ADHD Medication Pregnancy
GPs are often asked whether women should stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence that women should not stop taking ADHD medications during pregnancy.
The study used data from a national prescription database to assess the exposure of in-utero babies to ADHD medications. The study adjusted for a variety of measured confounders, including calendar year, pregnancy characteristics, socio-demographic variables, physical and mental health of the mother as well as the proxies for use of substances.
Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit/Hyperactivity Medications
ADHD medication helps 70 to 80 percent of children and adults who suffer from the condition are able to focus better to complete their tasks, interact better with others, and increase their performance at school or at work. The medications can be taken either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle modifications. The first step is to identify the right medications and doses that are appropriate, which is a trial-and-error process. It is crucial to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The more you are aware of ADHD and the treatment options that work, the more simple it will be to treat.
Stimulants are used to manage ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in paying attention in completing tasks, planning and organizing as well as fidgeting, interrupting, and fumbling. Stimulants come in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and people are generally prescribed between two and three times per day. They start working within 30-45 minutes and last about 3-4 hours. These medicines can cause side effects such as headaches or stomachaches. These side effects typically disappear over time.
Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. The doctor can inquire about any other medications that the woman is taking, including those available over the counter, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Women who are not treated for ADHD during pregnancy are at higher risk of developing mental health problems, including anxiety and depression in the postpartum period.
A recent study of over 2500 women who had taken ADHD medication, and then became pregnant showed that they were at a slightly higher risk of pre-eclampsia, which is a condition that causes high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine, and swelling, having their babies delivered via Cesarean birth, or being admitted to the neonatal intensive unit. They also had a slightly increased risk of having a child with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers in this study warned that the findings of the study might not be suitable for all women, and that further research is needed to determine the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy. However, they state that this study should offer some relief to women who were concerned about removing their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Medications to Treat It
Insomnia can result from many causes, such as life changes, mental health issues, like depression or anxiety, or physical ailments such as chronic pain. Sleep problems can usually improve by themselves within a month. But, occasionally, they develop into more serious and require to be treated through lifestyle changes and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved several medications that assist people to fall asleep, remain asleep and feel refreshed. These are referred to as sedative or hypnotic drugs. Certain sleep medicines are only available on prescription while others, like diphenhydramine or melatonin, can be available over-the counter. Many sleep medications carry a Category B rating and are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedative drugs fall into Category C, which means that they could pose risks to the baby in the event of prolonged duration or in large doses. Your doctor will inform you about which prescription medications are safest for pregnancy.
A more extensive treatment for insomnia involves cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. This therapy is highly effective and it can be adapted to pregnant women. It includes learning to change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about sleep, changing behaviors that disrupt sleep, and implementing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be done by a therapist, or with the aid of a workbook.
If underlying mood disorders are causing insomnia, treating those conditions can also improve sleep. This is especially true of anxiety and depression. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or older tricyclics can be very beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as Clonazepam and alprazolam are usually prescribed for anxiety.
It's important to keep in mind that lifestyle changes are the best method to treat any sleep disorder, no matter the medications used. This includes abstaining from caffeine, using the bathroom frequently, and not sleeping. The use of medication should only be when absolutely needed and for the least duration of time that is feasible. Only using the most secure and well-known medication can help reduce the risk of side-effects for both mom and the baby.
Depression medications
The medications used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could have different effects on the process of pregnancy. Stimulants and antidepressants are generally safe for women who are pregnant. However, women must consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication.
The majority of people suffering from depression use a combination of medications, including antidepressants and psychotherapy to recover. The medications increase the levels in the brain of specific chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that regulate mood and increase alertness. Antidepressants are usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), believed to work by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking these chemicals down. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and setraline (Zoloft) as well as paroxetine and sertraline.
ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. These are believed to work by increasing the levels dopamine in the brain. In the first trimester of pregnancy, estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD however, when the level of estrogen decreases, symptom flare-ups can occur.
Pregnant people with ADHD face a difficult choice to make regarding whether they should continue taking their medication. This is because there aren't many studies on the effect of psychiatric medications 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.
A recent study published in CNS drugs showed that infants exposed to ADHD medication while pregnant did not suffer any long-term adverse effects. This study included a review of the results for more than 5,800 mothers and their babies. This was the largest study ever conducted to determine the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Nevertheless, the authors of this study noted that there are numerous issues with this study, including possible outcome incorrect classification and significant attrition. The study did not examine short-term outcomes, or other mental health conditions. The authors also note that the group of women who continued their medications during pregnancy and postpartum was different from the groups who stopped or stopped taking their medications. They were older at the time of conception and were more likely to smoke and be taking other psychotropic medications. They were also more likely to use the drug methylphenidate, which is a particular type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medicines
Adults with anxiety disorders can often be at their best when they are taking medication. The medication can help them achieve work and social goals to maintain healthy relationships and have an improved quality of life overall. When they become pregnancies and are faced with a dilemma: should they continue or stop their treatment? This choice will have a significant impact on the mother and any children she might have. Many doctors advise patients to quit taking psychiatric drugs in the event of pregnancy or when they are nursing. This is due to the fact that very little is available about how psychiatric medication affects fetuses and babies.
A large study revealed that women who quit their ADHD medication within the first trimester were at an increased risk of having a miscarriage or losing a baby than women who continued take the medication. However, the researchers found no increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers had quit their ADHD medications.
Treatments for anxiety include anxiolytics and antidepressants. Antidepressants may help reduce anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps improve mood. SSRIs are the most popular antidepressant medications prescribed to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second option and monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs are another alternative. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals like adrenaline and noradrenaline that are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin can reduce anxiety swiftly. However natural adhd medication are physically addictive and are typically only prescribed for short-term use in cases of extreme anxiety.
For the majority of adults, stopping their medications to get pregnant is not an acceptable solution. Reduce symptoms by altering your lifestyle is a better alternative. Making sure you get enough rest and exercising, eating a nutritious diet and avoiding caffeine all can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is trained in treating anxiety may also be helpful. Support groups can also provide women with similar experiences with care and understanding.