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adhd otc medication Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The decision to stop or continue treating adhd without medication medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a challenge for women suffering from the condition. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these drugs can affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during utero do not develop neurological developmental conditions like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality research.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medications must weigh the benefits of taking them against the potential risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the data needed to give clear guidelines however they can provide information about the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication during early pregnancy were not at higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. Researchers used a large population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who used stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.

However, the researchers' study was not without its flaws. Researchers were unable in the beginning to differentiate the effects of the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed are due to medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the researchers did not look at long-term offspring outcomes.

The study did find that infants whose mothers took ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than infants whose mothers had not taken any medication or stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk of admission did not appear to be affected by the type of stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.

Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean birth or having a baby born with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risk of using ADHD medications during early pregnancies can be offset by greater benefits for mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and as much as possible, assist them develop coping skills that may reduce the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the dilemma of whether to keep or end treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more doctors face. Most of the time, these decisions are made in the absence of any evidence that is clear and definitive either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own best judgment for each patient.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks to the baby can be a challenge. The research on this subject is based on observation instead of controlled studies and a lot of the results are in conflict. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could undervalue the serious teratogenic effects that can result in abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing both data on live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown an association between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have not found any evidence of a link and the majority of studies show a neutral or even slightly negative impact. As a result an accurate risk-benefit analysis must be done in each instance.

For women suffering from ADHD and ADD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In an article recently published in the Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can cause depression, feelings of loneliness, and family conflict for patients with ADHD. Furthermore, a loss of medication can affect the ability to perform job-related tasks and drive safely that are crucial aspects of daily life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She suggests that women who are not sure whether to continue taking medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy, educate their family members, coworkers and friends about the condition, its impact on daily functioning and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. It can also help a woman feel supported in her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use and misuse 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. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the body of knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancy and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall is low, the researchers discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was associated with a slightly higher rate of specific heart defects, such as ventriculoseptal defect (VSD).

The authors of the study found no connection between the use of early medications and other congenital abnormalities, such as facial clefting or club foot. The results are in the same vein as previous studies which showed an insignificant, but small increase in cardiac malformations for women who began taking adhd medications for adults medication prior to the time of the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when a large number of women stopped taking their medication.

Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancies were also more likely to experience caesarean sections, a low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby who required breathing assistance at birth. The authors of the study were not able to eliminate selection bias because they restricted the study to women without other medical conditions that could have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their study will aid in the clinical decisions of physicians who see pregnant women. They recommend that, while the discussion of risks and benefits is important but the decision to stop or maintain medication should be based on the woman's needs and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.

The authors caution that, although stopping the medication is an option to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders among women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. Additionally, research suggests that women who stop taking their medications will have a difficult time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.

Nursing

The responsibilities that come with being a new mother can be overwhelming. Women with inattentive adhd medication may face a lot of challenges when they must deal with their symptoms, go to 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 risk for breastfeeding infant is not too high since the majority of stimulant medication passes through breast milk at a low level. However, the frequency of exposure to medications by the newborn may differ based on the dosage, frequency it is taken and the time of the day it is administered. In addition, various drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal tract or breast milk. The impact of these medications on a newborn's health is not completely understood.

Due to the absence of evidence, some doctors may be inclined to discontinue stimulant medication 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 possible dangers to the foetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs can inquire about pregnant patients whether they have an background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal phase.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have found, in consultation with their doctors that the benefits of keeping their current medication outweigh any risk.

Women with ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from an expert psychiatrist prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor, and the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women suffering from Adhd medication Intuniv be aware of the symptoms and underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and reinforce strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatry. Pregnancy counselling should include the discussion of a plan for management for both the mother as well as the child, monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if necessary, adjustments to the medication regimen.