"Ask Me Anything:10 Responses To Your Questions About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD have to make a difficult choice on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect a fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication in utero do not develop neurological developmental disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it against the possible risks for the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information about risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make an informed decision.
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 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 were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were unable to, in the first place, to separate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not look at the long-term effects for the offspring.
The study revealed that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk for admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have a caesarean section or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appeared to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications in early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, if possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills that may minimize the impact of her disorder on 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 to continue or stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians confront. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive in either case, which means that doctors must weigh what they know, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests on the subject, along with their own best non stimulant adhd medication for adults judgment for each individual patient.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this subject is based on observations rather than controlled studies and the results are contradictory. In addition, most studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing both information on deceased and live births.
The conclusion: While some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies have a neutral or slightly negative impact. Therefore, a careful risk/benefit analysis is required in every instance.
For many women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent piece published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can cause depression and feelings of being isolated. A decrease in medication could also affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers, and acquaintances about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD best medication for adhd and anxiety to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so do concerns about what impact the medications could have on foetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Researchers utilized two massive data sets to study over 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists found that exposure in the first trimester to adhd Medication Brands uk medications was linked to an increase in the risk of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The authors of the study could not find any association between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of developing cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before the birth of their child. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by restricting the study to women who didn't have other medical issues that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope that their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of risks and benefits is important but the decision to stop or keep medication must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her buy adhd medication online uk symptoms.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered and at what time it is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn isn't fully comprehended.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefit of continuing her medication against the potential dangers to the fetus. Until more information is available, doctors should inquire with all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
A growing number of studies have shown that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a result, many patients choose to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help women with adhd medication prices uk be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder Learn about the available treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Counselling for pregnancy should include discussion of a management plan for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.
