ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect the pregnant fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to does adhd medication work medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of using them against the risks to the foetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice but they can provide information on risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking adhd medication prescription uk medication in early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of structural defects that were major in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists examined the cases to ensure an accurate classification of the cases and to reduce the chance of bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. Researchers were unable, in the first place to distinguish the effects of the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. Additionally the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.

The study found that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly higher chance of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Doctors should discuss with their patients about this and, if possible, help them improve coping skills which may reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether or not to discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians face. These decisions are often made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, doctors must weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other physicians and the research that has been conducted on the subject.

Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. A lot of studies on this issue are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.

Conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. The majority of studies show that there is a neutral, or slight negative effect. In all cases, a careful analysis of the potential risks and benefits is required.

For many women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In fact, in an article published in the 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 those suffering from the disorder. A decrease in medication could also impact the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of everyday life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of strattera adhd medication drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns over the impact that these medications could have on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medicines was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The authors of the study didn't find any association between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, as many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean or have a low Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed breathing assistance at birth. However the researchers of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision about whether to continue or stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.

The authors also warn that while discontinuing the medications is an alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Further, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to have a difficult time adapting to life without them after the birth of their baby.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they have to manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to new routines. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the rate of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on dosage, how often it is taken and at what time it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn isn't fully known.

Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during the course of pregnancy. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the foetus. Until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have found through consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and reinforce the coping mechanisms. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed adjustments to the medication regime.