ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with
adhd medication uk buy face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how long-term exposure may affect a fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that further high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against potential risks to the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information on risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during their early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists reviewed the cases to ensure correct case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. In particular, they were unable to distinguish the effects of the medication from the effects of the disorder that is underlying. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medications, or if they were affected by the presence of comorbidities. Additionally the study did not examine long-term offspring outcomes.
The study did show that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or had taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having an emergency caesarean section or having a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risks associated with the use
natural adhd medication medication during pregnancies in the early stages can be offset by greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies to improve their coping abilities which can reduce the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to maintain treatment or stop it during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to weigh their own knowledge and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the topic.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. The research on this subject is based on observation rather than controlled studies, and many of the findings are in conflict. Most studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both information on deceased and live births.
The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slight negative effect. In the end an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each situation.
It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in a recent article in Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can lead to increased depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A decrease in medication could affect the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of daily life for those with ADHD.
She suggests women who are unsure about whether to keep or stop medication in light of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the advantages of continuing the current treatment plan. It will also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications can pass through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that the effects of the medication could be transferred to the child.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about what impact the drugs could have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to study more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications caused birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study found no association between early use of medication and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which
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visit my website) showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medication prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean and also have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed breathing assistance after birth. The researchers of the study could not remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although a discussion of risks and benefits is important but the decision to stop or maintain treatment should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also warn that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or recently postpartum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop their medications are more likely to have difficulties adjusting to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD who have to manage their symptoms while attending physician appointments, making preparations for the arrival of a baby and adjusting to new household routines are often faced with a number of difficulties. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk to breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. However, the rate of exposure to medication by the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and at what time the medication is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk, and the effect of this on a newborn is not well understood.
Because of the lack of research, some physicians might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during a woman's pregnancy. This is a difficult decision for the woman, who must weigh the benefits of taking her medication as well as the risks to the fetus. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD
medication given for adhd safely while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. This has led to many patients choose to do so, and in consultation with their physician, they have discovered that the benefits of maintaining their current medication exceed any risk.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatment options and strengthen existing coping strategies. This should include a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if needed modifications to the medication regimen.