15 Of The Most Popular ADHD Medication Pregnancy Bloggers You Should Follow
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The decision to stop or continue ADHD medications during pregnancy and nursing is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There are few data on how long-term exposure may affect the fetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus don't develop neurological developmental conditions like hearing loss or impaired vision seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication should consider the benefits of taking it versus the risks for the fetus. The doctors don't have the information to provide clear recommendations, but can provide information on the risks and benefits to help pregnant women make an informed decision.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication in early pregnancy were not at greater 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 babies born to mothers who had taken stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts examined the cases to make sure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Most important, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the limited associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to the use of medication or the confounding effect of comorbidities. In addition, the researchers did not look at the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study found that infants whose mother had taken ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a slightly higher risk of admission to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to mothers who did not use any medication during pregnancy or stopped taking their medication before or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.
Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having a caesarean section or the baby was not scoring well on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the minor risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies could be offset by the greater benefits for mother and baby of continuing treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily life and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether to keep or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more physicians have to face. Most popular adhd Medication of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians must weigh their knowledge from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what medications are prescribed for adhd the research suggests about the subject, along with their best judgment for each individual patient.
Particularly, the issue of possible risks to the baby can be tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. The majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which can underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects that can lead to abortions or terminations of pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these issues by analyzing the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion: While some studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects however, [empty] other studies haven't shown such a relationship. Most studies have shown that there is a neutral, or somewhat negative, effect. In each case, a careful analysis of the potential risks and benefits is required.
It can be challenging, if not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to drive safely and complete work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of everyday life for those with ADHD.
She suggests that women who are unsure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and their friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the advantages of staying on the current treatment regimen. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be transferred to the infant.
Risk of Birth Defects
As the use of ADHD medications to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows there are concerns over the impact that these drugs might have on fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge on this topic. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to look at more than 4.3 million pregnancies and see whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.
The researchers of the study could not discover any connection between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies, such as facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing a small but significant increase in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications prior to the time of pregnancy. The risk grew in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication in the first trimester were more likely require a caesarean birth or have an insufficient Apgar after birth and have a baby who needed help breathing when they were born. The researchers 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 might have contributed to the findings.
Researchers hope that their research will provide doctors with information when they see pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be made according to the severity of each woman's strongest adhd medication for adults symptoms and her needs.
The authors caution that, while stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not recommended because of the high incidence of depression and other mental disorders for women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a harder transitioning to life without them once the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending physician appointments as well as getting ready for the arrival of a child and adjusting to new household routines can experience severe challenges. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk for nursing infant is low because the majority of stimulant medication is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. However, the amount of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is administered and at what medication is prescribed for adhd time the medication is administered. In addition, different medications enter the baby’s system through the gastrointestinal tract or [Redirect Only] through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn isn't completely understood.
Because of the lack of research, some physicians may recommend stopping stimulant medications during the pregnancy of a woman. This is a complicated decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the potential risks to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their experience with ADHD and whether they are planning or taking to take medication during the perinatal period.
A increasing number of studies have revealed that the majority of women are able to safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their doctor they have discovered that the benefits of continuing their current medication outweigh any potential 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 prescription adhd medication uk-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize their symptoms and underlying disorder and learn about treatment options and strengthen existing strategies for managing. This should include an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a treatment plan for both the mother and child, as well as monitoring for signs of deterioration and when necessary, making adjustments to the medication regimen.