My name is Trisha and i am a mother of 3. a 5 yr old, a 16 month old, and an 8 week old... I was on Adderal XR for a while after my 16 month old was born, Then i found out i was pregnant again... My Son the 5 year old is extremly healthy and so is my Daughter the 16 month old... When i found out i was pregnant i was concerned because i was takeing adderal... I asked the doctors if i should stop taking it, they said i didnt have to it wouldnt hurt the baby... well guess what IT DID!!:confused: I took the adderal only for the first trimester because i couldnt eat much and wasnt gaining weight, so i stopped takeing it... low and behold my first sonogram comes and they see enlarged kidneys and send me to a diff. hospital... well thank god it wasnt the kidneys but they found something else wrong he had 3 cysts on his umbilical cord and He has Cleft Lip and Pallet... So my worst nightmares begin:eek: Was it something that was just a freak thing or did the adderal do it:confused: I blame myself all the time, I look into his face and he is the most beutiful baby ever, its hard knowing all the surgerys that he has to go through and things that could go wrong... He is so strong... I wouldnt trade him for the world, but the hardest part is not knowing why this happened... I dont take drugs I dont drink beer...

Did your doctor discuss the risks with you?

From: http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63163-Adderall+Oral.aspx?drugid=63163&drugname=Adderall+Oral <-- Click the Precautions tab.


This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers dependent on this medication may have birth defects, be born too soon (premature delivery), and have low birth weight. They may also have withdrawal symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice possible mood changes, agitation, or unusual tiredness in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feedingI'm really sorry to hear that this has happened to you.

I know otherwise perfectly healthy, very bright, successful people who were born with a cleft lip and / or cleft pallet. I know for sure their mothers did not take any prescription drugs during pregnancy. Cause unknown at this time?

I know otherwise perfectly healthy, very bright, successful people who were born with a cleft lip and / or cleft pallet. I do too, and they all have grown up to be perfectly healthy individuals! :)

I'm not trying to make light of this genetic deformity and as a parent, it must be hard when you know your baby will have to have surgery. On the plus side, medical technology has made wonderful advances in surgery.

When i found out i was pregnant i was concerned because i was taking adderal... I asked the doctors if i should stop taking it, they said i didn't have to it wouldn't hurt the baby.OoopsIForgot,
Just so you know, I did not post the Adderall drug precautions information so that you would feel guilty!

If you asked your doctors if you should stop taking the Adderall because you were pregnant, and they told you that it wouldn't hurt the baby, then it is not your fault!!! You where simply following your doctors orders.

However, I would definitely be angry with the doctors for telling you that it wouldn't hurt your baby.

I feel it was extremely irresponsible for your doctors to tell you that there was no risk of harming your baby, when the Adderall drug precautions clearly state that there are risks involved with taking Adderall when you are pregnant!

Again, please don't feel guilty because it really wasn't your fault!

I'm sorry for this. Really can't help it.

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29778

I knew it would happen!!!

Mutagenic chemicals damage DNA, therefore causing birth defects. Methylphenidate and other ADD drugs (adderall) are currently under investigation. Research indicates they may be (highly) mutagenic for human.

Steven d, fortunately my meds are at their peak performance and I am well nourished, hydrated and rested so I can reply to your post without the risk of flaming (ask Scuro for a definition :D).

I know a very successful vice president of a bank who was born with a harelip. His mother never smoked, drank alcohol, did drugs or took medication during her pregnancy. No other members of his family, past or present, were born with a harelip. Things happen.

Steven'd I am going to begin with the fact the article you hyperlinked to dealt with Ritalin NOT Adderall. Adderall is the medication indicated in the initial post, they are not chemically the same.

Second thing I would like to point out is they exposed tissue in a test tube which isn't the same as tissue NOT inside a test tube (i.e. a fetus)


Third compassion is a virtue; using some one's misfortune for "I am right" is not very nice (IMHO)

Fourth - The double standard isn't really very cool either. (that is all I am going to say)

OoopsIForgot - these genetic things may not have any thing to do with the medication you were on. Several people have remained on their ADD medication during the first trimester because they did not know they were pregnant. Their infants did not have any of the things you described.

