The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Pregnancy

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the foetus.

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

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication should consider the benefits of taking it versus the risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the information needed to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information about the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during their early pregnancy were not at greater risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based case control study to assess the frequency of structural defects that were major in infants born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists, clinical geneticists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to eliminate any bias.

The study conducted by the researchers had some limitations. The most important issue was that they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or confounding by comorbidities. The researchers did not look at the long-term effects for the offspring.

The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants who were born without any medication or taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders and the higher risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were used during pregnancy.

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

The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy could be offset by the greater benefits to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this issue and try to help them improve coping skills which may reduce the effects of her disorder on her daily life and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to keep or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians face. These decisions are usually made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must weigh their own knowledge in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors, and the research on the topic.

The issue of risk for infants can be extremely difficult. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational data rather than controlled research, and their conclusions are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by examining data on both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while certain studies have demonstrated that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the possibility of certain birth defects, other studies have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In  adult add medication  an in-depth evaluation of the risks and benefits is required.

For a lot of women with ADHD who suffer from ADHD, the decision to stop medication can be 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 cause depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication can also impact the ability to safely drive and complete work-related tasks, which are crucial aspects of daily life for people with ADHD.

She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy educate family members, coworkers, and acquaintances about the condition, the impact on daily functioning and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel confident about her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a patient decides to stop taking her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.

Birth Defects and Risk of

As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns over the impact that these drugs could have on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge on this subject. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that although the overall risk is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of certain heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect.

The researchers behind the study found no connection between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial clefting or club foot. The findings are in line with previous studies that have shown an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to have a caesarean section, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited their study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

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

The authors also caution that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not an option that is recommended due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems for women who are expecting or recently post-partum. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of their child and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The risk to a breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of exposure to medication will differ based on dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of day. In addition, various medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.

Because of the lack of research, some physicians may be inclined to discontinue stimulant drugs during the course of pregnancy. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication with the potential risks to the embryo. In the meantime, until more information is available, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and whether they plan or are taking to take medication during the perinatal time.

Numerous studies have proven that women can continue taking their ADHD medication safely during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This has led to an increasing number of patients are choosing to do so, and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication far outweigh any risks.

Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss the medication they are taking with their physician as well as the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help women with ADHD be aware of their symptoms and the underlying disorder, learn about available treatment options and reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary process including obstetricians, GPs and psychiatry.  adult add medications  counselling should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother and child, monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.