ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Doctors are often asked if women should stop their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence and suggests that women shouldn't do this.
The study used data from a national prescription database to determine the exposure of in-utero babies to ADHD medications. It adjusted for a variety of confounding variables, including the calendar year, pregnancy characteristics, socio-demographic factors, physical and mental health of the mother, and the proxies for use of substances.
Medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% adults and children increase their concentration, finish tasks, strengthen their relationships with others, and perform better at work or in school. The medication can be used either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. The first step is to find the appropriate dosage and medication. It can be a process of trial-and failure. It is important to be honest and open about your symptoms, as well as how they impact your life. The more you know about ADHD and the treatment options that work, the easier it will be to manage.
Stimulants can be used to treat ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in paying attention to tasks, planning and completing them, interrupting, and fidgeting. They are available in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are usually prescribed between two and three times per every day. They start working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3 to 4 hours. These medicines can cause unwanted side effects like stomachaches or headaches. These side effects usually dissipate in time.
Medications for ADHD could affect the pregnancies process and women planning to become pregnant or are pregnant should speak to their doctor about the symptoms and how they are treating them. The doctor can inquire about any other medications that the woman takes, including those available over the counter, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. Women with untreated ADHD during pregnancy are at greater risk for a number of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders, after the birth.
A recent study of more than 2,000 women who were on ADHD medications, and then went on to become pregnant, they were found to have a slightly higher risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling) or having a child delivered by cesarean section, or having their babies admitted to an intensive care unit for newborns. These women were also at a slight chance of having a baby with a central neurological disorder.
Researchers of this study cautioned that the findings of the study might not be applicable to all women, and that more research is needed to determine the security of ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study should be a source of comfort for women who are concerned about stopping their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Medicines for Insomnia
Insomnia can be caused by a variety of causes, such as life changes and mental health issues like anxiety or depression or physical ailments such as chronic pain. Sleep disturbances can often improve on their own within a month. Sometimes, however they can turn into chronic issues that require changes in lifestyle and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications that can help people fall asleep, stay asleep and feel rested. These are known as sedatives or hypnotic medicines. Some are only available by prescription, while others are available over the counter, such as melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications carry an A-grade rating and are safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedating medications are in category C. This means they may cause harm to the baby when used for prolonged periods of time or in high doses. Your doctor will be able to tell you which medications prescribed by your doctor are safest to use during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more complete treatment for insomnia. This is extremely effective and can be tailored for pregnant women. It involves learning to change negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep, changing habits that interfere with sleep and practicing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be done by a therapist, or with the help of a workbook.
If mood disorders result in insomnia, treating these disorders can improve sleep. This is especially true for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants like fluoxetine or older tricyclics can be very beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, like alprazolam or clonazepam is often prescribed for anxiety.
It is important to remember that lifestyle changes are the best treatment for any sleep disorder, regardless of the medication used. This includes abstaining from caffeine, using the bathroom regularly and not sleeping. Only use medication if it is required and only for a limited time. Only using the most secure and well-known medication can help reduce the chance of adverse effects for both mom and baby.
Depression medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression can have different effects during pregnancy. Stimulants and antidepressants are generally safe for women who are pregnant. However, pregnant women should consult their physician prior to beginning any new medication.
The majority of people suffering from depression use several medications, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, to heal. The medications aid in increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain like serotonin and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and improve alertness. Antidepressants are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are believed to be effective by blocking the enzyme that breaks these chemicals down. Examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medications. They are believed to work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. In the initial three months of pregnancy, estrogen increases dopamine. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD however, when the level of estrogen decreases, symptom flare-ups may occur.
It isn't easy for pregnant people with ADHD to decide if they should continue taking their medication. This is due to the fact that there are limited studies of the effects of psychiatric medications on pregnant women and their infants. It can be difficult to stop treatment for many people suffering from ADHD who feel they can perform well while taking medication.
Fortunately, a study published in CNS Drugs found that there no long-term negative effects on babies who had been exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study also included a review of the outcomes for over 5,800 mothers with their children. This was the largest study ever conducted on the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, the researchers of this study pointed out that there are numerous limitations to the study, such as the possibility of inaccuracy and significant attrition. The study also failed to examine short-term outcomes, or other mental health issues. The authors also point out that the women who continued taking their medication during pregnancy and postpartum differed from the groups who stopped or discontinued their medication. They were older when they conceived and more likely to smoke and also take other psychotropic medications. They were also more likely to take methylphenidate which is a type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medicines
Adults with anxiety disorders can generally perform well when on medication. They can achieve their goals in work and social life 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 both the mother and any children she might have. Many doctors recommend that patients stop taking psychiatric medications when they are pregnant or when they are nursing. This is because little is available about how psychiatric medication affects fetuses and babies.
A large-scale study showed that a woman's decision to quit ADHD medication in the first trimester was linked to greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued taking their medication. Researchers discovered that babies born to mothers who had stopped taking ADHD medication did not have a higher risk of fetal defects.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two medications that can be used to combat anxiety. Antidepressants can help with anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin within the brain. This can improve mood. SSRIs are usually the first choice for antidepressant drugs used to combat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice and monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs are another alternative. MAOIs block the action of certain chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline that are involved in the fight-or-flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as Benzodiazepines, like Klonopin and Xanax can relieve anxiety quickly. However they are physically addictive and are typically only prescribed for short-term use in the case of severe anxiety.
Most adults will not stop taking their medication in order to get pregnant. Reduce medication for adhd by changing your lifestyle is the best alternative. Making sure you get enough rest and exercise and eating a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine all can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. A therapist trained in the treatment of anxiety can also be beneficial. Support groups can also provide women with similar experiences with understanding and compassion.