ADHD Medication Pregnancy
The doctors are often asked if women should stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new Danish study adds to the evidence that women shouldn't stop taking ADHD medications during pregnancy.
The study utilized data from a national prescription database to assess the in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. The study was adjusted for a variety of variables that can cause confusion, including the calendar year, pregnancy characteristics and socio-demographic variables, maternal mental and physiological health and proxy measures of the use of drugs.
Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit/Hyperactivity Medications
ADHD medication helps 70 to 80 percent of people who suffer from the disorder focus better to complete their tasks, get along better with other people, and enhance their performance at school or at work. The medications can be taken alone or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle modifications. The first step is to determine the appropriate dosages and medications that are appropriate, which is an experiment. It is essential to be open about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The more you and your physician know about the best treatment options, the easier it will be to manage your ADHD.
Stimulants are prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD that cause difficulties in focusing to the present, planning ahead and completing tasks, as well as interruptions and fidgeting. Stimulants come in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and people are usually prescribed between two and three times a day. They begin to work within 30-45 minutes and last about 3-4 hours. People may experience adverse effects, like stomachaches or headaches while taking these drugs. These side effects typically disappear with time.
Women who are expecting or planning to become pregnant should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. The doctor will likely inquire about any other medications the woman is taking, such as prescription medications like vitamins and herbal supplements. Untreated ADHD during pregnancy puts women at greater risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
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 preeclampsia, which is a high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine, and swelling, being born via Cesarean birth, or being admitted to the neonatal intensive unit. These women were also at a slight risk of having a baby with a central neurological disorder.
The researchers of this study warn that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women and that more research must be conducted regarding the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study should provide comfort to women who are concerned about stopping their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Treatments for Insomnia
Insomnia can be caused by many factors, including life changes and mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, or physical illnesses like chronic pain. Sleep problems can usually improve on their own within one month. But, occasionally, they develop into more chronic problems that require to be treated through lifestyle changes and medication.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a range of drugs that aid people in falling asleep, sleep and feel rested. These are called sedative or hypnotic medicines. Some sleep medications are only available through prescription while others, like diphenhydramine and melatonin, are available over-the counter. Many sleep medications are classified in Category B and are safe to use while pregnant. adhd and medication are in Category C. This means they can cause harm for the baby if used for prolonged durations or in high doses. Your doctor will be able to inform you about which prescription medications are safest during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more complete treatment for insomnia. This is highly effective and can be adapted for pregnant women. It involves learning to alter negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep, adjusting the habits that hinder sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. This treatment can be done with a therapist or with the help of a book.
If underlying mood disorders are causing insomnia, treating those conditions can help improve sleep. This is particularly true for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) or the older tricyclic antidepressants can be extremely beneficial to those suffering from depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as clonazepam or alprazolam are usually prescribed to treat anxiety.
It is important to keep in mind that, regardless of which medication is used the first option for any sleep disorder should be lifestyle changes such as avoiding caffeine and using the bathroom frequently and not snoring throughout the daytime. Only use medication if it is required and only for a limited duration. Making sure to use only the most popular and safest medications can reduce the chance of adverse effects in both mom and baby.
Depression medications
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression may have different effects during pregnancy. Stimulants and antidepressants are generally safe for women who are pregnant. However, women should consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication.
Most women with depression will need a combination of antidepressants, psychotherapy and other medications to recover. The medications increase the levels in the brain of specific chemicals, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood as well as increase alertness. Antidepressants are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are believed to work by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking these chemicals down. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and setraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine and sertraline.
ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. These are believed to be effective by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. In the first trimester of pregnancy estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. However, when estrogen levels decrease and symptoms begin to flare up, they can be exacerbated.
Pregnant women with ADHD are faced with a difficult decision to make about whether they should continue their treatment. There are few studies on the effects of psychiatric drugs on pregnant women and their babies. The decision to stop treatment can be a challenge for many with ADHD who feel they can function well while on medication.
A recent study published in CNS drugs found that infants exposed to ADHD medication while pregnant did not suffer any long-term adverse effects. The study also included a review of the outcomes for over 5,800 mothers with their children. This was the biggest study ever conducted to determine the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.
However, the authors of this study acknowledged that there are a number of limitations to the study, including the possibility of outcome incorrect classification and significant attrition. Additionally the study did not focus on short-term outcomes or other mental health conditions. The authors also note that the women who continued taking their medication throughout pregnancy and postpartum were different from the women who quit or discontinued their medications. They were older when they were first conceived and more likely to smoke and be taking other psychotropic medication. They also were more likely to use methylphenidate - an type of ADHD medication.
Medicines for Anxiety
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders typically function well on medication. Taking the medication helps them reach their work and social goals to maintain healthy relationships and have an improved quality of life overall. When they become pregnancies, they are faced with a dilemma: should they continue or stop the treatment? The decision can have a wide-ranging impact on the mother, and the children she might have. Many doctors advise their patients to stop their medication if they become pregnant or nursing, as little is known about effects of psychiatric drugs on fetuses or babies.
A large study found that a woman's decision to stop taking ADHD medication in the first trimester was linked to greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued their medications. However the researchers found no increase in the risk of fetal cardiac defects in infants whose mothers had stopped taking their ADHD medication.
Medications to treat anxiety can include antidepressants and anxiolytics. Antidepressants assist people suffering from anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which can help boost mood. SSRIs are typically the first choice of antidepressant medication used to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice and monoamine oxidase inhibiters MAOIs, also known as MAOIs, are a different option. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, 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 generally only prescribed for short-term use in cases of extreme anxiety.
For most adults, stopping their medications to get pregnant is not an option. However, reducing symptoms with lifestyle changes is. Making sure you get enough rest and exercise, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding caffeine can all help to reduce symptoms of anxiety. A therapist trained in the treatment of anxiety may also be helpful. Support groups can also provide women with similar experiences with care and understanding.