10 Quick Tips About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological conditions like hearing or vision impairment seizures, 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 must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have enough data to make unambiguous recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not face a significantly increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large, population-based case-control study to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were unable, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the exposed groups are due to the use of medication or confounding by comorbidities. Additionally, the researchers did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study found that infants whose mothers had taken 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 discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be independent of the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with adhd otc medication. Often, these decisions are taken in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh what they know from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject, along with their own best judgment for each individual patient.

The issue of risk to the infant can be extremely difficult. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies and the results are conflicting. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues, by examining both information on deceased and live births.

Conclusion A few studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies show that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, impact. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis is required in every case.

For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Furthermore, a loss of medication can affect the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive which are essential aspects of daily life for a lot of people with adhd non stimulant medication uk.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers, and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. It can also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increase in the risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study found no association between the use of early medications and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication before the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women began to stop taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias because they limited the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who treat adhd without medication adults - Http://delphi.larsbo.org/user/framebrick5 - pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.

The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't recommended because of the high incidence of depression and mental health issues in women who are expecting or recently gave birth. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medications are more likely to have a difficult time getting used to life without them after the birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be a challenge becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending doctor appointments and getting ready for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the frequency of medication exposure to the newborn may differ based on dosage, how often it is taken and the time of day the medication is administered. In addition, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn infant is not yet fully known.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risk to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs can inquire about pregnant patients whether they have a background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal phase.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. As a result, many patients choose to do so, and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any 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 prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include 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.