ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to adhd and medication medication in the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and take adhd medication intuniv medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks to the baby. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure accurate classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.

The study conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were not able to, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.

The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having caesarean sections or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not 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 in early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping skills that could reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more doctors have to face. These decisions are often made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors must take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other physicians and the research on the subject.

The issue of possible risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations instead of controlled studies and many of the findings are conflicting. Most studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship and the majority of studies have a neutral or slight negative effect. In all cases an in-depth study of the benefits and risks must be performed.

For a lot of women with ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article 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 patients with ADHD. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.

She recommends women who are uncertain about whether to continue or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis uk (Read More Here) aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. With two massive data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.

The authors of the study didn't discover any link between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent 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 prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when a large number of women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean and also have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed breathing assistance at birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by restricting the study to women who didn't have other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

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

The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not advised due to the high rate depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to experience a difficult time adapting to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be overwhelming becoming a mother. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments and preparing for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk at a low level. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not well known.

Because of the lack of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medications during the course of pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their doctor they have found that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.

Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their physician and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GPs, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary modifications to the medication for inattentive adhd regimen.