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 should not do this.
The study used data from a nationwide prescription database to determine in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. It adjusted for a variety of confounding factors, such as calendar year, pregnancy characteristics, socio-demographic factors physical and mental health of mothers and the proxies for use of substances.
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medications
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% of adults and children to improve their concentration, finish tasks, enhance their relationships with others and perform better at work or school. The medications can be taken either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments and lifestyle changes. The first step is finding the right dosage and medication. It can be a trial and experience. It is important to be honest and open about your symptoms, including how they affect your life. The more you are aware of ADHD and the treatments that work, the simpler it will be to treat.
Stimulants are used to manage ADHD symptoms, including difficulty in focusing in completing tasks, planning and organizing, interrupting, and fidgeting. They are available in liquid and chewable tablet forms, and typically are prescribed between two and three times per each day. They begin to work in 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. These medicines can cause adverse effects, such as stomachaches or headaches. These side effects tend to disappear over time.
Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss their concerns with their doctor. The doctor is likely to inquire about any other medicines the woman is taking, such as supplements that are available over the counter, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. Untreated ADHD in pregnancy can put women at higher risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
A recent study of more than 2000 women who were taking ADHD medications, and then went on to become pregnant discovered that they had an increased chance of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling) and having a baby delivered via cesarean section or their babies being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. They also had an increased risk of having a baby with a central neurological disorder.
Researchers of this study cautioned that the findings of the study might not be suitable for all women, and that more research is required to determine the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy. However, they say that this study will provide some relief to women who were worried about stopping their ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Treatments for Insomnia
There are many reasons for insomnia, such as short or long term life changes (like jet time or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment), mental health issues such as depression and anxiety or physical ailments, like suffering from chronic illness. In most cases, sleep problems are resolved on their own in under a month. However, they can also become more chronic problems that require to be treated 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 rested. These medications are known as hypnotics or sedatives. Some are only available by prescription, while others are available over the counter for example, melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications are classified Category B and safe to use while pregnant. Other sedative drugs fall into Category C, which means they could pose a risk to the baby if used for a long time or in high doses. Your doctor can tell you which prescription medications are safest to use during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more complete treatment for insomnia. CBT is extremely efficient and can be tailored to pregnant women. It involves learning to change negative thoughts and beliefs about sleep, adjusting habits that interfere with sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. This therapy can be completed with a therapist or with a workbook.
If underlying mood disorders are making you sleepy, treating those disorders can also help improve sleep. This is especially true for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or the older tricyclic antidepressants can be very helpful for depression. Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam or clonazepam is often prescribed to treat anxiety.
It is important to keep in mind that, regardless of what medication is employed the first option for any sleep disorder should be lifestyle changes, such as not drinking coffee, using the bathroom regularly and not snoring throughout the day. It is best to only use medication if required and for the shortest duration of time that is feasible. Only using the safest and most common medications can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions for both mom and the baby.
Medicines for Depression
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression may have different effects during pregnancy. Generally, buy adhd medication online of stimulants and antidepressants are safe for women who are pregnant however, women should consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication during pregnancy.
Most women with depression take several medication, such as antidepressants as well as psychotherapy, to get well. The drugs boost the levels in the brain of certain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that control mood and increase alertness. The most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) they are believed to be effective by blocking an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac) and setraline (Zoloft), paroxetine, and sertraline.
Stimulant medications are most commonly used to treat ADHD. They are believed to be effective by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain. During the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen boosts dopamine. This reduces symptoms of ADHD, but when the amount of estrogen decreases, symptoms flare-ups can occur.
It can be difficult for pregnant people with ADHD to decide if they should continue taking their medication. There aren't many studies on the effects of psychiatric medications on pregnant women and their babies. Many people suffering from ADHD feel that they can function well when they are taking their medication, therefore stopping treatment may be a challenge.
A recent study published in CNS Drugs found that there no negative long-term effects on babies who were exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. The study also included a review of the outcomes for more than 5,800 mothers and their children. It was the largest study to date that examined the safety of non-stimulant and stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
However, the authors of this study noted that there are numerous issues with this study, including possible outcome misclassification and substantial attrition. The study also failed to examine short-term outcomes, or other mental health conditions. The authors also highlight the difference in the groups of women who continued to take their medication during pregnancy and postpartum, and those who stopped or stopped taking it. They were older when they were conceived and more likely to be smokers and to take other psychotropic drugs. They were also more likely to use methylphenidate - an type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medicines
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders can generally be at their best when they are on medication. Taking the medication helps them meet their social and work goals to maintain healthy relationships and have a better quality of life overall. When they become pregnant, they are faced with a difficult decision: Should they continue to take the medication or stop? The decision has far-reaching effects on the mother as well as the children she might have. Many doctors advise their patients to cease their medication when they become pregnant or nursing, because little is known about the effects of psychiatric medications on fetuses or babies.
A large study found that a woman's decision to discontinue ADHD medication during the first trimester was linked to a higher rate of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued to take their medication. However the researchers found no increase in the risk of fetal cardiac defects in infants whose mothers quit their ADHD medications.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two drugs that can be used to combat anxiety. Antidepressants help people with anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps boost mood. SSRIs are generally the first choice of antidepressant medication used to combat anxiety. SNRIs are a second option and monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs are another option. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals such as noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in the fight-or-flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as benzodiazepines like Xanax and Klonopin can help relieve anxiety swiftly. However they are physically addictive and are usually only prescribed for short-term use in cases of extreme anxiety.
The majority of adults will continue taking their medication to get pregnant. Reduce symptoms by changing your lifestyle is the best alternative. A healthy diet, exercise and eliminating caffeine all contribute to reducing anxiety symptoms. A therapist trained to treat anxiety can be extremely beneficial. Additionally support groups can offer support and guidance from women who have similar experiences.