ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There aren't many studies on how long-term exposure may affect a foetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication must evaluate the benefits of using it against the possible risks to the foetus. The doctors don't have the information to make unambiguous recommendations, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking Adhd medication Uk for adults medication in early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts looked over the counter adhd medication uk the cases to make sure that the classification was accurate and to minimize any bias.

However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. The most important issue was that they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the effects of the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or confounding by comorbidities. The researchers did not study long-term outcomes for the offspring.

The study found that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy, or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medication was used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher chance of having to have caesarean sections or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.

The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with buy adhd medication online. 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 have to weigh their experience about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own best adhd medication for women judgment for each patient.

The issue of risk for infants can be difficult to determine. The research on this issue is based on observation instead of controlled studies and the results are in conflict. Most studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.

The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative effect. As a result, a careful risk/benefit assessment must be conducted in every instance.

It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with getting adhd medication uk to stop taking their medication. In a recent piece published in the 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 loss of medication may also affect the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.

She recommends women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider educating family members, friends and colleagues on the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and on the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel confident about her decision. It is important to remember that some drugs can pass through the placenta so if a woman decides to stop taking her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the drug can be passed on to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns about the effects that the drugs might have on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of information on this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers behind the study found no link between early medication use and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies showing the presence of a small, but significant increase in the risk of developing cardiac malformations in women who started taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to undergo caesarean section, low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. However the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing the risks and benefits are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.

The authors also caution that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or postpartum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them after the birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women who suffer from ADHD who must work through their symptoms while attending physician appointments, preparing for the arrival of a child and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure can doctors prescribe adhd medication vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. In addition, individual medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not well known.

Due to the absence of research, some doctors may recommend stopping stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the risk to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In the end, more and more patients choose to do so and, in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.