14 Savvy Ways To Spend Leftover ADHD Medication Pregnancy Budget
14 Savvy Ways To Spend Leftover ADHD Medication Pregnancy Budget
Blog Article
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women with ADHD have to make a difficult choice about whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There are few data on how exposure to ADHD for a long time could affect the foetus.
A study recently published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological disorders such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high-quality studies are required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Women who are expecting and taking ADHD medication must weigh the benefits of taking it against the potential risks to the baby. Doctors don't have enough data to give clear advice but they can provide information on the risks and benefits to assist pregnant women to make informed decisions.
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 heart malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a large population-based study of case-control to evaluate the incidence of major structural birth defects in babies born to mothers who took stimulants during the early stages of pregnancy, and those who did not. Clinical geneticists and pediatric cardiologists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the chance of bias.
The study conducted by the researchers was not without limitations. Most important, they were not able to differentiate the effects of the medication from the underlying disorder. This makes it difficult for researchers to determine if the few associations observed between the groups exposed were due to medication use, or if they were affected by comorbidities. In addition the researchers did not study the long-term outcomes of offspring.
The study did find that infants whose mothers had taken ADHD medications during pregnancy were at a slightly more risk of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than those whose mothers had not taken any medication or had stopped their medications before or during pregnancy. This increase was due to central nervous system-related disorders, and the increased risk for admission did not appear to be influenced by the stimulant medications were taken during pregnancy.
Women who took stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an increased chance of having a caesarean section or having a baby with an low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't appear to be affected by the kind of medication used during pregnancy.
The research suggests that the small risk associated with the use of ADHD medications during the early stages of pregnancy may be offset by the greater benefit for both mother and child from continued treatment for the woman's condition. Physicians should discuss this with their patients and, where possible, help them develop strategies for improving their coping skills that may minimize the negative impact of her condition on her daily functioning and relationships.
Medication Interactions
As more women than ever before are being diagnosed with ADHD and being treated with medication, the issue of whether to continue or discontinue treatment during pregnancy is one that more and more doctors have to face. Most of the time, these decisions are taken in the absence of solid and reliable evidence either way, so physicians must weigh what they know, the experiences of other doctors, and what the research suggests on the subject as well as their own best judgment for each patient.
The issue of risk to infants is particularly tricky. The research on this issue is based on observations instead of controlled studies and the results are contradictory. Furthermore, most studies restrict 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 limitations, by examining both the data from deceased and live births.
Conclusion: While some studies have revealed a positive correlation between ADHD medications and certain birth defects However, other studies haven't established a link. Most studies have shown a neutral, or even somewhat negative, impact. Therefore an accurate risk-benefit analysis is required in every case.
It can be challenging, if not impossible, for women with ADHD to stop taking their medication. In a recent piece published in Archives of Women's Mental Health by psychologist Jennifer Russell, she notes that stopping ADHD medications during pregnancy can increase depression and feelings of loneliness. The loss of medication adhd without medication can also impact the ability to safely drive and to perform work-related tasks which are essential aspects of normal life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who are not sure whether to take the medication or stop it due to their pregnancy should educate family members, coworkers, and their friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of continuing the current treatment. Educating them can also aid in ensuring that the woman feels supported in her struggle with her decision. Certain medications can pass through the placenta. If the patient decides not to take her ADHD medication while pregnant and breastfeeding, it's important to be aware that the drug may be transferred to her infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD medication to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases there are concerns about the effects that the drugs could have on the fetuses. A study that was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry adds to the existing knowledge about this subject. Researchers used two massive data sets to examine more than 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if stimulant medication use increased the risk of birth defects. Researchers found that while the risk overall is low, first-trimester ADHD medication exposure was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defect.
The authors of the study could not discover any link between the use of early medications and congenital anomalies like facial deformities or club feet. The results are consistent with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of heart malformations among women who began taking ADHD medications before pregnancy. The risk was higher in the later part of pregnancy, when many women begin to discontinue their ADHD medications.
Women who took ADHD medication during the first trimester were more likely need a caesarean and also have an insufficient Apgar after delivery, and have a baby that needed breathing assistance when they were born. The researchers of the study were not able to remove bias in selection since they restricted the study to women without other medical conditions that might have contributed to the findings.
The researchers hope their study will aid in the clinical decisions of doctors who encounter pregnant women. The researchers suggest that, while discussing benefits and risks are crucial, the decision about whether to continue or stop medication should be based on the severity of each woman's ADHD symptoms and her needs.
The authors also advise that, while stopping the medication is an option, it isn't a recommended practice because of the high incidence of depression and other mental health problems among women who are pregnant or recently post-partum. Research has also shown that women who stop taking their medication will have a tough adjustment to life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women with 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 their child and adjust to new routines. Therefore, many women elect to continue taking their ADHD medication throughout the pregnancy.
The majority of stimulant medicines are absorbed by breast milk in low quantities, so the risk for infant who is breastfeeding is low. The rate of exposure to medication can vary depending upon the dosage, frequency of administration and the time of the day. Additionally, different medications enter the infant's system differently through the gastrointestinal tract and breast milk. The impact of this on a newborn is not fully understood.
Some doctors may stop taking stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the absence of research. It is a difficult decision for the woman who must weigh the advantages of continuing her medication against the potential risks to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, GPs may inquire about pregnant patients if they have a background of ADHD or if they intend to take medication in the perinatal stage.
Many studies have shown that women can continue to take their ADHD medication without risk while breastfeeding and during pregnancy. In response, an increasing number of patients are choosing to do this. They have found, in consultation with their doctors, that the benefits of continuing their current medication far outweigh any risk.
Women who suffer from ADHD who are planning to nurse should seek advice from a specialist psychiatrist before becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their doctor and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of continued treatment, including non-pharmacological strategies. Psychoeducation is also required to help pregnant women suffering from ADHD recognize the signs 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 include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother as well as the child, monitoring of indicators of deterioration, and, if needed adjustments to the medication regimen.