(R,S)-α-Methylphenethylamine

A sympathomimetic drug and central nervous system stimulant, it has a similar action and uses to its isomer dextroamphetamine. It is used in the treatment of narcolepsy ^(Wise 2007) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and is also used as an illegal drug. ^{(Oei 2012; Bartu 2009)}. Oral administration.

It is excreted in breast milk, concentrating between 2 and 8 times more than in plasma ^{(FDA 2017, Steiner 1984)}. This concentration, although it could be significant ^{(Bartu 2009)}, assumes a relative dose between 2% ^{(Öhman 2015)} and 13.8%. ^{(FDA 2017)}

In infants whose mothers were taking amphetamine as narcolepsy treatment, low plasma levels ^{(Öhman 2015)} and urine ^{(Steiner 1984)} were measured and no problems were observed in the clinical follow-up of these infants. ^{(Öhman 2015, Steiner 1984)}

There is little information on the impact of amphetamine abuse on the development and health of infants ^{(Oei 2012, Wise 2007, Moretti 2000)}, but it is known that they are more exposed to social problems, domestic violence, and lower breastfeeding rates. ^{(Oei 2010)}

There is controversy over the possibly mild negative effect of amphetamine on prolactin ^{(Petraglia 1987, DeLeo 1983)}, but milk production in mothers who took it therapeutically was not affected. ^{(Öhman 2015)}

During breastfeeding, the therapeutic use (narcolepsy, ADHD) of amphetamine can be assessed, using the lowest possible effective dose and monitoring the occurrence of irritability, insomnia, lack of appetite and weight loss. Some authors contraindicate it. ^{(Ornoy 2018)}

Its use as a drug of abuse is totally discouraged. ^{(Oei, 2012)}

To minimize the risk, after the last recreational use of amphetamine, it is advisable to wait 56 hours (5 T½, which eliminates 97% of the substance) before breastfeeding again. For other authors, it is enough to wait 48 hours ^{(Bartu, 2009)}. Meanwhile, express and discard milk regularly.

See below the information of these related products:

• Dexamfetamine Sulfate (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
• Lisdexamfetamine Mesilate (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)
• Narcolepsy. Narkolepsy. (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)