10 Tips To Know About ADHD Medication Pregnancy
strongest adhd medication for adults Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The choice of whether to stop or continue ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There aren't enough data on how long-term exposure may affect a fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to adhd sleep medication list medication during utero do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the baby. Physicians do not have the data needed to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information about benefits and risks that can assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who can Prescribe adhd medication took ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not face an increased risk of fetal heart malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was accurate and to reduce any bias.
The study of the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place to differentiate the effects triggered by the medication from the disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small differences observed between the groups exposed were due to medication use or affected by co-morbidities. Additionally the study did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study showed that infants whose mother took strattera adhd medication medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) as compared to mothers who didn't take any medication during pregnancy or had stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system-related disorders, and the higher risk of admission was not found to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby with low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be independent of 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 higher benefit to both mother and child of continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where they are able, assist them in developing strategies for improving their coping skills that may minimize the negative impact types of adhd medication her condition on her daily life and relationships.
Interactions with Medication
More and more doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to continue treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are often taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise, the experience of other physicians and the research on the topic.
The issue of risk to infants is difficult to determine. Many studies on this issue are based on observational data rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study presented in the journal club addresses these shortcomings by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion A few studies have found an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't found a correlation. The majority of studies show an unintended, or somewhat negative, effect. In every case, a careful study of the potential risks and benefits is required.
For many women with ADHD, the decision to discontinue medication is difficult if not impossible. 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 decrease in medication could also affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers, and their friends about the condition, the effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment plan. It can also help a woman feel more confident in her decision. It is important to note that certain medications are able to pass through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she should be aware that traces of the medication could be passed on to the baby.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing, so does concern about the potential adverse effects of the drugs on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether the use of stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk is low, the researchers found that exposure in the first trimester to ADHD medicines was associated with an increased risk of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD).
The researchers behind the study found no connection between early use of medication and other congenital abnormalities, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies that have shown 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. The risk increased in the latter stages of pregnancy, when a lot of women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth, have a low Apgar after delivery and have a baby that needed help breathing when they were born. The researchers of the study were unable to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited the study to women with no other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will help inform the clinical decisions of doctors who treat pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice on whether to continue or stop medication should be in light of the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not a recommended practice because of the high rate of depression and other mental health problems for women who are expecting or post-partum. Furthermore, research suggests that women who decide to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience difficulties adjusting to life without them after the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments, prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The risk to nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of exposure to medication will vary based on the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn is not yet fully known.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of taking her medication as well as the potential risks to the fetus. Until more information is available, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
Many studies have shown that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. As a result, more and more patients choose to do so and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek the advice of an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed, adjustments to the medication regimen.
