﻿ bumps - best use of medicine in pregnancy


(Date: January 2018. Version: 3)


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What is it?

Methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta XL®, Equasym XL®, Medikinet XL®) is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and occasionally for narcolepsy (a rare sleep disorder where affected individuals suddenly fall asleep at inappropriate times throughout the day).

Is it safe to take methylphenidate in pregnancy?

When deciding whether or not to take methylphenidate during pregnancy it is important to weigh up the benefits of its use against the known or possible risks, some of which will depend on how many weeks pregnant you are.

This leaflet summarises the scientific studies relating to the effects of methylphenidate on a baby in the womb. It is advisable to consider this information before taking methylphenidate if you are pregnant. For some women, treatment with methylphenidate in pregnancy may be considered necessary. Your doctor is the best person to help you decide what is right for you and your baby.

What if I have already taken methylphenidate during pregnancy?


It is very important that you do not suddenly stop taking methylphenidate. Do not make any changes to your medication without first talking to your doctor.

Can taking methylphenidate in pregnancy cause my baby to be born with birth defects?


Studies that together include around 3,400 women who took methylphenidate in early pregnancy do not show that their babies have a higher chance of birth defects overall, or of heart defects in general, than babies born to women not taking methylphenidate. Although one study did identify a possible increased chance of a specific, rare type of heart defect called a conotruncal defect following exposure to methylphenidate in early pregnancy, this was based on a small number of affected babies and requires confirmation with further research.

Can taking methylphenidate in pregnancy cause miscarriage?

Studies of around 760 women using methyphenidate in early pregnancy suggest that their chance of having a miscarriage may be up to double that of women not taking methyphenidate. However, research also suggests that women with untreated ADHD may be at increased risk of miscarriage, suggesting that this could be linked to the illness itself rather than to medicine used to treat ADHD. Further research is therefore required to determine whether treatment with methylphenidate in early pregnancy increases the chance of miscarriage.

Can taking methylphenidate in pregnancy cause preterm birth?

Two studies of a total of over 1,800 pregnancies with exposure to methyphenidate did not show an increased risk of preterm delivery compared to pregnancies with no methylphenidate exposure.

Can taking methylphenidate in pregnancy cause my baby to be small at birth (low birth weight)?

Two studies of a total of around 1,700 babies exposed in the womb to methylphenidate do not show that they have a greater chance of being smaller than expected for the stage of pregnancy at delivery compared to babies not exposed to methylphenidate.

Has taking methylphenidate in pregnancy been linked to other health problems in the child?

Withdrawal symptoms at birth (‘neonatal withdrawal’)

Because methylphenidate has not been studied separately, there is no scientific information as to whether taking methylphenidate in pregnancy could cause a baby to experience withdrawal symptoms.

However, because methylphenidate works in a similar way similar to other medicines that are known to cause neonatal withdrawal, close monitoring of your baby for a few days after birth may be advised if you have taken methylphenidate in the weeks before delivery. 

Developmental delay, behavioural and psychological problems

No studies have been carried out to look at whether there is an increased risk of learning and behavioural problems in children who were exposed to methylphenidate while in the womb.

Will my baby need extra monitoring during pregnancy?

If you have taken methylphenidate around the time of delivery, because of the risk of withdrawal symptoms in the baby, he/she may require extra monitoring after birth.

Are there any risks to my baby if the father has taken methylphenidate?

We would not expect any increased risk to your baby if the father took methylphenidate before or around the time you became pregnant.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?


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General information 


Medicines use in pregnancy








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