Adderall and breastfeeding?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF - no! I say this as someone who just weaned so I could go back on my Adderall XR prescription. I consulted with a high-risk OB and OB specialist in meds and a psychiatrist. All were ok with a low-dose of anti-depressant, based on the cost-benefit analysis (but interestingly, not comfortable with Wellbutrin) and most definitely not OK with Adderall.

If you need Adderall that bad, take it and go ahead and use formula. Formula isn't going to hurt your baby but taking AMPHETAMINES could definitely harm your baby.

Adderall is amphetamines, you know, like cocaine. Why would you want your baby to ingest that?

Just buy some formula!!!

Cocaine is not an amphetamine and you clearly do not know what high risk OBs and psychiatrists do. Neither category of doctor is the one to consult about the effects of medications on breastfeeding and no doctor would categorically rule out adderall when there are virtually no studies making blanket conclusions possible. The advice has to be tailored to each circumstance and is not as black and white as it would be if you were asking whether you can put your baby in the trunk of the car. Damn. A lot of dumb people around these parts.

Uh, yeah, I actually do know what they do, and the specialist's background was in pharmacology and the developing fetus (we consulted her before I was pregnant to help decide what drugs would be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding). We paid a hefty sum of $, out of pocket for the consultation because we were actually pretty concerned about the health of our future child and with mom's health.

And I never said any of the three doctors categorically ruled it out, just that they didn't recommend it. Although I doubt my psychiatrist would have written the script to a nursing mother. We made the decision to forego the Adderall because it is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system and I didn't want to expose my baby to that in utero or through breastfeeding when other options were available. And you're right, amphetamines (Adderall's generic name is "amphetamine salts" ) are NOT cocaine but guess what - amphetamines/Adderall have a longer half-life than cocaine, which means they take longer to clear your body, which increases the risk of transmission through your milk (whatever % comes through).

You seem pretty determined to take amphetamines while you nurse your baby. Good for you. If you're that determined to avoid perfectly healthy formula in exchange for amphetamine-tainted and caffeine-soaked breastmilk, well, I guess we should nominate you for lactivist of the year.

Are you suggesting it's healthier to BF while snorting lines of Coke than while taking adderall? If not I'm not sure what cocaine has to do with any of this.

[Anonymous]

My understanding is that it's better to do this after the baby is 6 months (according to Jack Newman), because they can process the medication much better. I have adhd, normally take adderall, and think your plan to pump and dump is something that i'd feel comfortable with. A pp mentioned it's really about your baby's reaction. No harm in trying your plan once, seeing if there's any ill affect, and then adjusting. I'd also call Infant Risk, where you can get in touch with medical professionals who do have a lot of experience in pharmacology and BFing. I did not take adderall while breastfeeding my child and instead ate basically paleo and worked out for an hour or two each day while working full time. It was really tough mentally for me and you have to consider your own emotional well-being.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF - no! I say this as someone who just weaned so I could go back on my Adderall XR prescription. I consulted with a high-risk OB and OB specialist in meds and a psychiatrist. All were ok with a low-dose of anti-depressant, based on the cost-benefit analysis (but interestingly, not comfortable with Wellbutrin) and most definitely not OK with Adderall.

If you need Adderall that bad, take it and go ahead and use formula. Formula isn't going to hurt your baby but taking AMPHETAMINES could definitely harm your baby.

Adderall is amphetamines, you know, like cocaine. Why would you want your baby to ingest that?

Just buy some formula!!!

Cocaine is not an amphetamine and you clearly do not know what high risk OBs and psychiatrists do. Neither category of doctor is the one to consult about the effects of medications on breastfeeding and no doctor would categorically rule out adderall when there are virtually no studies making blanket conclusions possible. The advice has to be tailored to each circumstance and is not as black and white as it would be if you were asking whether you can put your baby in the trunk of the car. Damn. A lot of dumb people around these parts.

