ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications can 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 conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it against the potential risks to the baby. Doctors don't have the data needed to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information about risks and benefits that aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have a significantly increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control 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 reviewed the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.
The study of the researchers had some limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the study did not examine the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study found that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to those whose mothers did not take any medication during pregnancy, or had stopped taking their medication before 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 which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a child with low Apgar score (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 small risks posed by the use of ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping strategies that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians have to face. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise, the experience of other doctors and the research on the topic.
The issue of possible risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and the results are in conflict. Most studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.
The conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slight negative effect. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every case.
For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent piece published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of isolation. The loss of medication can also affect the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy educate family members, coworkers, and their friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. Educating them can also help the woman feel supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and use of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the concern over the possible effects of the drugs on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Using two massive data sets researchers were able look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study did not find any association between early medication usage and congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies which showed a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when a large number of women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to have caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope their research will help doctors when they see pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial but the decision to stop or maintain medication must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to consider, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult transitioning to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women with ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and making preparations for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. As such, many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medications are absorbed by breast milk in small amounts, so the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage and frequency of administration as well as the time of day. In addition, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn isn't fully known.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. 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 maintaining their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior becoming pregnant. adhd medication side effects should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen strategies for coping. More Signup bonuses should be an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. 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 needed modifications to the medication regime.