Ritalin and Pregnancy

I've been taking 30 mg of Ritalin for 5 years. Two months ago I found out that I was pregnant and stopped taking it. Now that i'm in my 2nd trimester and the pregnancy has settled in, my ADD is acting up again. I can't focus at work and it's stressing me out and making me crazy.

i've started taking 10 mg a day (only) to get through the work day. I semi feel guilty because I don't want to injure my baby but need to feel good about myself and my work too.

Has anyone on this board taken or known people who have stayed on Ritalin during their pregnancy. Thanks for any advice

I have been on Ritalin for some time as well, it really helped me a lot, but I know what psychical addiction it makes and I know how hard is to say no to taking it! I know it is now hard for you to say no to is, neither when it’s your baby due, but as it’s a strong medication, I would sincerely suggest not to take it anymore, it still hasn’t been scientifically tested how it affects the baby but according to its powerful effect, I believe it could do harm to the baby! I think it’s way better to try to avoid taking it, you consult your doctor about some light substitute for Ritalin, maybe this could have the same effect but could be less harmful. You should think on your baby’s health, you shouldn’t be playing games with it, you know that! Be strong and determined and everyhring will work out for you in a good way! Good luck!

I also suggest that you see a doctor. Trial evidence in animals points to defects in the fetus if taken at high doses, but not enough is known and has not been trialed on pregnant humans. It is also not known if the drug is transmitted through breast milk and it is strongly reccommended that if a mother is on Ritalin that she not breastfeed.