Uh, yeah, I actually do know what they do, and the specialist's background was in pharmacology and the developing fetus (we consulted her before I was pregnant to help decide what drugs would be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding). We paid a hefty sum of $, out of pocket for the consultation because we were actually pretty concerned about the health of our future child and with mom's health.

And I never said any of the three doctors categorically ruled it out, just that they didn't recommend it. Although I doubt my psychiatrist would have written the script to a nursing mother. We made the decision to forego the Adderall because it is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system and I didn't want to expose my baby to that in utero or through breastfeeding when other options were available. And you're right, amphetamines (Adderall's generic name is "amphetamine salts" ) are NOT cocaine but guess what - amphetamines/Adderall have a longer half-life than cocaine, which means they take longer to clear your body, which increases the risk of transmission through your milk (whatever % comes through).

You seem pretty determined to take amphetamines while you nurse your baby. Good for you. If you're that determined to avoid perfectly healthy formula in exchange for amphetamine-tainted and caffeine-soaked breastmilk, well, I guess we should nominate you for lactivist of the year.

Are you suggesting it's healthier to BF while snorting lines of Coke than while taking adderall? If not I'm not sure what cocaine has to do with any of this.

Maybe neither one is good while BF? Sort of like saying that beer is a better choice than whiskey...reality is neither is good to consume while bfing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that it's better to do this after the baby is 6 months (according to Jack Newman), because they can process the medication much better. I have adhd, normally take adderall, and think your plan to pump and dump is something that i'd feel comfortable with. A pp mentioned it's really about your baby's reaction. No harm in trying your plan once, seeing if there's any ill affect, and then adjusting. I'd also call Infant Risk, where you can get in touch with medical professionals who do have a lot of experience in pharmacology and BFing. I did not take adderall while breastfeeding my child and instead ate basically paleo and worked out for an hour or two each day while working full time. It was really tough mentally for me and you have to consider your own emotional well-being.

Thanks - how long did you suffer through/when did you wean?

I still haven't picked up the prescription... still weighing options...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF - no! I say this as someone who just weaned so I could go back on my Adderall XR prescription. I consulted with a high-risk OB and OB specialist in meds and a psychiatrist. All were ok with a low-dose of anti-depressant, based on the cost-benefit analysis (but interestingly, not comfortable with Wellbutrin) and most definitely not OK with Adderall.

If you need Adderall that bad, take it and go ahead and use formula. Formula isn't going to hurt your baby but taking AMPHETAMINES could definitely harm your baby.

Adderall is amphetamines, you know, like cocaine. Why would you want your baby to ingest that?

Just buy some formula!!!

Cocaine is not an amphetamine and you clearly do not know what high risk OBs and psychiatrists do. Neither category of doctor is the one to consult about the effects of medications on breastfeeding and no doctor would categorically rule out adderall when there are virtually no studies making blanket conclusions possible. The advice has to be tailored to each circumstance and is not as black and white as it would be if you were asking whether you can put your baby in the trunk of the car. Damn. A lot of dumb people around these parts.

Uh, yeah, I actually do know what they do, and the specialist's background was in pharmacology and the developing fetus (we consulted her before I was pregnant to help decide what drugs would be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding). We paid a hefty sum of $, out of pocket for the consultation because we were actually pretty concerned about the health of our future child and with mom's health.

And I never said any of the three doctors categorically ruled it out, just that they didn't recommend it. Although I doubt my psychiatrist would have written the script to a nursing mother. We made the decision to forego the Adderall because it is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system and I didn't want to expose my baby to that in utero or through breastfeeding when other options were available. And you're right, amphetamines (Adderall's generic name is "amphetamine salts" ) are NOT cocaine but guess what - amphetamines/Adderall have a longer half-life than cocaine, which means they take longer to clear your body, which increases the risk of transmission through your milk (whatever % comes through).

