recorded LMP date at the 12-week dating scan, so there doesn't seem to have been any adverse effect on growth.

I think you just have to weigh up what feels right for you. So often, it feels like women just become "vessels" when pregnant and, while I don't think any of us would want to knowingly take any risks that could have an adverse effect on our babies, maternal mental health is also incredibly important.

I believe anecdotal evidence suggests that there don't appear to be any ill effects to the developing fetus in the 1st / 2nd trimester, though it may result in slower growth in the 3rd trimester, and there may be issues with withdrawal after birth, though I believe this is usually only short-lived (though I'm not sure whether this is the case for BFing mothers). For what it's worth, I had bad hyperemesis with my firstborn, and had to take a LOT of medication to avoid being hospitalised. All of the evidence to suggest those medications were safe was anecdotal. My son was born at 40+5, at 8lb 4.5oz, and has had no health-related issues whatsoever. As someone from a scientific discipline, what I would also say is that although evidence from clinical trials is considered the gold standard, clinical trials often don't reflect real-world experience, so anecdotal evidence still offers important insights.

I would just suggest asking as many questions as possible so that you can make an informed decision, taking into account any potential impact that coming off medication may have on your mental wellbeing and/or your ability to work (if applicable).

Hope this helps offer a little reassurance and wish you all the best on your journey to conception and beyond! X

Namepound · 30/10/2024 11:12

I took myself off Elvanse the second I found out I was pregnant.

My train of the thought was if something was to happen to the baby I’d never forgive myself. A 1% risk was too high in my mind.

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