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 aren't enough data regarding how exposure over time may 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 that more high-quality studies are required.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to aid pregnant women in making an informed decision.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication in early pregnancy did not have a greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study 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 examined the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.

The research conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult to know whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. The researchers also did not study the long-term effects for the offspring.

The study found that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not take any medication during pregnancy or quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was caused by 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 chance of having to have a caesarean section or a baby that scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits for baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping strategies that may reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.

Interactions with Medication

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with Adhd medication pregnancy and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether or not to discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that doctors are having to face. Often, these decisions are made in the absence of clear and authoritative evidence either way, so physicians must weigh their knowledge about their experiences, the experiences of other doctors, and what medication is prescribed for adhd research suggests about the subject as well as their own judgments for each individual patient.

The issue of potential risks to infants is particularly tricky. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational data rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects leading to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study presented in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have found that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have found no such relationship, and most studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. In every case an in-depth study of the risks and benefits must be performed.

For women suffering from ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication is difficult if not impossible. In a recent article published in 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 being isolated. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to do jobs and drive safely, which are important aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking medication or stop it due to their pregnancy educate 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 help women feel more confident in her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides to not take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the drug could be transferred to the infant.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use and misuse of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases, so does concern about the possible effects of the drugs on the fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. With two massive data sets researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with an increased risk of certain heart defects like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).

The authors of the study found no association between early medication use and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who began taking prescribe adhd medication medication prior to pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy, when a lot of women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean or have an insufficient Apgar after delivery and have a baby who needed breathing assistance after birth. However, the authors of the study were unable to eliminate selection bias by restricting the study to women who did not have any other medical issues that could be a contributing factor to these findings.

Researchers hope their research will provide doctors with information when they encounter pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or maintain treatment should be based on the woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors warn that, while stopping the medication is an option to consider, it is not recommended due to the high rate 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 harder transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, attend 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 majority of stimulant medications pass through breast milk in small quantities, so the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The amount of exposure to medications will vary based on the dosage, frequency of administration and time of day. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.

Because of the lack of research, some physicians might be tempted to stop taking stimulant medication during the pregnancy of a woman. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the benefits of her medication against the risks to the foetus. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal period.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking 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 found, in consultation with their doctor that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh risk.

Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician, and the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach, which includes the GP, obstetricians and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, and monitoring best medicine for adhd and social anxiety signs of deterioration and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regimen.