New U.S. research has found a connection between taking certain medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, widely known as ADHD, during pregnancy and an elevated increased risk of birth defects in children, AFP Relaxnews reported.
The new study, carried out by investigators from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, found that there was a small, but noteworthy, increased risk of the newborn baby having a heart defect if the woman carrying him or her was taking methylphenidate for ADHD, according to Medline Plus.
Methylphenidate medications include such well-known prescription drugs as Ritalin, Concerta and Daytrana.
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These medications do not, however, include prescription amphetamines for ADHD, like Adderall.
According to Newsmax, the study showed that babies exposed to methylphenidate had a 28 percent increased risk of heart malformations — or another three infant birth defects per 1,000 women.
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“Our findings suggest a small increase in the risk of cardiac malformations associated with first-trimester exposure to methylphenidate, but not to amphetamines,” study author Krista Huybrechts stated according to Medline Plus.
“This information may be important to patients and their physicians as they weigh the risks and benefits of alternative treatment strategies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder,” she added.
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“Our study markedly expands the evidence base regarding the safety of methylphenidate use in pregnancy.”
“Although the absolute risk is small, it is nevertheless important evidence to consider when treating young women of reproductive age and pregnant women,” Hubrechts warned.
However, according to Medline Plus, while the study did find an association between the taking of Methylphenidate medications and increased risk of cardiac issues in young, it “did not prove that taking Ritalin during pregnancy actually caused the risk of heart defects to rise.”
In other words, people should be aware that there is an association, but the causality is not concrete.
The full study can be read here.
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As more and more women who have been prescribed with these drugs to assist them in everyday life mature and have children, information like this will become increasingly relevant.
Hopefully, we’ll soon be armed with sufficient information for women to make definitive, educated decisions regarding the safety of their future children.
In the meantime, perhaps we should invest some time investigating non-prescription methods in curbing ADHD tendencies.
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