In short: Atomoxetine is not thought to cause birth defects, and a large multinational study found no increase in major malformations after first-trimester use, although the overall amount of evidence is still smaller than for many other medicines. Do not stop it suddenly if you find out you are pregnant: speak to your prescriber, who can weigh the benefits of continuing treatment against the possible risks. There is no published information on atomoxetine in breastfeeding, so decisions are made case by case.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, summarises what UK pregnancy and breastfeeding information services currently say about atomoxetine, so you can have an informed conversation with your own clinicians.

Can I take atomoxetine if I am planning a pregnancy?

Atomoxetine is not known to affect fertility, and there is no evidence that a father taking it around conception harms the baby. If you are thinking about getting pregnant, ask for a medicines review before you start trying. Options your prescriber may talk through include:

continuing atomoxetine at your current dose;
using the lowest dose that keeps your symptoms controlled;
switching to a different ADHD medicine with more pregnancy data;
pausing medicine and using non-drug support, if your symptoms allow it.

There is no single right answer. For some people, well-controlled ADHD means safer driving, better sleep, fewer accidents and more stable mood, and these matter for both parent and baby.

What should I do if I find out I am pregnant while taking atomoxetine?

Keep taking it for now and contact your prescriber, GP or midwife promptly to arrange a review. Stopping abruptly will not reverse any exposure that has already happened, and it may bring your symptoms back at a stressful time. If you and your prescriber agree to stop, the dose is usually reduced gradually rather than stopped overnight.

Does atomoxetine cause birth defects or miscarriage?

The UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS) states that atomoxetine is not thought to cause birth defects, while noting that more research is needed. The largest study to date pooled data on around 4.2 million births in four Nordic countries and the USA, including about 990 pregnancies exposed to atomoxetine in the first trimester. It found no overall increase in major congenital malformations compared with unexposed pregnancies. Numbers for individual types of defect (for example heart defects) were too small to draw firm conclusions.

Miscarriage happens in roughly 1 in 5 pregnancies whether or not a medicine is taken. There is not enough atomoxetine-specific information to say whether it changes this background risk. Extra scans are not usually needed purely because of atomoxetine; the routine anomaly scan at around 20 weeks is detailed.

Is atomoxetine safe later in pregnancy and around the birth?

Information on growth, premature birth and low birth weight is limited, and no consistent problems have been shown. Pregnancy changes the way the body handles some medicines, so if your symptoms seem to break through, tell your prescriber rather than changing the dose yourself.

If atomoxetine is taken in the weeks before delivery, some babies may have short-term withdrawal-type symptoms such as jitteriness, unsettled sleep, or feeding or breathing difficulties. Make sure your maternity team knows you are taking it so your baby can be observed after birth and any symptoms managed quickly.

Can I breastfeed while taking atomoxetine?

There is currently no published data on atomoxetine in breast milk. UK breastfeeding medicines services advise extra caution for newborns, premature or unwell babies, and babies who rely mainly on breast milk, because the amount reaching the baby may vary between individuals. Breastfeeding does not automatically need to stop, particularly for older babies. If you breastfeed while taking it, watch for:

unusual sleepiness or irritability;
poor feeding;
slow weight gain.

Seek advice from your midwife, health visitor or GP if you notice any of these. Where breastfeeding is a priority, your prescriber may discuss whether another medicine, such as methylphenidate, would be a better fit.

How does atomoxetine compare with other ADHD medicines in pregnancy?

Medicine	Pregnancy information (summary)	Breastfeeding information (summary)
Atomoxetine	Not thought to cause birth defects; data still relatively limited	No published data; caution in young or preterm babies
Methylphenidate	Most studied ADHD medicine in pregnancy; no strong evidence of harm	Very low milk levels reported; often preferred when breastfeeding
Lisdexamfetamine / dexamfetamine	Data limited; reviewed individually	Limited data; may reduce milk supply at higher doses

This table is a simplified summary. Your prescriber will consider your full history before recommending any change.

Will atomoxetine affect my child's long-term development?

Large Scandinavian follow-up studies of children exposed to ADHD medicines before birth have not found higher rates of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD. However, the number of children exposed specifically to atomoxetine in these studies is small, so research continues.

How can I look after my health during pregnancy?

Check with a pharmacist before buying any over-the-counter medicines or supplements.
Take folic acid as advised (usually 400 micrograms daily before conception and for the first 12 weeks).
Avoid alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs.
Build routines, reminders and support to help with ADHD symptoms such as forgetfulness or overwhelm.
Tell your midwife about your ADHD so the right support is in place, including after the birth.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop atomoxetine as soon as I get a positive test?

No. Contact your prescriber or GP first. Any decision to stop or change treatment should be planned with them.

Do I need extra scans because I take atomoxetine?

Usually not. The routine 20-week anomaly scan is thorough, and UKTIS does not recommend additional monitoring purely because of atomoxetine.

Is it a problem if my partner takes atomoxetine?

No increased risk to the baby is expected when the father takes atomoxetine before or around conception.

Can I restart atomoxetine after the birth?

Often, yes. Discuss this with your prescriber before delivery, especially if you plan to breastfeed.

Key takeaways

Atomoxetine is not thought to cause birth defects, but evidence is more limited than for some medicines.
Never stop suddenly; arrange a review with your prescriber.
Tell your maternity team so your baby can be observed after birth.
There is no published breastfeeding data; extra caution applies for newborn and premature babies.
Treatment decisions should be individual and shared between you and your clinicians.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you have ADHD, or think you might, and would like a specialist assessment or a review of your treatment, find out more about our ADHD assessment service in Standish, Wigan. A clinician will always decide with you whether any medicine is suitable.

Atomoxetine in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know