Can you take Dexmethylphenidate while pregnant?

Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time for everyone. From feeling sick, tired and uncomfortable to preparing for the baby itself, it can be difficult to know what to prioritize during that time. Hormonal changes, stress and mood swings are all completely normal during pregnancy. If you take drugs or prescription medications, it may seem counterproductive to stop taking them when pregnant. Your prescription medications help you feel better, which many people desire during pregnancy. However, many prescription medications are not safe during prenatal care.

Certain prescription medications can be harmful to you or your baby during pregnancy. While many products are totally safe to eat while not pregnant, being pregnant affects the body’s chemistry and changes how things are processed. From soft cheeses to medications to herbal supplements, it is important to research exactly what is not safe while pregnant.

Dexmethylphenidate/Focalin is a prescription medication that should not be taken during pregnancy. Dexmethylphenidate/Focalin is a medication to treat ADHD and is available by prescription only in the United States. While this medication is safe to take when not pregnant, it is not safe to take once you know you are pregnant. If you are concerned about dealing with your ADHD throughout your pregnancy, consult your doctor about pregnancy-safe methods and medications that are available during that time. Focalin while pregnant should not be recommended by any medical provider at this time.

How can Dexmethylphenidate affect your baby?

Take Dexmethylphenidate while pregnant can affect the baby because of how this medication is designed to work. Dexmethylphenidate works by changing the amount of naturally-occurring substances in your brain. By changing the chemicals in the brain, the brain can maintain focus more than if the patient did not take Dexmethylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate helps to regulate the functions of the brain that can make focusing difficult for people with ADHD. The result is an increased ability to pay attention, stay on task, listen and control impulses and behaviors.

Dexmethylphenidate is an effective medication for many people, but it is not without side effects. Dexmethylphenidate can cause irregular heartbeat, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, jitters, weight loss and dizziness. It can also affect blood pressure and circulation. It is because of these side effects that Dexmethylphenidateis not safe to take when pregnant.

When pregnant, your body’s priority shifts from focusing on you to focus on nourishing and growing your baby. Everything that you take a pregnant woman can affect or get absorbed by your baby. Therefore, eat nutrient-dense foods and taking prenatal vitamins is so recommended during pregnancy because your baby is affected so much by what goes into your mouth throughout pregnancy.

Dexmethylphenidate and its side effects can be harmful to your baby and yourself during pregnancy when your body is experiencing increased stress as it is. Medications that cause blood pressure changes, irregular heartbeat and appetite suppression should not be taken during pregnancy as they can harm your baby.

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Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.