When I was young I knew a woman who was a speed freak and continued using through out her pregnancy and her baby did not have any genetic abnormalities. I KNOW you weren't abusing any thing my point is the woman abused street stimulants. Even though she probably used ten to twenty times what you took with a prescription no genetic abnormalities occurred. This may have happened even if you did every thing perfect, I know because I have known people who did not take any drugs nor did they drink coffee, smoke ciggs, or eat junk food their children had more sever genetic anomalies than those you are describing.

Parental guilt is common when a child is born with extra problems, understand guilt is a common reaction even in those who were on not taking prescriptions.

I would also recommend seeking the advice of professionals in genetics or pediatric before being too harsh on your self. Counseling may also help you deal with over whelming emotional issues. Again these emotional reaction are part of a parents love in wanting every thing to be perfect for their children.

Second thing I would like to point out is they exposed tissue in a test tube which isn't the same as tissue NOT inside a test tube (i.e. a fetus)
Are you sure????

Third compassion is a virtue; using some one's misfortune for "I am right" is not very nice (IMHO)
What are you talking about. You aren't writing about me.

I know a very successful vice president of a bank who was born with a harelip. His mother never smoked, drank alcohol, did drugs or took medication during her pregnancy.

*sigh* I never said that Adderall is the cause, but it may be so. Of course I know this. It may have other causes or be sporadic.

By the way there is a big difference between a harelip and 3 cysts on umbilical cord and Cleft Lip and Pallet...

Reading the OP's post very carefully, there is no proof that Adderall caused the birth defects. Birth defects happen, without Adderall or Ritalin (or other CNS stimulants prescribed for ADHD for that matter). No one should jump to conclusions here. She is making a mere speculation -- that is it.

I'm sorry for this. Really can't help it.

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29778

I knew it would happen!!!

Mutagenic chemicals damage DNA, therefore causing birth defects. Methylphenidate and other ADD drugs (adderall) are currently under investigation. Research indicates they may be (highly) mutagenic for human.

Hyperlinking to a closed thread.....to reopen a can of worms. Your statements above couldn't be supported back then, why stir the pot now?

May I gently suggest that you step back a bit and join other threads which don't specifically deal with the effects of medication. That distance might give you some perspective on this community and the issue.

By the way there is a big difference between a harelip and 3 cysts on umbilical cord and Cleft Lip and Pallet... Is there a big difference in the etiology?

*sigh* I never said that Adderall is the cause, but it may be so. Of course I know this. It may have other causes or be sporadic.

Hmm... a post just recently here on ADDF:

I'm sorry for this. Really can't help it.

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29778

I knew it would happen!!!

Mutagenic chemicals damage DNA, therefore causing birth defects. Methylphenidate and other ADD drugs (adderall) are currently under investigation. Research indicates they may be (highly) mutagenic for human.

Hmm... a post just recently here on ADDF:The intention was not to say that adderall did cause this birth defect. But I think it's a possiblity.

Steven d, Scuro's suggestion to expand your horizons is excellent advice.

Steven d, Scuro's suggestion to expand your horizons is excellent advice.Well, I do actually read the general topics. You don't have to expand my horizons, but thank you anyway. By the way, reading the general topics doesn't expand horizons. Studying, earning a degree, advancing in society and treating ADD does expand horizons.

Trisha - one of those characteristics which we all share is that we *need* to know why. Unfortunately, many of us, and certainly many in my small circle - blame themselves - almost as a reflex reaction - and *even* when other explanations are equally or more likely. You're obviously suffering - but adding to your own suffering by abstaining from meds, alcohol - may serve only to deepen your suffering.
I understand your reaction - but perhaps it's best to let go of any blame you feel for {what I am sure} is an essentially deeply unfortunate stochastic event - would it help if I were to pull out some more information on cleft palate, lip and umbilical cysts - to show how unfortunately (in this context) - biology just plain gets it wrong from time-to-time?
If statistics, information on the ontogeny of cleft palate would help - please just mention it - by PM or post - whichever.
And I'd like to apologise for the unfortunate direction which your thread has taken - entirely inappropriate - and deeply saddening that any should have the callousness to treat your question as an opportunity to expound poorly researched, highly tentative and most likely plain incorrect advice when applied to your situation.

