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 and suggests that women shouldn't do this.
The study used data from a nationwide prescription database to determine in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. The study was adjusted for a variety of confounders including the calendar year, pregnancy characteristics and socio-demographic variables including maternal physical and mental health and proxy measures of substance abuse.
Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD medication helps 70 to 80% of people who suffer from the disorder focus better, finish tasks, interact better with others, and increase their performance at school or at work. The medication could be the only treatment required or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. The first step is to find the right dosage and medication. This can be a matter of trial and failure. It is important to be open and honest about your symptoms, as well as how they affect your life. The more you and your doctor are aware of what works, the easier it will be to treat your ADHD.
Stimulants can be used to control ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in paying attention in completing tasks, planning and organizing, interrupting, and fidgeting. Stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are typically prescribed twice to three times a each day. They begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last around 3 to 4 hours. There are some adverse effects, like headaches or stomachaches, when taking these drugs. These side effects typically disappear in time.
Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss their concerns with their physician. The doctor might inquire about any other medications that the woman is taking, including over-the counter ones like vitamins and herbal supplements. Untreated ADHD during pregnancy puts women at greater risk of developing mental health issues including anxiety and depression.
A recent study of more than 2000 women who were taking ADHD medications and then became pregnant found that they had an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling) or having a child delivered via cesarean section or their babies being admitted to an intensive care unit for newborns. These women also had a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers behind this study caution that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women, and that more research needs to be done about the security of ADHD medication during pregnancy. However, they state that this study will provide some comfort to women who were concerned about removing their ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Medications to Treat It
There are a variety of reasons that can cause insomnia, including short - or long-term life changes (like jet time or sleeping in a different environment) or mental health issues like anxiety and depression, or physical ailments, like the pain that comes from a chronic illness. In most cases, sleep problems improve on their own in less than a month. However, sometimes they become more long-term problems that need to be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a range of drugs that aid in falling asleep and sleep, and feel more rested. These are referred to as hypnotics or sedatives. Some are only available by prescription, others are sold over the counter for example, melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications have an A-grade rating and are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedatives are classified in Category C, which means that they could pose risks to the baby when used for a long time or in high doses. Your doctor will determine which prescription drugs are the most secure during pregnancy.
A more comprehensive treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. This is extremely effective and can be tailored for pregnant women. It includes learning to change negative beliefs and thoughts about sleep, changing behaviors that hinder sleep, and learning relaxation techniques. This treatment can be performed by a therapist or using a workbook.
If underlying mood disorders are causing insomnia, treating those disorders can also help improve sleep. This is especially true for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or the more traditional tricyclic antidepressants can be very helpful for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as alprazolam or clonazepam, is often prescribed for anxiety.
It is crucial to remember that, regardless of which medication is being used the best option for any sleep disorder should be lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and frequent bathroom visits and not sleeping during the day. The use of medication should only be if needed and for the least amount of time that is possible. Only using the safest and most common medications can help minimize the risk of side-effects for mom and baby.
Depression medications
The medications used to treat ADHD and depression may have different effects during pregnancy. The stimulants and antidepressants are generally safe for pregnant women. However, women must consult their physician prior to beginning any new medication.
The majority of women suffering from depression use a combination of medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy, to heal. visit our website increase the levels in the brain of certain chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and increase alertness. The most common antidepressants include selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are believed to block an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil).
ADHD is typically treated with stimulant drugs. They are believed to increase dopamine levels in the brain. During the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen boosts dopamine. This can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. However, if estrogen levels decrease, symptoms can flare up.
It isn't easy for women who are pregnant and suffer from ADHD to decide whether or not they should continue taking their medication. This is due to the fact that there are limited studies of the effects of psychiatric medication on pregnant women and their infants. Many people who suffer from ADHD feel that they can be successful with their medication, and so stopping treatment can be challenging.
Fortunately, a recent study published in CNS Drugs found that there no negative long-term consequences for babies who had been exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study also included a retrospective review of the results of more than 5,800 mothers and 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 many issues with this study, including the possibility of outcome inaccuracy and significant attrition. In addition the study did not examine the short-term effects or other types of mental health conditions. The authors also point out that the group of women who continued to take their medication during pregnancy and postpartum differed from the groups who stopped or stopped taking their medications. They were older when they were born and more likely to be smokers and to take other psychotropic drugs. They were also more likely to be taking methylphenidate, a specific type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medications
Adults with anxiety disorders often function well on medication. The medication can help them meet their social and work goals as well as maintain healthy relationships, and enjoy a better quality of life overall. When they begin to become pregnant and are faced with the dilemma of whether to continue or stop treatment? This choice will have a significant impact on both the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors advise their patients to cease their medication when they become pregnant or nursing, since little is known about effects of psychiatric medications on fetuses or babies.
A large study found that a woman's decision to stop taking ADHD medication during the first trimester was associated with greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued taking their medication. However the researchers found no increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers discontinued their ADHD medications.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants aid people suffering from anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood. SSRIs are the most popular antidepressant medications prescribed to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second option and monoamine oxidase inhibiters MAOIs, also known as MAOIs, are a different option. MAOIs block the action of certain chemicals, such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, which play a role in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin, can relieve anxiety swiftly. They are physically addictive, and are usually prescribed only for short-term use if severe anxiety is present.
For most adults, stopping their medications to get pregnant isn't a reasonable solution. Reduce symptoms by altering your life style is a better option. Exercise, a healthy diet and abstaining from caffeine are all key to reducing symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is specially trained to treat anxiety could be extremely beneficial. Support groups can provide women with similar experiences with understanding and compassion.