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ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding The decision to stop or keep ADHD medications during breastfeeding and pregnancy is a difficult decision for women suffering from the condition. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect the foetus. A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that children exposed to ADHD medication during the uterus do not develop neurological disorders like impaired vision or hearing seizures, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for higher-quality studies. Risk/Benefit Analysis Pregnant women who use ADHD medications need to balance the benefits of using them against the risks to the fetus. Physicians do not have the information needed to provide clear recommendations but they can provide information regarding benefits and risks that can aid pregnant women in making informed choices. A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications during early pregnancy did not face a significantly higher risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major birth defects that are structural. Researchers conducted a massive sample-based case control study to compare the incidence of major structural defects in infants who were born to mothers who were taking stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists examined the cases to ensure correct classification of the cases and to reduce the possibility of bias. However, the study was not without its flaws. The researchers were unable, in the first place, to separate the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the small associations observed among the groups that were exposed to the use of medications or caused by comorbidities. Researchers also did not study long-term outcomes for offspring. The study did find that infants whose mothers took ADHD medication during pregnancy were at a greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those who were born without any medication or had cut back on their medications prior to or during pregnancy. medications for adhd uk was due to central nervous system disorders. The higher risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medications used during pregnancy. Women who were taking stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased risk of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases appeared to be unrelated to the type of medication used during pregnancy. The researchers suggest that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during early pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefits to both the mother and child of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should speak with their patients about this and try to help them improve coping skills which can lessen the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and her relationships. Medication Interactions Many doctors are confronted with the dilemma of whether to keep treatment or stop during pregnancy as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. The majority of these decisions are made without solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians have to weigh their experience from their own experiences, those of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic and their best judgment for each individual patient. The issue of risk to the infant can be extremely difficult. Many studies on this topic are based on observations instead of controlled research and their conclusions are often contradictory. Additionally, the majority of studies limit their analysis to live births, which could underestimate severe teratogenic effects that lead to abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in the journal club addresses these shortcomings, by examining both data on live and deceased births. Conclusion Some studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't found a correlation. Most studies show that there is a neutral, or slightly negative, impact. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the potential risks and benefits should be conducted. It isn't easy, but not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In adhd medication uk buy online published in the 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 affect the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are vital aspects of daily life for those suffering from ADHD. She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to take the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy, educate their family members, colleagues, 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 more confident in her decision. Certain medications can be passed through the placenta. If a woman decides to not take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it is important to be aware that the medication could be passed on to her baby. Birth Defects and Risk of As the use and misuse of ADHD medication to treat symptoms of attention deficit disorder hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the concern over 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 on this subject. Using two massive data sets researchers were able analyze more than 4.3 million pregnancies to determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Although the risk overall remains low, the scientists discovered that the first-trimester exposure to ADHD medications was linked to an increase in the risk of specific heart defects, like ventriculo-septal defects (VSD). The authors of the study didn't discover any link between the use of early medications and other congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are in the same vein as previous studies that showed a small, but significant increase in the number of cardiac malformations among women who started taking ADHD medication prior to the birth of their child. This risk increased during the latter half of pregnancy when a large number of women decided to stop taking their medication. Women who took ADHD medication in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience caesarean section, low Apgar score after delivery and a baby who needed breathing assistance during birth. However, the authors of the study were not able to eliminate bias due to selection by limiting the study to women who didn't have any other medical conditions that could have contributed to these findings. Researchers hope that their research will inform physicians when they see pregnant women. The researchers suggest that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the decision regarding whether or not to stop taking medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and the needs of the woman. The authors caution that, even though stopping the medication is a possibility to look into, it is not advised due to the high prevalence 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 medications will have a harder time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born. Nursing The responsibilities of a new mom can be overwhelming. Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a number of difficulties when they must deal with their symptoms, attend doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to new routines. This is why many women decide to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout pregnancy. The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed through breast milk in small quantities, so the risk for nursing infant is very low. However, the frequency of exposure to medication by the infant can differ based on dosage, frequency it is administered, and at what time it is administered. Additionally, individual medications enter the body of the baby differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk and the impact of this on a newborn isn't well understood. Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medications during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of keeping her medication against the potential dangers to the fetus. In the meantime, until more information is available, GPs can ask pregnant patients if they have any background of ADHD or if they plan to take medication during the perinatal phase. Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue taking their ADHD medication in a safe manner during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. In response, an increasing number of patients are opting to continue their medication. They have concluded through consultation with their doctor that the benefits of retaining their current medication outweigh risk. It's important for women with ADHD who are contemplating breastfeeding to seek a specialist psychiatrist's advice prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber as well as the pros and cons of continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also needed to help pregnant women with ADHD recognize the signs and the underlying disorder. They should also be educated about treatment options and build the coping mechanisms. This should be a multidisciplinary approach with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration, and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.