The 10 Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, 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 need to balance the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the data needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking adhd medication options medications in early pregnancy did not have a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based case control study to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.

The study of the researchers had some limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the few associations observed between the groups that were exposed to medication use or if they were affected by comorbidities. In addition, the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.

The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who whose mothers did not take any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a child with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits to both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians have to face. These decisions are usually made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must take into account their own experience and experience, as well as the experiences of other physicians and the research on the subject.

Particularly, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be tricky. The research that has been conducted on this topic is based on observations rather than controlled studies and many of the findings are in conflict. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion Some studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies have shown a neutral, or even slightly negative, effect. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be conducted in every instance.

It can be difficult, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. 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 isolation, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Furthermore, a loss of medication can interfere with the ability to do job-related tasks and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She recommends women who are uncertain about whether to keep or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel confident about her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about what impact the medications could have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. Using two massive data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).

The researchers of the study found no connection between early medication use and congenital abnormalities such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies that showed a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. The risk grew in the latter half of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean section, low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required breathing assistance during birth. However the authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who can prescribe adhd medication for adults didn't have other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who treat pregnant women. They recommend that, while discussing the benefits and risks is important, the decision to stop or keep treatment 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 think about, it isn't advised due to the high rate depression and other mental problems for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Further, best over the counter adhd medication for adults research suggests that women who choose to stop their medications are more likely to have a difficult time adapting to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments and making preparations for the arrival of a child and adapting to new routines in the home may face a lot of challenges. This is why many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs pass through breast milk in very small amounts, therefore the risk to the breastfeeding infant is minimal. However, the amount of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day it is administered. In addition, individual medications enter the baby'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 decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefit of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take best medication for inattentive adhd during the perinatal period.

A growing number of studies have proven that women can continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, a growing number of patients are opting to do this. They have concluded after consulting with their doctors that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.