ADHD Medication Pregnancy: 10 Things I d Like To Have Learned In The Past
get adhd medication online Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue managing adhd without medication adults medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding is challenging for women with the condition. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs could affect the fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must consider the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the baby. Physicians don't have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits that aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case control to examine the prevalence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without its limitations. Most important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from the effects of the disorder that is underlying. This makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for the offspring.
The study found that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders, and the increased risk of admission was not found to be influenced by which stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit to both the mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this 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.
Interactions with Medication
Many doctors are faced with the decision of whether to continue treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. most popular adhd medication of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians must weigh their knowledge, the experiences of other doctors, and what research suggests about the subject and their own judgments for each patient.
The issue of possible risks for infants can be extremely difficult. The research on this subject is based on observations instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are in conflict. The majority of studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion 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 a neutral, or even slightly negative, effect. In each case, a careful analysis of the benefits and risks is required.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication can also affect the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of normal life for those with adhd medication uk.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable as she struggles with her decision. It is also worth noting that some medications are able to pass through the placenta, so if a woman decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the drug can be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and misuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases the concern over the potential adverse effects of the drugs on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge on this subject. Using two massive data sets researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculo-septal defect (VSD).
The authors of the study didn't discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women stopped taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean and also have a low Apgar after delivery, and have a baby that needed help breathing when they were born. The authors of the study could not eliminate selection bias because they restricted the study to women with no 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. The researchers suggest that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop medication should be made according to the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental problems for women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk in low estrogen and adhd medication - look these up - amounts. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered and the time of the day it is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not well understood.
Because of the lack of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs may ask pregnant patients if they have a background of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication in the perinatal phase.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication in a safe manner while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, a growing number of patients are opting to do so. They have concluded, in consultation with their physicians that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
It is essential for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non prescription adhd medication uk-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should involve a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. The pregnancy counselling should consist of the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.