ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Doctors are often asked if women should stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence that women shouldn't stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The study used data from the national prescription database to assess exposure to ADHD medications during utero. The study adjusted for a variety of measured confounders, including the calendar year, pregnancy-related characteristics, socio-demographic factors physical and mental health of the mother and the proxies for use of substances.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% of adults and children improve their focus, complete tasks, improve their relationships with others, and perform better at work or school. The medication may be the only treatment needed or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. The first step is to find the right dosage and medication. This can be a matter of trial and experience. It is important to be open about your symptoms and how they have affected your life. The more you and your doctor know about what works more straightforward it will be to manage your ADHD.
Stimulants can help manage ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention, planning and completing tasks that require interruption, fidgeting, or fumbling. Stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are typically prescribed between two and three times per every 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 headaches or stomachaches. These side effects tend to diminish as time passes.
Women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant should discuss their concerns with their physician. The doctor may ask about any other medications the woman is taking, including the over-the-counter ones, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. Women with untreated ADHD during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders, after the birth.
A recent study of nearly 2,000 women who took ADHD medication and then became pregnant showed that they were at an increased risk of preeclampsia, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure, protein in urine, and swelling. having their babies delivered by cesarean or being admitted to the neonatal intensive unit. The women also had a slightly higher chance of having a child with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers of this study warn that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women and they suggest that more research should be conducted on the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy. However, they claim that this study could provide comfort to many women who were concerned about discontinuing their ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Medications to Treat It
There are many causes for insomnia, which could be due to short or long term life changes (like jet lag or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment) or mental health issues such as anxiety and depression or physical illnesses, such as the pain that comes from a chronic illness. In most cases, sleep problems improve on their own within less than a month. Occasionally, however they can turn into chronic issues that require lifestyle changes and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications that help people to fall asleep and sleep well, and also feel refreshed. These are referred to as hypnotics or sedatives. Some are only available through prescription, while others are available on the market for example, melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications are classified in Category B and are safe to use while pregnant. Other sedatives are classified in Category C. This means they can pose risks to the baby when used for prolonged periods of time or in high doses. Your doctor can determine which prescription drugs are safest 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 retraining negative beliefs and thoughts about sleep, modifying behaviors which interfere with sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be performed by a therapist or with the help of a workbook.
If mood disorders result in insomnia, treating these conditions can improve sleep. This is particularly relevant for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) or the older tricyclic antidepressants, can be extremely beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety drugs, like clonazepam or alprazolam, are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
It is crucial to remember that regardless of the medication is used the best option for any sleep disorder must be lifestyle changes for example, abstaining from caffeine, using the bathroom regularly and not snoring throughout the day. It is best to only use medication if necessary and for the shortest duration of time that is feasible. Only using adhd anxiety medication and most common medication can help reduce the chance of adverse effects for mom and baby.
Depression medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression can have different effects during pregnancy. Generally speaking, the use of antidepressants and stimulants are safe for women who are pregnant however, women should consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication during pregnancy.
Many women suffering from depression require an array of antidepressants psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other medications to recover. The drugs increase the levels in the brain of certain chemicals, like norepinephrine and serotonin. These are the neurotransmitters which regulate mood and improve alertness. The most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are believed 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 are believed to work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. During the first trimester of pregnancy, estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD, but when the amount of estrogen decreases, symptoms flare-ups can occur.
Pregnant people with ADHD have a difficult decision to make regarding whether they should continue their medication. There aren't many studies that examine the effects of psychiatric drugs on pregnant women and their babies. Many people with ADHD feel that they can function well when they are taking their medication, therefore stopping treatment can be difficult.
A recent study published in CNS Drugs concluded that there were no long-term negative effects on babies who were exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. This study provided a summary of the outcomes for more than 5,800 mothers and their babies. It was the largest study to date that examined the safety of non-stimulant and stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, the authors of this study noted that there are numerous limitations to this study, including the possibility of outcome misclassification and substantial attrition. The study did not look at short-term outcomes or other mental health conditions. The authors also point out the difference in the women who continued to take their medication throughout pregnancy and postpartum and those who stopped or stopped it. They were older at the time of conception and more likely to smoke and be taking other psychotropic medication. They also were more likely to take methylphenidate, a type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medications
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders can often perform well when taking medication. The medication can help them reach their work and social goals, maintain healthy relationships and enjoy more satisfaction overall. When they become pregnant they are faced with a dilemma which is: should they continue to take the medication or stop? This choice will have a significant impact on the mother and any children she might have. Many doctors recommend to their patients to stop their medications when they become pregnant or nursing, as little is known about the effect of psychiatric drugs on fetuses or babies.
A large-scale study showed that a woman's decision to quit ADHD medication in the first trimester was associated with a higher rate of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued their medications. However, the researchers found no increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers stopped taking their ADHD medications.
Medications to treat anxiety can include antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants may help reduce anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin within the brain. This improves mood. SSRIs are generally the first choice of antidepressant medication used to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice and monoamine oxidase inhibiters, or MAOIs, are a different alternative. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics like Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin and Xanax can help relieve anxiety quickly. However they are physically addictive and are usually only prescribed for short-term use in the case of severe anxiety.
For most adults, stopping their medications to get pregnant isn't an acceptable solution. Reduce symptoms by altering your life style is a better option. Getting enough rest and exercise and eating a healthy diet, and avoiding caffeine can all help reduce symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is specially trained to treat anxiety could be extremely beneficial. In addition support groups can provide assistance and support from women who have had similar experiences.