You seem pretty determined to take amphetamines while you nurse your baby. Good for you. If you're that determined to avoid perfectly healthy formula in exchange for amphetamine-tainted and caffeine-soaked breastmilk, well, I guess we should nominate you for lactivist of the year.

Are you suggesting it's healthier to BF while snorting lines of Coke than while taking adderall? If not I'm not sure what cocaine has to do with any of this.

Maybe neither one is good while BF? Sort of like saying that beer is a better choice than whiskey...reality is neither is good to consume while bfing.

I don't think anyone is arguing that adderall benefits breastfed babies. The very limited research just doesn't show it harms them and I was wondering about anecdotal experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF - no! I say this as someone who just weaned so I could go back on my Adderall XR prescription. I consulted with a high-risk OB and OB specialist in meds and a psychiatrist. All were ok with a low-dose of anti-depressant, based on the cost-benefit analysis (but interestingly, not comfortable with Wellbutrin) and most definitely not OK with Adderall.

If you need Adderall that bad, take it and go ahead and use formula. Formula isn't going to hurt your baby but taking AMPHETAMINES could definitely harm your baby.

Adderall is amphetamines, you know, like cocaine. Why would you want your baby to ingest that?

Just buy some formula!!!

Cocaine is not an amphetamine and you clearly do not know what high risk OBs and psychiatrists do. Neither category of doctor is the one to consult about the effects of medications on breastfeeding and no doctor would categorically rule out adderall when there are virtually no studies making blanket conclusions possible. The advice has to be tailored to each circumstance and is not as black and white as it would be if you were asking whether you can put your baby in the trunk of the car. Damn. A lot of dumb people around these parts.

Uh, yeah, I actually do know what they do, and the specialist's background was in pharmacology and the developing fetus (we consulted her before I was pregnant to help decide what drugs would be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding). We paid a hefty sum of $, out of pocket for the consultation because we were actually pretty concerned about the health of our future child and with mom's health.

And I never said any of the three doctors categorically ruled it out, just that they didn't recommend it. Although I doubt my psychiatrist would have written the script to a nursing mother. We made the decision to forego the Adderall because it is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system and I didn't want to expose my baby to that in utero or through breastfeeding when other options were available. And you're right, amphetamines (Adderall's generic name is "amphetamine salts" ) are NOT cocaine but guess what - amphetamines/Adderall have a longer half-life than cocaine, which means they take longer to clear your body, which increases the risk of transmission through your milk (whatever % comes through).

You seem pretty determined to take amphetamines while you nurse your baby. Good for you. If you're that determined to avoid perfectly healthy formula in exchange for amphetamine-tainted and caffeine-soaked breastmilk, well, I guess we should nominate you for lactivist of the year.

Are you suggesting it's healthier to BF while snorting lines of Coke than while taking adderall? If not I'm not sure what cocaine has to do with any of this.

Maybe neither one is good while BF? Sort of like saying that beer is a better choice than whiskey...reality is neither is good to consume while bfing.

I don't think anyone is arguing that adderall benefits breastfed babies. The very limited research just doesn't show it harms them and I was wondering about anecdotal experiences.

PP whose psychiatrist did the research here - I hear you. No anecdotal experience, since we haven't tried it yet. Half of me feels like it doesn't hurt to try, the other half feels nervous exposing my baby to such a stimulant. Does anyone know, if I went the pump and dump route, how long should I wait for it to clear? I take regular, not extended release, and it usually feels out of my system after 3.5-4 hours.

For PPs who say wean, I like to nurse, she's a great eater, and it's convenient, free, etc. Per my doctor, I'm not convinced it's medically necessary to wean, and if so, if it's worth losing the breastfeeding relationship. It's a hard decision!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My understanding is that it's better to do this after the baby is 6 months (according to Jack Newman), because they can process the medication much better. I have adhd, normally take adderall, and think your plan to pump and dump is something that i'd feel comfortable with. A pp mentioned it's really about your baby's reaction. No harm in trying your plan once, seeing if there's any ill affect, and then adjusting. I'd also call Infant Risk, where you can get in touch with medical professionals who do have a lot of experience in pharmacology and BFing. I did not take adderall while breastfeeding my child and instead ate basically paleo and worked out for an hour or two each day while working full time. It was really tough mentally for me and you have to consider your own emotional well-being.

