25 Surprising Facts About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't many studies regarding how exposure over time may affect a fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the necessary data to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information about benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took adhd medication uk for adults medication in early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to ensure that the classification was correct and to minimize any bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable to, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small associations observed among the exposed groups were due to the use of medication or if they were affected by comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study showed that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having an emergency caesarean section or having the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefit for both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
Doctors are increasingly faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with adhd medication names. Often, these decisions are made in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own judgments for each individual patient.
Particularly, the subject of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. Many of the studies on this subject are based on observational data instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing both the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In all cases an in-depth analysis of the risks and benefits should be conducted.
It isn't easy, but not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping adhd medication weekends adults (look at more info) ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of isolation. In addition, a decrease in medication can interfere with the ability to perform work-related tasks and safely drive, which are important aspects of daily life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy educate family members, coworkers and acquaintances about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects Risk
As the use and use of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the possible effects of the drugs on foetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester inattentive adhd medication adults medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers behind the study found no association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies revealing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean delivery, have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could be a contributing factor to these findings.
The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers recommend that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors also caution that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high rate of depression and other mental health issues for women who are expecting or postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience a difficult time getting used to life without them following the baby's arrival.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women suffering from ADHD can face severe challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. This is why many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs pass through breast milk in small amounts, so the risk to the infant who is breastfeeding is low. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully known.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors may ask pregnant patients if they have a history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication during the perinatal stage.
Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do this. They have discovered, in consultation with their doctor that the benefits of retaining their current medication far outweigh any possible risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary approach including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.