ADHD Medication Pregnancy
GPs are often asked whether women should cease 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 utilized data from a nationwide prescription database to assess the in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. It adjusted for a number of confounding factors, such as the calendar year, pregnancy-related characteristics, socio-demographic variables, physical and mental health of the mother and proxy measures for substance use.
Medicines for Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% adults and children increase their focus, complete tasks, strengthen their relationships with others and perform better at work or in school. The medications can be taken alone or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes. The first step is finding the right dosage and medication. most effective adhd medication for adults can be a process of trial-and experience. It is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The more you and your doctor know about the best treatment options and what doesn't, the easier it is to manage your ADHD.
Stimulants are prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD that cause difficulties in focusing, planning ahead and finishing tasks, and interrupting and fidgeting. Stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are usually prescribed two to three times a day. They start working within 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. These medications can cause unwanted side effects like headaches or stomachaches. These side effects tend to disappear in time.
Women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant should discuss their symptoms with their physician. The doctor might inquire about any other medications the woman is taking, such as the over-the-counter ones, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. If not treated, ADHD during pregnancy can put women at higher risk of developing mental health problems including depression and anxiety disorders.
A recent study of over 2500 women who were taking ADHD medication and then got pregnant, they were found to have an increased chance of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling) and having a baby delivered by cesarean section, or having their babies admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. These women also had a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers in this study warned that the results of the study might not be applicable to all women, and that further research is required to determine the security of ADHD medication during pregnancy. They say that the study should be a source of comfort for women who are concerned about quitting their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Treatments for Insomnia
There are many causes for insomnia, including short - or long-term life changes (like jet lag or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment), mental health issues such as depression and anxiety or physical illnesses, such as suffering from chronic illness. In most cases, sleep problems improve on their own in less than a month. However, they can also become more long-term problems that need to be addressed with lifestyle changes and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of medications to assist people to fall asleep, stay asleep and feel refreshed. These are referred to as sedatives or hypnotics. Some are available only by prescription, others are sold on the market, such as melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medicines are classified as Category B and safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedating medications are in Category C. This means they may be harmful to the baby if employed for long periods of time or at high doses. Your doctor will be able to tell you which prescription drugs are safest to take during pregnancy.
A more extensive treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. This is extremely efficient and can be modified for pregnant women. It involves learning to change negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep, adjusting behaviors which interfere with sleeping and implementing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be performed through a therapist, or a workbook.
If the underlying mood disorder is leading to insomnia, treating these conditions can also improve sleep. This is especially true of anxiety and depression. Antidepressants, such as tricyclics with a long history can be extremely beneficial in treating depression. Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam or clonazepam, are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
It's important to remember that lifestyle changes are the best treatment for any sleep disorder, regardless of the medication being used. This includes not drinking caffeine, visiting the bathroom frequently and not snoring. Only use medication if it is absolutely necessary and only for a brief time. Utilizing only the most commonly used and safest medicines helps reduce the chance of adverse effects for both the mother and baby.
Depression medications
The medications used to treat ADHD and depression can have different effects during pregnancy. In general, the use of antidepressants and stimulants are safe for women who are pregnant but women must consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication during pregnancy.
Most women with depression will need a combination of antidepressants psychotherapy, psychotherapy, and other medications to recover. The drugs help increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that regulate mood and improve alertness. The most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) they are believed to work by blocking an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. Examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They are believed to work by increasing the levels dopamine in the brain. In the first trimester pregnancy, estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This helps to reduce symptoms of ADHD, but when the amount of estrogen decreases, symptom flare-ups are possible.
Women who are pregnant and suffering from ADHD have a difficult decision to make regarding whether they should continue their treatment. This is because there are few studies of the effects of psychiatric medications on pregnant women and their infants. It can be difficult to stop treatment for many people with ADHD who believe they can function well while on medication.
A study that was recently published in CNS drugs revealed that babies exposed to ADHD medication while pregnant didn't suffer any long-term adverse side effects. The study also included an examination of the results of more than 5,800 mothers and their children. It was the largest study to date looking at the safety of non-stimulant and stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
However, the researchers of this study pointed out that there are a number of limitations to this study, including possible outcome misclassification and substantial attrition. The study also did not study the short-term effects, or other mental health conditions. The authors also note that the group of women who continued taking their medication during pregnancy and postpartum differed from the women who quit or ceased their medication. They were older at the time of conception and more likely to smoke and to be taking other psychotropic medication. They also were more likely to use methylphenidate - a type of ADHD medication.
Medicines for Anxiety
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders typically function well on medication. Taking the medication helps them meet their social and work goals as well as maintain healthy relationships and enjoy a better quality of life overall. If they are 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 both the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors advise their patients to cease their medication if they become pregnant or nursing, because little is known about the effects of psychiatric medications on babies or fetuses.
A large study found that women's decision to discontinue ADHD medication in the first trimester was linked to a higher rate of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued taking their medication. Researchers found that infants born to mothers who had stopped taking ADHD medication did not have an increased chance of having fetal defects.
Medications to treat anxiety can include antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants help people with anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which helps boost mood. SSRIs are the most commonly used antidepressant medication prescribed to combat anxiety. SNRIs are a second option and monoamine oxidase inhibiters, or MAOIs, are another option. MAOIs inhibit the actions of certain chemicals, including noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin, can relieve anxiety quickly. However, they are physically addictive and are usually only prescribed to treat short-term symptoms of extreme anxiety.
For most adults, stopping their medication to get pregnant isn't an option. However, reducing symptoms by lifestyle changes is. Exercise, a healthy diet and abstaining from caffeine are all key to lessening anxiety symptoms. A therapist trained in treating anxiety can also be beneficial. Support groups can also help women who have experienced similar issues with understanding and compassion.