Thanks - how long did you suffer through/when did you wean?

I still haven't picked up the prescription... still weighing options...

21 months - it felt okay while it was happening, but was a relief to go back on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:WTF - no! I say this as someone who just weaned so I could go back on my Adderall XR prescription. I consulted with a high-risk OB and OB specialist in meds and a psychiatrist. All were ok with a low-dose of anti-depressant, based on the cost-benefit analysis (but interestingly, not comfortable with Wellbutrin) and most definitely not OK with Adderall.

If you need Adderall that bad, take it and go ahead and use formula. Formula isn't going to hurt your baby but taking AMPHETAMINES could definitely harm your baby.

Adderall is amphetamines, you know, like cocaine. Why would you want your baby to ingest that?

Just buy some formula!!!

Cocaine is not an amphetamine and you clearly do not know what high risk OBs and psychiatrists do. Neither category of doctor is the one to consult about the effects of medications on breastfeeding and no doctor would categorically rule out adderall when there are virtually no studies making blanket conclusions possible. The advice has to be tailored to each circumstance and is not as black and white as it would be if you were asking whether you can put your baby in the trunk of the car. Damn. A lot of dumb people around these parts.

Uh, yeah, I actually do know what they do, and the specialist's background was in pharmacology and the developing fetus (we consulted her before I was pregnant to help decide what drugs would be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding). We paid a hefty sum of $, out of pocket for the consultation because we were actually pretty concerned about the health of our future child and with mom's health.

And I never said any of the three doctors categorically ruled it out, just that they didn't recommend it. Although I doubt my psychiatrist would have written the script to a nursing mother. We made the decision to forego the Adderall because it is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system and I didn't want to expose my baby to that in utero or through breastfeeding when other options were available. And you're right, amphetamines (Adderall's generic name is "amphetamine salts" ) are NOT cocaine but guess what - amphetamines/Adderall have a longer half-life than cocaine, which means they take longer to clear your body, which increases the risk of transmission through your milk (whatever % comes through).

You seem pretty determined to take amphetamines while you nurse your baby. Good for you. If you're that determined to avoid perfectly healthy formula in exchange for amphetamine-tainted and caffeine-soaked breastmilk, well, I guess we should nominate you for lactivist of the year.

Are you suggesting it's healthier to BF while snorting lines of Coke than while taking adderall? If not I'm not sure what cocaine has to do with any of this.

Maybe neither one is good while BF? Sort of like saying that beer is a better choice than whiskey...reality is neither is good to consume while bfing.

I don't think anyone is arguing that adderall benefits breastfed babies. The very limited research just doesn't show it harms them and I was wondering about anecdotal experiences.

PP whose psychiatrist did the research here - I hear you. No anecdotal experience, since we haven't tried it yet. Half of me feels like it doesn't hurt to try, the other half feels nervous exposing my baby to such a stimulant. Does anyone know, if I went the pump and dump route, how long should I wait for it to clear? I take regular, not extended release, and it usually feels out of my system after 3.5-4 hours.

For PPs who say wean, I like to nurse, she's a great eater, and it's convenient, free, etc. Per my doctor, I'm not convinced it's medically necessary to wean, and if so, if it's worth losing the breastfeeding relationship. It's a hard decision!

But what's best for your baby? I can't imagine how anyone would think that drug-tainted breast milk is healthier than formula.

