10 Times You ll Have To Learn About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue adhd medication options medication during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the foetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in the uterus don't develop neurological developmental disorders like impaired vision or hearing, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality research is needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information regarding benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.

However, the study had its limitations. The researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study did reveal that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk for admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risks posed by the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence in either case, which means that doctors must weigh their knowledge from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic, along with their own best judgment for each patient.

The issue of potential risks to infants is particularly tricky. A lot of studies on this topic are based on observational data instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis must be done in each case.

For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop medication for odd and adhd (Click at Postheaven) can be difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of isolation. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to perform jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers and acquaintances about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is important to note that some medications can pass through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the drug can be transferred to the child.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this subject. With two massive data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The authors of the study could not discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when a large number of women began to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to have a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who required help breathing at birth. However the researchers of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who did not have other medical issues that could have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope that their research will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or keep medication must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be a challenge becoming a mother. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk to infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn infant is not fully known.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medications during the course of pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the woman, who can prescribe adhd medication for adults must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risks to the foetus. As long as more information is available, GPs may ask pregnant patients whether they have any history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal phase.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have concluded after consulting with their doctor that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.

It is essential for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from adhd medication options be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.