15 Top ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Must Follow
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data regarding how exposure over time may affect a pregnant fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality studies are needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to give clear advice, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based study of case-control to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from those of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the exposed groups were due to the use of medications or if they were caused by co-morbidities. In addition the study did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study revealed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers did not use any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of the type of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit to both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, when possible, assist them in developing strategies for improving their coping skills that can lessen the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to face. The majority of these decisions are made without clear and authoritative evidence either way, so physicians 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 adhd medication for someone with anxiety judgment for each patient.
The issue of potential risks for infants can be difficult to determine. A lot of studies on this subject are based on observational evidence rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing both data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion A few studies have found 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 slightly negative, effect. In each case an in-depth evaluation of the benefits and risks must be performed.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of isolation. Furthermore, a loss of medication can affect the ability to complete jobs and drive safely that are crucial aspects of a normal life for many people with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure about whether to keep or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy should consider informing family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It can i get adhd meds without a diagnosis also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications can i get adhd medication without a diagnosis pass through the placenta, so if a woman decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the medication could be passed on to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and abuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases the concern over the counter adhd medication uk (this post) the potential effects of these drugs on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Using two massive data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study did not find any association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medications before the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, as many women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely to require a caesarean birth, have a low Apgar after delivery and have a baby who needed help breathing after birth. The authors of the study were not able 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.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. They advise that while a discussion of the benefits and risks is important, the decision to stop or continue treatment must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her adhd sleep medication list symptoms.
The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not advised due to the high rate depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines pass through breast milk in very small amounts, so the risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the newborn may differ based on dosage, how often it is administered and at what time it is administered. Additionally, different medications are introduced into the baby's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not fully known.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication with the potential dangers to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In the end, an increasing number of patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance 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 necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regimen.