25 Unexpected Facts About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how to get adhd medication uk long-term exposure may affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to adhd and depression medication medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Most important, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or confounding by comorbidities. In addition the study did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the higher risk of admission was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These risks did not appear to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, when they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more doctors confront. These decisions are frequently taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
The issue of potential risks to infants is particularly tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are in conflict. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing both information on deceased and live births.
The conclusion: While some studies have found a positive association between adhd medication adderall uk medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies have a neutral or slightly negative impact. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be conducted in every instance.
For women suffering from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In an article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for those suffering from the disorder. Additionally, the loss of medication can affect the ability to perform jobs and drive safely which are essential aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and their friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug could be passed on to her infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and abuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing the concern over the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this subject. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to examine over 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, the first trimester adhd medication pregnancy medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study found no association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown an insignificant, but small increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy, when a lot of women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who see pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be made according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and mental health issues among women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a difficult transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending doctor appointments as well as preparing for the arrival of a child and getting used to new routines at home may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk to nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of the day. In addition, different Adhd Medications medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully understood.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must balance the benefit of continuing her medication with the potential dangers to the foetus. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. As a result, many patients choose to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of maintaining their current medication exceed any risk.
Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.