ADHD Medication Pregnancy
GPs are frequently asked if women should stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence and suggests that women should not take this step.
The study used data from the prescription database to assess exposure to ADHD medications in the uterus. It adjusted for a variety of measured confounders, including the calendar year, pregnancy-related characteristics, socio-demographic factors, physical and mental health of mothers, and proxies for substance use.
Medicines for Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% of adults and children who suffer from the disorder focus better, finish tasks, get along better with other people, and enhance their performance at work or school. The medications can be taken either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes. The first step involves finding the right dosage and medication. This can be a process of trial-and error. It is crucial to be open and honest about your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life. The more you and your physician know about the best treatment options, the easier it is to treat your ADHD.
Stimulants are used to control ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty in focusing in completing tasks, planning and organizing, interrupting, and fidgeting. They are available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and are usually prescribed between two and three times a day. They begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and last for about 3 to 4 hours. These medications can cause unwanted side effects like stomachaches or headaches. These side effects typically disappear in time.
Treatments for ADHD may affect the pregnancy process and women planning to become pregnant or are pregnant should talk to their doctor about the symptoms and the way they are treating them. The doctor might inquire about any other medications that the woman takes, including those available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Women who do not treat ADHD during pregnancy are more at risk for a number of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders, during the postpartum time.
A recent study of over 2,000 women who were on ADHD medications, and then went on to become pregnant, they were found to have a slightly increased risk of having pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling), having a baby born via cesarean section or having their babies admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. These women also had a slightly increased risk of having a child with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers in this study warned that the results of the study may not be applicable to all women and that more research is needed to determine the security of ADHD medication during pregnancy. They say that the study should provide comfort to women who are worried about stopping their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Medications for Insomnia
Sleep disturbances can be caused by a variety of causes, such as life changes and mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or physical illnesses like chronic pain. Sleep disturbances are often improved by themselves within one month. Occasionally, however they can turn into chronic problems that require changes in lifestyle and medication.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications that help people to fall asleep and sleep, and feel more rested. These are referred to as sedatives or hypnotics. Some sleep medications are only available through prescription, while others, such as diphenhydramine and melatonin, are sold over-the-counter. Many sleep medications are rated in Category B and are safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedating medications are in Category C. This means they may be harmful for the baby if used for prolonged periods of time or in high doses. Your doctor will be able to inform you about which prescription medications are safest during pregnancy.
A more comprehensive treatment for insomnia involves cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This is extremely effective and can be tailored for pregnant women. It involves learning to change unhelpful beliefs and thoughts about sleep, changing behaviors which interfere with sleeping and implementing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be performed by a therapist or with the aid of an instructional book.
If mood disorders result in insomnia, treating these disorders can improve sleep. This is especially relevant for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or the more traditional tricyclic antidepressants, can be extremely beneficial to those suffering from depression. Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam or clonazepam, is often prescribed to treat anxiety.
It is essential to remember that lifestyle changes are the most effective method to treat any sleep disorder, no matter the medications used. This includes not drinking caffeine, visiting the bathroom frequently and not sleeping. Only take medication if it is absolutely necessary and only for a brief duration. Using only the most common and safest medications can reduce the chance of adverse effects in both mom and baby.
Depression medications
The medications used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may have different effects on the pregnancy process. The stimulants and antidepressants are generally safe for pregnant women. However, women should consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication.
Many women suffering from depression need a combination of antidepressants psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other medications to recover. The medications aid in increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that control mood and increase alertness. The most common antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are thought to be effective by blocking an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. These medications are thought to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. During the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen boosts dopamine. This can help to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. However, when estrogen levels decrease, symptoms can flare up.
Women who are pregnant and suffering from ADHD are faced with a difficult decision to make regarding whether or not they should continue taking their medication. There are few studies on the effects of psychiatric drugs on pregnant women and their babies. Many people suffering from ADHD think that they be successful on their medication, so stopping treatment can be difficult.
Fortunately, a study published in CNS Drugs found that there no long-term negative effects on babies who were exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study also included a review of the outcomes for over 5,800 mothers with their children. It was the largest study to date that examined the safety of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
However, the researchers of this study pointed out that there are many issues with this study, such as the possibility of incorrect classification and significant attrition. Furthermore, the study did not examine the short-term effects or other types of mental health issues. The authors also note that the group of women who continued taking their medication throughout pregnancy and postpartum differed from the women who quit or stopped taking their medications. adhd medication ritalin were older when they were conceived and more likely to smoke and also take other psychotropic medications. They were also more likely to take methylphenidate, an type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medications
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders can generally function well when they are on medication. They are able to achieve their social and work goals and maintain healthy relationships by taking the medication. When they become pregnant they are faced with a difficult decision whether to continue their treatment or stop? This choice will have a significant impact on the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors advise their patients to stop their medication when they become pregnant or nursing, since there isn't much information about the effects of psychiatric medications on babies or fetuses.
A large study found that women who discontinued their ADHD medication during the first trimester had greater risk of miscarriage or loss than women who continued to take it. However the researchers found no higher risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers had quit their ADHD medications.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two medicines that can be used to combat anxiety. Antidepressants may help reduce anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain. This improves mood. SSRIs are typically the first choice of antidepressant medication used to combat anxiety. SNRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are other options. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in the fight-or-flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as Benzodiazepines, like Klonopin and Xanax can relieve anxiety quickly. However they can be physically addictive and are usually only prescribed for short-term use in cases of severe anxiety.
Most adults will not stop taking their medication in order to get pregnant. Reduce symptoms by altering your lifestyle is a better alternative. Exercise, a healthy diet and eliminating caffeine all contribute to lessening anxiety symptoms. A therapist who is trained to treat anxiety may be very helpful. Support groups can also help women who have had similar experiences with compassion and understanding.