As a treatment drug, Adderall works well at addressing the challenges ADHD sufferers face from day to day. When used for purposes outside its intended use, Adderall causes real problems, both physically and psychologically.
In either case, Adderall’s effects on brain and body functioning can pose serious risks to a woman’s health when using Adderall while pregnant. These risks stem from the range of changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy as well as the resulting effects Adderall can have on a developing fetus.
In the event a woman becomes pregnant while on Adderall, understanding how this drug interferes with the body’s normal functions can help in determining whether some form of treatment help is needed.
Please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) if you need help finding a drug treatment program.
How Adderall Works
For the most part, normal body functions rely on a stable balance of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain and central nervous system. Neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin work to regulate most every bodily system, including:
Slow fetal development can result from Adderall use.
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Heart functions
- Respiratory functions
According to the journal of Brain and Behavior, Adderall stimulates neurotransmitter production and speeds up brain and central nervous system functions. Considering how a woman’s body naturally goes through changes throughout the pregnancy term, using Adderall while pregnant can interfere with this natural process in harmful ways.
Potential Dangers in Using Adderall While Pregnant
Changing Metabolism
Like any drug, Adderall affects different people in different ways. Factors that influence how a drug interacts with the body include:
- Age
- Weight
- Medical problems
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Interactions with treatment medications
All of these factors also affect the body’s metabolism processes. When pregnant, the body’s changing hormone levels can cause metabolism rates to fluctuate considerably. Using Adderall while pregnant can compromise the body’s digestion processes and deprive a developing fetus from needed nutrient supplies.
High Blood Pressure Risks
As a stimulant-based drug, Adderall easily stimulates the body’s circulatory system. With prolonged use, Adderall can actually cause a person to develop high blood pressure.
According to the journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, during pregnancy, a high blood pressure condition can cause considerable damage to a growing fetus. Under these conditions, using Adderall while pregnant can cause:
- Reduced blood flow to the uterus
- Slow fetal development
- A separation of the placenta from the uterine wall
- Premature delivery
- Stillbirth
Adderall and Breastfeeding Risks
In cases where a woman opts to take Adderall while pregnant, staying on the drug after giving birth can pose very real dangers to the baby’s health. When breastfeeding, Adderall can pass through the breast milk.
When this happens, the baby can develop side effects from the drug, some of which include:
- Insomnia
- Failure to thrive
- Agitation
- Loss of appetite
Treatment Considerations
If you’re struggling with an Adderall abuse problem during pregnancy and are concerned about the future health of your baby, it’s important to seek out the level of care needed to ensure the baby’s safety as well as your own.
If you need help finding a treatment program that can address your treatment needs, call our helpline at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to speak with one of our addiction specialists.
