14 Creative Ways To Spend On Leftover ADHD Medication Pregnancy Budget
ADHD Medication During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Women suffering from ADHD face a difficult decision regarding whether or not to stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There is a lack of information about how long-term exposure to these medications may affect the foetus.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry demonstrates that children exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy do not develop neurological issues such as impaired hearing or vision, febrile seizures, or IQ impairment. The authors acknowledge that more high quality research is needed.
Risk/Benefit Analysis
Pregnant women who take ADHD medications must weigh the advantages of taking them against the potential risks to the foetus. Doctors don't have the data needed to give clear guidelines however they can provide information on risks and benefits that assist pregnant women in making informed decisions.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that women who used ADHD medications in early pregnancy did not have an increased risk of fetal cardiac malformations or major structural birth defects. Researchers conducted a massive population-based study of case control to assess the frequency of major structural defects in infants born to mothers who took stimulants during pregnancy. Pediatric cardiologists and clinical geneticists looked over the cases to ensure accurate case classification and to minimize the possibility of bias.
The research conducted by the researchers was not without its limitations. Researchers were unable to, in the first place to distinguish the effects caused by the medication from the disorder. This limitation makes it difficult to know whether the small differences observed in the groups that were exposed result from medication use or comorbidities that cause confusion. In addition the study did not look at the long-term effects of offspring on their parents.
The study showed that infants whose mother took ADHD medication during pregnancy had a slightly greater risk of being admitted to the neonatal care unit (NICU) in comparison to those whose mothers didn't take any medication during pregnancy, or had discontinued taking their medication prior to or during pregnancy. This was due to central nervous system disorders. The increased risk of admission was not influenced by the stimulant medication that was used during pregnancy.
Women who used stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy also had an elevated risk of having a caesarean delivery or having a baby with a low Apgar score (less than 7). These increases didn't seem to be influenced by the type of medication that was used during pregnancy.
Researchers suggest that the small risks associated with the use ADHD medications in early pregnancies may be offset by the greater benefits to both baby and mother of continued treatment for the woman's disorder. Physicians should talk to their patients about this issue and, if possible, help them develop coping strategies that can lessen the impact of her disorder in her daily functioning and her relationships.
Medication Interactions
More and more doctors are faced with the decision of whether to keep treatment or stop as more women are diagnosed with ADHD. These decisions are usually taken without clear and authoritative evidence. Instead, doctors have to consider their own expertise in conjunction with the experiences of other doctors and the research on the subject.
The issue of potential risks for infants can be extremely difficult. Many studies on this subject are based on observational data rather than controlled research, and their findings are often contradictory. Most studies focus on live-births, which could underestimate the severity of teratogenic effects which can cause terminations or abortions of pregnancy. The study discussed in the journal club addresses these limitations by analyzing data on live and deceased births.
Conclusion: While some studies have revealed an association between ADHD medications and certain birth defects, other studies have not found a correlation. Most studies show that there is a neutral, or slight negative impact. In all cases it is imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation of the benefits and risks should be conducted.
It can be difficult, if not impossible for women suffering from ADHD to stop taking their medication. In fact, in an article recently published in Archives of Women's Mental Health, psychologist Jennifer Russell notes that stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy can increase depression, feelings of loneliness and family conflict for patients with ADHD. A loss of medication may also impact the ability to safely drive and perform work-related tasks, which are essential aspects of normal life for those suffering from ADHD.
She suggests that women who aren't sure whether to continue taking the medication or discontinue it due to pregnancy should educate family members, colleagues, and friends about the condition, its effects on daily functioning, and the benefits of keeping the current treatment regimen. It will also help a woman feel supported in her decision. It is also worth noting that certain medications can pass through the placenta, so if the patient decides to stop her ADHD medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding, she must be aware that traces of the drug can be transferred to the infant.
Birth Defects and Risk of
As the use of ADHD drugs to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases as do concerns about what medications are prescribed for adhd impact the drugs might have on foetuses. Recent research published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry has added to the body knowledge on this issue. Researchers used two huge datasets to analyze over 4.3 million pregnancies and determine if the use of stimulant medications caused birth defects. Researchers discovered that, while the overall risk is low, the first trimester ADHD exposure to medication was associated with slightly higher rates of specific heart defects like ventriculoseptal defects.
The authors of the study found no association between early use of medication and other congenital anomalies, like facial clefting, or club foot. The results are in line with previous studies revealing an increase, but not significant, in the risk of cardiac malformations among women who began taking inattentive adhd medication uk medications prior to the time of pregnancy. This risk increased during the latter part of pregnancy when many women began to stop taking their medication.
Women who took ADHD medications in the first trimester of their pregnancy were also more likely to experience caesarean section, low Apgar score following delivery, and a baby that required breathing assistance during birth. The researchers of the study were unable to remove bias in selection since they limited the study to women who did not have any 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 discussing the benefits and risks is important but the decision to stop or continue treatment must be based on each woman's requirements and the severity of her ADHD symptoms.
The authors also advise that while discontinuing the medications is an option, it isn't an option to consider due to the high prevalence of depression and other mental health issues among women who are pregnant or recently post-partum. Further, research shows that women who stop taking their medications will have a tough time adjusting to a life without them after the baby is born.
Nursing
The responsibilities that come with being a new mom can be overwhelming. Women who suffer from ADHD may face a lot of challenges when they must manage their symptoms, go to doctor appointments and prepare for the birth of a baby and adjust to a new routine. As such, many women choose to continue taking their ADHD medications throughout the course of pregnancy.
The risk for breastfeeding infant is minimal because the majority of stimulant medications is absorbed through breast milk in low amounts. The rate of medication exposure will differ based on dosage the medication is administered, its frequency and the time of day. Additionally, different drugs enter the infant's system through the gastrointestinal tract or through breast milk. The impact on the health of a newborn is not fully comprehended.
Some physicians may discontinue stimulant medication during a woman's pregnancy due to the lack of research. It's a difficult choice for the mother, who must weigh the advantages of her medication against the risk to the foetus. Until more information becomes available, doctors may inquire about pregnant patients if they have any background of ADHD or if they are planning to take medication in the perinatal stage.
A growing number of studies have revealed that the majority of women are able to safely continue to take their ADHD medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. In response, a rising number of patients are choosing to continue their medication. They have concluded, in consultation with their physicians, that the benefits of retaining their current medication far outweigh any potential risks.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD who are thinking of breastfeeding to seek out a specialist psychiatrist's guidance prior to becoming pregnant. They should discuss their medication with their prescriber and discuss the pros and cons of continued treatment, including non prescription adhd medication for adults (telegra.ph)-pharmacological management strategies. Psychoeducation should also be provided to help pregnant people with common adhd medications recognize their symptoms and the root cause, learn about available treatment options and reinforce existing coping strategies. This should be a multidisciplinary effort with the GPs, obstetricians, and psychiatrists. Pregnancy counseling should include discussion of a treatment plan for the mother and the child, monitoring of signs of deterioration and, if needed modifications to the medication regimen.
