ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication should evaluate the benefits of using it versus the risks for the baby. Physicians don't have the data to give clear advice but they can provide information about 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 during their early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to confirm that the classification was accurate and to eliminate any bias.

However, the researchers' study had its limitations. The researchers were not able to, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the researchers did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study did find that infants whose mothers had taken adhd Medication Pregnancy medication during pregnancy were at a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those whose mothers had not taken any medication or cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the higher risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by which stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did not appear to be affected by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

The researchers suggest that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefits for both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where possible, assist them in developing strategies to improve coping skills which can reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Interactions with Medication

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the issue of whether to keep or stop treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to face. 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 subject.

The issue of potential risks to the infant can be particularly tricky. Many studies on this topic are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact which can cause abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both information on deceased and live births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slight negative effect. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be conducted in every case.

It can be difficult, if not impossible, for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A loss of medication may affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of normal life for those with ADHD.

She suggests women who are uncertain about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider educating family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily functioning, and on the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications can be absorbed through the placenta so if a woman 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 drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows as do concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the researchers did find that first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study could not discover any connection between early medication usage and other congenital anomalies, like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in agreement with previous studies which showed the existence of a slight, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication before the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the later part of pregnancy, when many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medications.

Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth and also 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 didn't have any other medical issues that could have contributed to these findings.

Researchers hope that their study will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. They suggest that although discussing the benefits and risks is important however, the decision to stop or keep treatment must be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option to consider due to the high rate of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or postpartum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be a challenge to become a mom. Women with ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments and getting ready for the arrival of their child and adapting to new routines in the home can experience severe challenges. This is why many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The majority of non stimulant adhd medication uk drugs pass through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to the nursing infant is very low. The rate of medication exposure can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of day. In addition, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn is not fully understood.

Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risks to the fetus. 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 time.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. In response, a growing number of patients are choosing to do so. They have discovered after consulting with their doctor that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any possible risks.

Women who suffer from ADHD who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non stimulant adhd medications for adults-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be offered to help pregnant people with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the root cause Learn about the available treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for managing. This should involve an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regimen.