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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women with ADHD face a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect a pregnant fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues 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 need to consider the benefits of taking it against the potential risks for the fetus. Physicians do not have the necessary data to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who took adhd medications for adults with anxiety; jonpin.com, medications during their early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. The researchers used a large population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in early pregnancy and those who had not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure correct case classification and to limit the possibility of bias.

The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. The researchers were not able in the beginning to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. That limitation makes it difficult to know whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or confounding by comorbidities. Researchers also did not examine long-term outcomes for offspring.

The study showed that babies whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers didn't take any medication during pregnancy, adhd medications for adults with anxiety or had quit taking the medication prior to or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher likelihood of having to have a caesarean section or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These risks did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.

The research suggests that the low risk associated with the use of adhd medication guide medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where they are able, assist them in developing strategies for improving their coping skills which can reduce the impact of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

Doctors are increasingly confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually made without clear and reliable evidence. Instead, physicians must take into account their own experience in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.

The issue of possible risks for infants can be extremely difficult. Many studies on this issue are based on observational evidence instead of controlled research and their findings are often contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that could cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.

Conclusion Some studies have found a positive correlation between ADHD medications prescribed for adhd and certain birth defects however, other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies show an unintended, or somewhat negative, impact. In the end, a careful risk/benefit assessment is required in every case.

For a lot of women with ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult if not impossible. In fact, in an article recently published in the 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 patients with ADHD. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely, which are important aspects of a normal life for many people with adhd medication cost uk.

She suggests that women who are unsure whether to take the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy educate family members, coworkers and acquaintances about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also make the woman feel more comfortable in her struggle with her decision. It is important to remember that certain medications can pass through the placenta so if the patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the medication could be passed on to the baby.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use and abuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is increasing as does the concern about the possible effects of the drugs on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this subject. Researchers used two massive datasets to analyze more than 4.3 million pregnant women and determine whether stimulant medications caused birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medicines was associated with a slightly higher rate of certain heart defects such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The researchers behind the study found no link between early medication use and congenital abnormalities like facial clefting, or club foot. The results 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 during the latter part of pregnancy when many women decided to stop taking their medication.

Women who used ADHD medications in the first trimester of pregnancy were also more likely to experience a caesarean section, a low Apgar score after delivery and a baby that required breathing assistance at birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

Researchers hope that their research will help doctors when they see pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of the benefits and risks is important, the decision to stop or keep treatment should be based on each woman's needs and the severity of her common adhd medications symptoms.

The authors warn that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not recommended due to the high rate depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Further, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medications are more likely to have a difficult time getting used to life without them following the baby's arrival.

Nursing

It can be a challenge to become a mother. Women with ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they have to manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.

The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk at low levels. The amount of exposure to medications will vary based on the dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of the day. Additionally, different medications enter the baby's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract as well as breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn isn't yet fully known.

Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It is a difficult decision for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the embryo. Until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal period.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This has led to an increasing number of patients choose to do so, and after consulting with their doctor, they have found that the benefits of keeping their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and underlying disorder. They should also be informed about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP as well as obstetricians, psychiatry and obstetricians. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary adjustments to the medication regime.