[Anonymous]

PP whose psychiatrist did the research here - I hear you. No anecdotal experience, since we haven't tried it yet. Half of me feels like it doesn't hurt to try, the other half feels nervous exposing my baby to such a stimulant. Does anyone know, if I went the pump and dump route, how long should I wait for it to clear? I take regular, not extended release, and it usually feels out of my system after 3.5-4 hours.

For PPs who say wean, I like to nurse, she's a great eater, and it's convenient, free, etc. Per my doctor, I'm not convinced it's medically necessary to wean, and if so, if it's worth losing the breastfeeding relationship. It's a hard decision!

I know it's hard - I am different than PP, and I liked to nurse, my daughter was a good eater, the convenience was AMAZING, and I was sad to give up the breastfeeding, but it was what was best for my baby. Even if you can't prove that taking adderall and breastfeeding is harmful to your baby's brain and body, there's at least a chance it may be harmful, so it wasn't worth it to me to take that chance just so I could enjoy breastfeeding & take my adderall. So when it was time to go back on the meds, I dropped breastfeeding. I miss it, but then I remind myself that I'm not feeding my daughter amphetamines - in however small quantities.

I guess you have to assess how much your are BF'ing for you, and how much you are doing it for your baby. Personally, I wasn't comfortable with the unknowns and potential for harm, especially since my own doctors didn't recommend it. It wasn't worth it to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
PP whose psychiatrist did the research here - I hear you. No anecdotal experience, since we haven't tried it yet. Half of me feels like it doesn't hurt to try, the other half feels nervous exposing my baby to such a stimulant. Does anyone know, if I went the pump and dump route, how long should I wait for it to clear? I take regular, not extended release, and it usually feels out of my system after 3.5-4 hours.

For PPs who say wean, I like to nurse, she's a great eater, and it's convenient, free, etc. Per my doctor, I'm not convinced it's medically necessary to wean, and if so, if it's worth losing the breastfeeding relationship. It's a hard decision!

I know it's hard - I am different than PP, and I liked to nurse, my daughter was a good eater, the convenience was AMAZING, and I was sad to give up the breastfeeding, but it was what was best for my baby. Even if you can't prove that taking adderall and breastfeeding is harmful to your baby's brain and body, there's at least a chance it may be harmful, so it wasn't worth it to me to take that chance just so I could enjoy breastfeeding & take my adderall. So when it was time to go back on the meds, I dropped breastfeeding. I miss it, but then I remind myself that I'm not feeding my daughter amphetamines - in however small quantities.

I guess you have to assess how much your are BF'ing for you, and how much you are doing it for your baby. Personally, I wasn't comfortable with the unknowns and potential for harm, especially since my own doctors didn't recommend it. It wasn't worth it to me.

But this can apply to anything - including formula. For example, there are more studies proving that formula can have long term ill effects on a baby than there are proving that Adderall can. I'm not saying this means it's a slam dunk that I should take the adderall by any means, but the fact is that the research does not exist on adderall (and the documented anecdotes suggest an absence of harm) so it's a judgment call. I certainly see why other people make the judgment call of weaning, but the bolded logic is never particularly persuasive to me because its logical extension is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

OP here... baby rejected formula tonight! Drank a couple of oz when mixed with BM. I know it takes some getting used to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lol @ women here freaking out over adderall. Meanwhile, almost all of you jump at epidurals and narcotics in labor, all of which are known for a fact to affect babies in various ways, including lowered heart rate, labor slowing, fetal distress, and postpartum difficulties.

Oh, stop.

[Anonymous]

Exactly, it's a judgment call since there's a lack of evidence either way. I believe all of us will think hard and make a well thought out decision, whatever that is.

OP, good luck on the formula transition! There's one out there s/he'll take!

[Anonymous]

So wait, is the answer nobody has done it? I'd love to hear that perspective!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Among adderrall, caffeine, and formula, I'd choose formula.

+1. At some point I don't think breastfeeding is so beneficial as to warrant either the mother not taking meds she needs or taking the meds to the possible detriment of the child. Formula is not a terrible thing!