• 목록
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women suffering from ADHD must make a difficult decision on whether to keep or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There isn't much information on how long-term exposure to these drugs may affect the fetus.

A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as hearing loss or vision, febrile seizures or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge the need for more high-quality studies.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

Women who are pregnant and taking ADHD medication need to evaluate the benefits of using it against the potential risks to the fetus. Doctors don't have the information needed to make unequivocal recommendations, but they can provide information on benefits and risks that can help pregnant women make informed choices.

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry concluded that women who were taking ADHD medication in early pregnancy did not have a higher risk of fetal malformations, or structural birth defects. The researchers used a large, population-based case-control study to determine the prevalence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during early pregnancy, and those who can prescribe adhd medication did not. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists reviewed the cases to ensure an accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.

However, the study was not without its flaws. In particular, they were unable to separate the effects of the medication from those of the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult to determine whether the small associations observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or the confounding effect of comorbidities. In addition, the researchers did not examine the long-term outcomes of offspring.

The study did reveal 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 who whose mothers did not take any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. The reason for this was central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not affected by the stimulant medication used during pregnancy.

Women who took stimulant adhd medication how does it work medication during pregnancy were also at an increased chance of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby born with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases did appear to be unrelated to the type of medication taken during pregnancy.

Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medication during pregnancies in the early stages could be offset by the more beneficial outcomes for both mother and baby from continuing treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should discuss the issue with their patients and, where they are able, assist them in developing strategies to improve their coping with adhd without medication abilities that may minimize the effects of her disorder on her daily functioning and relationships.

Medication Interactions

As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and treated with medication, the question of whether or not to stop treatment during pregnancy is a question that more and more physicians have to face. Most of the time, these decisions are made without solid and reliable evidence regardless, so doctors must weigh what they know, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research says on the topic as well as their best judgment for each patient.

Particularly, the subject of potential risks to the infant can be difficult. Many of the studies on this subject 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 underestimate severe teratogenic effects that cause abortion or termination of the pregnancy. The study that is discussed in this journal club addresses these issues by looking at data from both live and deceased births.

The conclusion is that while some studies have shown that there is a positive correlation between ADHD medications and the risk of certain birth defects, others have found no such relationship and the majority of studies demonstrate a neutral or slightly negative effect. In every case it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of the potential risks and benefits should be conducted.

For many women with ADHD, the decision to stop taking medication is difficult, if not impossible. In a recent article in the Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can lead to depression and feelings of isolation. Additionally, the loss of medication may affect the ability to complete work-related tasks and safely drive that are adhd meds covered by ohip crucial aspects of a normal life for many people suffering from ADHD.

She recommends that women who are unsure about whether to continue or stop taking medication because of their pregnancy, consider informing family members, friends and colleagues about the condition, its impact on daily life, and the advantages of staying on the current treatment plan. In addition, educating them can aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported when she is struggling with her decision. Some medications can pass through the placenta. If a woman decides not to take her ADHD medication while breastfeeding, it is crucial to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.

Birth Defects Risk

As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) grows, so do concerns about what impact the drugs might have on the fetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body of knowledge regarding this topic. Utilizing two huge data sets researchers were able to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine whether stimulant medications increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication use was associated with slightly higher risk of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect.

The authors of the study found no link between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in agreement with previous studies that have shown a small, but significant increase in cardiac malformations for women who started taking ADHD medication before the time of pregnancy. The risk grew during the latter part of pregnancy, when many women are forced to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Women who used ADHD medications during the first trimester of their pregnancy 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 who did not have any other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.

The researchers hope their research will serve to inform the clinical decisions of physicians who encounter pregnant women. The researchers advise that while discussing benefits and risks are important, the choice regarding whether or not to stop medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her requirements.

The authors also warn that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it is not a recommended practice because of the high prevalence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or postpartum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them once the baby is born.

Nursing

It can be overwhelming becoming a mother. Women who suffer from ADHD who have to deal with their symptoms while attending doctor appointments, getting ready for the arrival of their child and adapting to new routines in the home may face a lot of challenges. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.

The majority of stimulant drugs pass through breast milk in low amounts, therefore the risk for nursing infant is very low. However, the amount of exposure to medications by the newborn can vary depending on the dosage, frequency it is administered, and at what time the medication is administered. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system via the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The effect on the health of a newborn isn't completely comprehended.

Due to the absence of research, some physicians may recommend stopping stimulant medication during the course of pregnancy. This is a difficult decision for the patient, who must balance the benefits of continuing her medication against the possible dangers to the fetus. As long as there is no more information, doctors should ask all pregnant patients about their history of ADHD and if they are taking or planning to take medication during the perinatal time.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This has led to more and more patients are choosing to do so and in consultation with their physician, they have found that the benefits of continuing their current medication exceed any risk.

Women who suffer from Adhd Medication Pregnancy who plan to breastfeed should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the pros and cons for continuing treatment. This includes non-pharmacological methods. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help women with ADHD understand their symptoms and the underlying disorder and learn about treatments and to reinforce existing strategies for coping. This should be a multidisciplinary process together with obstetricians, GPs, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should consist of a discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, and monitoring for signs of deterioration and, if needed modifications to the medication regime.