JAMA Netw Open

ADHD drugs in pregnancy not linked to increased risk of birth defects

November 12, 2024

Continuing treatment with methylphenidate or atomoxetine during pregnancy doesn't appear to significantly raise the risk of congenital anomalies or miscarriages, according to findings from a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Researchers analyzed data from electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO, and included observational studies that reported on offspring outcomes in pregnancies where mothers were treated with these ADHD medications.

Key findings: Among the ten included studies involving 16.5 million pregnant women, methylphenidate and atomoxetine taken during pregnancy weren'y associated with a significant increase in congenital anomalies (odds ratio, [OR] 1.14; 95% CI, 0.83-1.55; P = .41) or miscarriages (OR 1.01; 95% CI, 0.70-1.47; P = .96) compared with unexposed pregnancies among women with ADHD or those from the general population.

Source:

di Giacomo E, et al. (2024, November 4). JAMA Netw Open. Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine in Pregnancy and Possible Adverse Fetal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39504019/