[poker_queen]

Hello everyone
I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child and was prescribed dexamphetamine which I was up till today still taking. I am now 22 and my husband and I recently found out that I am 4 weeks pregnant (very big surprise as we were using contraception).

I went to the doctors today all bright eyed and over the moon to share the news with my doctor only to leave with the worst decision any parent should have to make..whether to abort or keep our baby,he gave us the worst case scenario and it is a black and white scenario by taking the risk knowing there is a chance of embryotoxicity and birth defects which has been proven in mice, refer below.I was told that Dexamphetamine is a category C medication which means risk cannot be ruled out.

"Dexamphetamine has been tested in mice and in rabbits. Some pregnant mice given 41 times the maximum dose for people showed toxic effects on the fetus. Rabbits given seven times the maximum dose did not show these effects
Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. There are no human studies."

Can anyone share their own experience, advice or story about dexamphetamine and pregnancy.

We are getting a second opinion this week and if we do decide to follow through with the pregnancy knowing the risks we will not know the outcome till my 20 week scan.

thanks xo

[happyapple]

Wow that is so tough! Just don't feel pressured into making a decision. You have time to research research research!
The very best of luck and fingers crossed for you x

[mollybot]

Well for what its worth, I had two friends taking illegal drugs while pregnant - one was a full-blown heroin user and one used vast quantities of speed - both their kids are the loveliest, most well-adjusted teenagers you'd ever hope to meet ! They went through the Drug Unit at our local maternity hospital.

Most major maternity hospitals will have a specialist Unit for mothers who are taking drugs. Here in WA the Unit at King Edwards is called Women and Newborn Drug and Alcohol Service or WANDAS - and they are BRILLIANT !

Even though you may not be in WA, here is their helpline number

Drug Info Line KEMH (if you would like to
speak to a pharmacist for information about
medicines or drugs you are taking):
08 9340 2727

And here is their pamphlet : http://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/brochures...rs/wnhs0102.pdf

where they state:

Being stable on medications, including methadone and subutex, provides a better environment in your body for your baby to grow. If you are on medications, tell your prescribing doctor you are pregnant. Your doctor will monitor your dose regularly.

(PS: I am NOT in any way suggesting that you are like my friends !!!!!! -

Just that the people who would know best about the impact of the tiny amount of pharmeceutical grade dexamphetamine that you have been prescribed is likely to be the doctors at the Drug Unit at your local maternity hospital. I'd take anything a GP had to say on the subject with a VERY large pinch of salt !! You need someone with specialist expertise in this area. )

In the case of both my friends, they were both such heavy users they were told that going cold turkey would probably kill their unborn child.

...and yes, both children had to go through withdrawal when they were born - something else the specialists would be able to help you with.

Don't panic just yet !!

Get help from the experts !!

Good luck !

[sueb31]

I think you need specialised information in order to make your decision, not just the category in mims.
For example, this article offers quite a different opinion and is from a reputable source.
http://www.motherisk.org/women/updatesDeta...?content_id=861

All the best and keep asking questions until you find the best expert. Obviously, it's not a decision to rush into. You need the best quality information for your personal situation.

Sue

[soontobegran]

As PP has said please do not rush into a decision here. If this was your GP you were talking to I would try and get a referral to an obstetrician asap so you can discuss the possible risks for your baby and then decide on a course of action.

I hope I can help you by saying that I have cared for many women who have been taking dexamphetamine whilst pregnant and they have had normal healthy babies.

Take care, and lots of good luck to you.

[poker_queen]

Wow, thank you all so much for your reply.I am getting a little choked up with all the responses. I have definitely taken all of the advice in and Hubby and I can't stop hitting the refresh button . I was too upset to ask the doctor many questions today, he just hit me with the hard facts :'( I have immediately stopped taking dexamphetamine and I know I will have withdrawals but I am ready to do this. I am so mad at myself and if I could turn back time I would but I have to face the music. I will talk to the doctor and ask to see a specialist. thank you all again and we are eagerly awaiting more responses

p.s @soontobegran were those ladies taking dexamphetamine throughout their whole pregnancy ?

This post has been edited by poker_queen: 04/02/2013, 08:40 PM

[saxa]

I'm no expert, however did your Dr advise you today to just stop taking your medication?

I only know the bad effects of just stopping anti depressants but would think the tablets you are on would cause similar withdrawal?

Please try and call a help line or something now to clarify if you should just stop.

[soontobegran]

Were you advised to stop the Dexa just like that OP? I am no expert in pharmacology but I am certain that this is not advised.
Can you get some expert advice tomorrow? Perhaps from a pharmacist?

Many of these women took reduced doses throughout their pregnancies. There are many drugs that are Categ C which are taken throughout pregnancy as the risk of being off them is greater than the risk of being on them.
Please make enquiries asap.
Good luck to you.

[Cyaira]

Where are you from? There are some good drugs info lines you might like to call. In NSW they have mothersafe but their website has links to other drug info services in other states.

http://www.mothersafe.org.au/

[poker_queen]

Thanks for your reply.My usual dose is 2,5mg tablets every morning and when I found out on Friday that I was pregnant I cut back to one tablet. I am unclear if he did say to stop taking my medication as I was beside myself in shock. He did say I would experience withdrawal symptoms, mainly agitation plus pregnancy hormones and that it would take a couple of weeks for the dex to leave my system. I have a regular pharmacist who I have known for many years now so I will see them asap.