ADHD
what medication is prescribed for adhd During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medication during pregnancy and nursing is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the foetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications need to balance the advantages of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations however they can provide information about risks and benefits that help pregnant women make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to compare the incidence of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the chance of bias.
However, the researchers' study had its limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning, to separate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers also did not look at the long-term effects for the offspring.
The study showed that babies whose mothers had taken
adhd medication over the counter uk medication during pregnancy had a higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU), compared to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant
adhd inattentive type medication medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having a caesarean section or one whose baby scored low 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 risk of a small amount with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and try to help them develop coping skills that may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the question of whether to continue or end treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians face. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to take into account their own experience and experience, as well as the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the subject.
Particularly, the subject of potential risks for the baby can be a challenge. A lot of studies on this topic are based on observational data rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Most studies focus on live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While some studies have shown a positive association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies have a neutral or slight negative effect. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis is required in every instance.
For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. 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 loneliness and family conflict for these patients. The loss of medication can affect the ability to drive safely and to perform work-related tasks which are vital aspects
types of adhd medication uk everyday life for people with ADHD.
She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to continue or discontinue medication due to their pregnancy should consider educating family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily life, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel confident about her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication may be transferred to her baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine if the use of stimulant medications increased birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, the first trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher rates of certain heart defects, like ventriculoseptal defect.
The researchers of the study found no association between the use of early medications and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are consistent with previous studies showing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who started taking
adhd medication Uk buy medications prior to pregnancy. The risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean delivery and also have a low Apgar after delivery and had a baby that required help breathing when they were born. 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 issues that could have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope their research will inform physicians when they meet pregnant women. They advise that while the discussion of the risks and benefits is crucial, the decision to stop or maintain treatment should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors caution that, while stopping the medication is a possibility to think about, it isn't advised because of the high incidence of depression and other mental problems in women who are expecting or who have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a difficult transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must manage their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of a child and adjust to new routines. Many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in small amounts, therefore the risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day the medication is administered. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health
cost of adhd medication uk a newborn is not fully understood.
Some doctors may decide to stop stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the possible risks to the embryo. Until more information becomes available, GPs can ask pregnant patients if they have an history of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication during the perinatal stage.
A increasing number of studies have proven that women can continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a result, an increasing number of patients choose to do so, and in consultation with their doctor they have found that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and build strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counselling should include discussion of a management plan for both the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and the need for adjustments to the medication regimen.