ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Little data exists about how long-term exposure to these medications could affect the fetus.

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological disorders like hearing or vision impairment seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality studies are needed.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Pregnant women who use ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of using them against the risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the information needed to give clear guidelines however they can provide information on risks and benefits that assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who took ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a vast population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants during early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias.

The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. The researchers were not able, in the first place to differentiate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to establish whether the few associations observed between the groups exposed were due to the use of medication or affected by co-morbidities. In addition, the researchers did not study the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.

The study did reveal that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at slightly higher risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who whose mothers did not take any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean section or having a baby born with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy.

The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of adhd medication over the counter uk (www.Viewtool.com) medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the higher benefit for both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, when possible, help them develop strategies to improve coping skills that can lessen the negative impact of her condition on her daily life and relationships. also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are crucial aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.

She recommends women who can prescribe adhd medication are unsure about whether to keep or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider the possibility of educating friends, family members and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily life, and the advantages of continuing the current treatment regimen. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. It is also worth noting that certain drugs 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 drug can be passed on to the baby.

Risk of Birth Defects

As the use and use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), increases the concern over the possible effects of the drugs on fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Researchers utilized two massive datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use caused birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study did not discover any link between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The findings are in line with previous studies that have shown a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of the time of pregnancy. This risk increased in the latter half of pregnancy, when many women decide to stop taking their ADHD medications.

Women who took ADHD medication in 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. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection because they limited their study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope that their research will help inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing risks and benefits are important, the decision on whether to continue or stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors warn that, although stopping the medication is an option to think about, it isn't recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental problems among women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to experience a difficult time adjusting to life without them following the birth of their baby.

Nursing

It can be a stressful experience becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments, preparing for the arrival of a child and adjusting to new household routines may face a lot of challenges. Many women opt to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications passes through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of day it is administered. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not well understood.

Because of the lack of research, some doctors might be tempted to stop taking stimulant drugs during a woman's pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for the woman who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the risk to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, GPs should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

A growing number of studies have revealed that most women can safely continue to take their ADHD medication while they are pregnant and nursing. In response, a rising number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have found through consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh possible risks.

It's important for women with ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should review their medications with their prescriber and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continuing treatment, including non-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD understand the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and reinforce the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary process with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both mother and child, as well as monitoring remedies for adhd in adults signs of deterioration and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.