Lidia Provan asked 5 เดือน ago
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD have to make a difficult choice regarding whether or not to stop taking liquid adhd medication medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There aren’t enough data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect the pregnant fetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological problems like hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are pregnant and take ADHD medication should weigh the benefits of taking it versus the dangers for the foetus. The doctors don’t have the information to provide clear recommendations however they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed choices.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who were taking ADHD medications during their early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. The researchers used a large, population-based case-control study to assess the risk of major structural birth defects in infants born to mothers who had taken stimulants in the early stages of pregnancy, as well as those who had not. Clinical geneticists, pediatric cardiologists and other experts reviewed the cases in order to ensure that the classification was correct and to reduce any bias.
The research conducted by the researchers had some limitations. In particular, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the effects of the disorder at hand. That limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the exposed groups are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. The researchers also did not look at long-term outcomes for offspring.
The study did show that babies whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or taken off their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy also had a higher risk of having to have caesarean sections or one whose baby scored low on the Apgar scale (less than 7). These increases did not seem to be influenced by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The researchers suggest that the low risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the higher benefit to both mother and child of continued treatment for the woman’s disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them improve coping skills which can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever are diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that doctors are having to have to face. These decisions are frequently made without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, physicians must consider their own expertise in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the topic.
Particularly, the issue of potential risks for the infant can be difficult. Many of the studies on this issue are based on observational data rather than controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. The majority of studies focus on live births, which may underestimate the teratogenic impact that can lead to terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
The conclusion The conclusion: While certain studies have demonstrated an association between adhd medication without diagnosis uk medications and the risk of certain birth defects, other studies have found no connection, and most studies show a neutral or even slight negative effect. In every case it is imperative to conduct a thorough study of the risks and benefits must be performed.
It isn’t easy, but not impossible for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In an article recently published in Archives of Women’s Mental Health psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping adhd Medication adults [fewpal.com] ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of isolation, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. In addition, a decrease in medication may affect the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive that are crucial aspects of a normal life for a lot of people with ADHD.
She recommends women who are unsure about whether or not to stop taking medication because of their pregnancy consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It can also help women feel supported in her decision. It is important to note that certain drugs can pass through the placenta therefore, if a patient decides to discontinue her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that the effects of the drug can be passed on to the baby.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use and use of ADHD medications to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as does the concern about the potential effects of these drugs on fetuses. A recent study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing information on this topic. With two massive data sets, researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. While the overall risk remains low, the scientists discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increased risk of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).
The researchers of the study did not discover any connection between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities, or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies showing a small but significant increase in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before the time of pregnancy. The risk was higher in the later part of pregnancy, when a lot of women decide to stop taking their ADHD medication.
Women who were taking ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely to need a caesarean, have an insufficient Apgar after birth and have a baby that needed breathing assistance when they were born. The authors of the study could not eliminate bias due to selection because they restricted the study to women who did not have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their research will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who treat pregnant women. The researchers advise that, while discussing risks and benefits are important, the choice about whether to continue or stop medication should be based on the severity of each woman’s ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman.
The authors also warn that even though stopping the medication is an alternative, it is not an option to consider due to the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems in women who are pregnant or postpartum. Additionally, the research suggests that women who choose to stop taking their medication are more likely to have difficulties getting used to life without them following the birth of their baby.
Nursing
The responsibilities of being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD can face severe challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. Many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant drugs are absorbed through breast milk in low amounts, so the risk to breastfeeding infant is minimal. However, the amount of medication exposure to the infant can differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of day the medication is administered. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant’s system via the gastrointestinal tract, or through breast milk. The impact on a newborn’s health is not completely known.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medications during a woman’s pregnancy due to the lack of research. This is a difficult choice for the patient, who must weigh the benefits of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs can ask pregnant patients if they have an history of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal phase.
A growing number of studies have shown that most women can safely continue their ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the end, more and more patients opt to do this, and after consulting with their doctor, they have discovered that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any potential risks.
Women with ADHD who are planning to breastfeed should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non prescription adhd medication-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also necessary to help pregnant women with ADHD understand the symptoms and the underlying disorder. They should also learn about treatment options and strengthen the coping mechanisms. This should be an approach that is multidisciplinary, including the GP doctors, obstetricians and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.