If this helps soften any undue pain which you have felt through hearing of this idea - we (scientists) have certain regulations which regulate our behaviour.
We're told that if we accidentally spill some tap water on our face - that we are to clean our faces immediately with tap water (HSE regulations).

There are certainly a goodly few scientists who are mad (in a bad way).

SB.

What are you talking about. You aren't writing about me.

What was that saying . . . . if the shoe fits . . . . . (edited by ADHD chemical control)


Causes of birth defects:
Real Science . . . not stupidity

For you Steven'd (http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/1031002582.html)

***Source Quote
Scientists believe most birth defects are caused by a complex mix that could include such factors as genetic predisposition, environmental exposure and lifestyle choices. Yet, in 60% to 70% of cases, the precise cause of the birth defect is unknown***End Quote


March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/681_1206.asp)

***Source Quote
Both genetic and environmental factors can cause birth defects. However, the causes of about 60 to 70 percent of birth defects currently are unknown.

A single abnormal gene can cause birth defects. Every human being has 20,000 to 25,000 genes that determine traits like eye and hair color, as well as direct the growth and development of every part of our physical and biochemical systems. Genes are packaged into each of the 46 chromosomes inside our cells.

Couples who have had a baby with a birth defect, or who have a family history of birth defects, should consider consulting a genetic counselor. These health professionals help families understand what is known about the causes of a birth defect, and the chances of the birth defect recurring in another pregnancy. Genetic counselors also can provide referrals to medical experts as well as to appropriate support groups.
***End Quote

AGAIN . . . . .using some ones misfortune for your own personal agenda is in poor taste

SB that was a good post; well worded as usual! :)

***Source Quote
Scientists believe most birth defects are caused by a complex mix that could include such factors as genetic predisposition, environmental exposure and lifestyle choices. Yet, in 60% to 70% of cases, the precise cause of the birth defect is unknown***End Quote

Unknown does not equate to sporadic. There may be unknown exposures. For example dioxins. You don't see them, still they could be the cause of the birth defect.

If you read the original poster you will see that I (Steven) did not link the birth defect to the Adderall, but the poster did.

AGAIN . . . . .using some ones misfortune for your own personal agenda is in poor taste
You are talking about Bush?? I would not kill a chicken. I don't have an agenda. Do you have proof that I have 'used' some one's misfortune? And so, how did I. What is my agenda. I don't know about an agenda. Do you have an agenda? What is an agenda???? Do you mean a book to write in or a plot or a plan? How can I 'use' some one's misfortune??? Why is it in 'poor taste'. What is 'poor taste'. Unethical??? Against values and normes??? Egoistic??

one of those characteristics which we all share is that we *need* to know why. Yes!!!! That's why I posted my post. Not having an agenda. I want to know *why*, *how* and *how many*.
I'm curious and I love linking....

Again, I don't know what you are talking about. I don't know about an agenda :confused: :confused: :confused: . It seems that you know more about me that I do.

To MeADD823:

Accusing someone of doing something without showing good evidence and without well defining what that behaviour consisted of and without giving the accused person time to explain his motives is not right. (IMHO)

NEO: Whoa. Deja vu.

TRINITY: What did you just say?

NEO: Nothing. Just had a little deja vu.

TRINITY: What happened? What did you see?

NEO: A black cat went past us and then I saw another that looked just like it.

TRINITY: How much like it? Was it the same cat?

NEO: It might have been. I'm not sure. What is it?

TRINITY: A deja vu is usually a glitch in the Matrix. It happens when they change something.