Prenatal exposure to triptans does not increase the chances of children developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a recent study.
Triptans are prescribed to relieve migraines. But some researchers have suggested that prenatal exposure could lead to neurodevelopment problems in the fetus. There is currently little information about the long-term effects of triptan usage during pregnancy. Triptans are commonly used to relieve migraines in 9% to 25%.
While previous studies didn’t find malformations after triptans exposure, some researchers have observed a rise in neurodevelopmental problems in triptan-exposed children. These problems were found only in younger children, and not in pre-school children. Research is needed to understand ADHD. Researchers studied the link between ADHD and prenatal triptan.
Data was taken directly from the Norwegian Mother, Dad, and Child Cohort study, which also included data on singleton live-born children of mothers suffering from migraines. Study participants included 114.500 children, 95.200 mothers and 75.200 fathers. Two analytic samples were used to assess ADHD symptoms and diagnose ADHD. Triptans were used by mothers during pregnancy. Children who were exposed were compared with those who weren’t.
The Conners’ Parent Rating Scale was used to assess ADHD symptoms, with the score rising with each recorded symptom. ADHD diagnosis was made based on hyperkinetic disorder and receipt of ADHD medication.
ADHD symptoms included more than 4000 children, while the ADHD diagnosis sample had over 10,000. Both sample groups had children observed for a mean period of 10 years. Prenatal triptan use did not increase ADHD symptoms in children. Average scores on the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale did not vary between sample groups.
The results were deemed reassuring by researchers for women who suffer from migraines and want to use triptans. This information provides valuable information about triptan safety during pregnancy and its effects on neurobehavioral outcomes.
Refer to
Harris GM, Wood M, Ystrom E, Nordeng H. Association of maternal use of triptans during pregnancy with risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(6):e2215333. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.15333
