ADHD Medication Pregnancy
Doctors are often asked if women should discontinue their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new Danish study adds to the evidence that women should not stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The study utilized data from a national prescription database to measure the in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. The study adjusted for several confounders including the calendar year, pregnancy characteristics and socio-demographic variables, maternal mental and physiological health and proxy measures for substance abuse.
Medicines for Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% adults and children increase their concentration, finish tasks, enhance their relationships with others, and perform better at work or school. The medications may be the only treatment that is needed or in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. The first step involves finding the right dosage and medication. It can be a trial and failure. It is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The more you and your physician know about what works more straightforward it will be to treat your ADHD.
Stimulants can be used to manage ADHD symptoms, like difficulty paying attention, planning and completing tasks that require interruption, fidgeting, or fumbling. Stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are typically prescribed two to three times a day. They start working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for 3-4 hours. Some people may experience side effects, such as headaches or stomachaches, when taking these drugs. These side effects typically subside over time.
The use of medications for ADHD can affect the pregnancy process and women planning to get pregnant or are already pregnant should talk to their doctor about the symptoms and how they are treating them. The doctor might inquire about any other medications the woman is taking, such as those available over the counter, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. Women who do not treat ADHD during pregnancy are at higher risk for a number of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders, during the postpartum time.
A recent study of over 2,000 women who took ADHD medication, and then became pregnant showed that they were at a slightly higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia. check out the post right here is a high blood pressure, high levels of protein in urine, and swelling, having their babies delivered by Cesarean birth, or being admitted to the neonatal intensive unit. The women also had a slight chance of having a baby with a central neurological disorder.
The researchers of this study caution that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women and that more research must be conducted on the safety of ADHD medications during pregnancy. However, they say that this study could provide some relief to women who were worried about stopping their ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Medications to Treat It
There are a variety of reasons that can cause insomnia, including either long or short-term changes (like jet sleep or a night in an unfamiliar environment) and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, or physical illnesses, such as the pain that comes from a chronic illness. Most often, sleep issues improve on their own in less than a month. Occasionally, however, they can become chronic issues that require lifestyle changes and medication.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a range of drugs that help people to fall asleep, sleep and feel rested. These are known as sedatives or hypnotic medications. Some are only available through prescription, while others are available over the counter for example, melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications carry a Category B rating and are safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedatives are classified in Category C, which means they may pose some risks to the baby when used for a long period of time or in large doses. Your doctor can tell you which medications prescribed by your doctor are the most secure to use during pregnancy.
A more extensive treatment for insomnia involves cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. This therapy is highly efficient and can be adapted to pregnant women. It involves retraining unhelpful thoughts and beliefs regarding sleep, modifying behaviors that interfere with sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques. This therapy can be completed through a therapist, or an instructional book.
If mood disorders result in insomnia, treating these conditions can help improve sleep. This is especially true for depression and anxiety. Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or the older tricyclic antidepressants, are extremely beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as clonazepam or alprazolam, are often prescribed for anxiety.
It is essential to remember that lifestyle changes are the best method to treat any sleep disorder, no matter the medication being used. This includes abstaining from caffeine, using the bathroom frequently and not napping. It is best to only use medication when absolutely necessary and for the shortest amount of time that is possible. Utilizing only the most secure and well-known medication can help reduce the chance of adverse effects for mom and baby.
Medications for Depression
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression can have different effects during pregnancy. Generally speaking, the use of stimulants and antidepressants is safe for pregnant women but women must consult with their physician prior to starting any new medication during pregnancy.
The majority of people suffering from depression use various medications, such as antidepressants and psychotherapy, to heal. The medications aid in increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters which regulate mood and increase alertness. Antidepressants are usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are believed to be effective by blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking these chemicals down. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), setraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine and sertraline.
ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant drugs. They are believed to be effective by increasing 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, symptom flare-ups can occur.
Women who are pregnant and suffering from ADHD are faced with a difficult decision to make regarding whether or not they should continue their treatment. There aren't many studies that examine the effects of psychiatric medication on pregnant women and their children. Many people who suffer from ADHD think that they be successful with their medication, and so stopping treatment can be challenging.
A study that was recently published in CNS drugs revealed that infants exposed to ADHD medication while pregnant didn't suffer any long-term adverse effects. The study also included an examination of the results of more than 5,800 mothers and their children. This was the largest study ever conducted to determine the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The researchers behind this study have nevertheless noted that this study has many limitations, including the possibility of outcome misclassification and significant attrition. The study did not look at short-term outcomes or other mental health issues. The authors also point out that the women who continued taking their medication throughout pregnancy and postpartum differed from the women who quit or ceased their medication. They were older when they were born and more likely to smoke and also take other psychotropic medications. They also were more likely to use the drug methylphenidate, which is a particular type of ADHD medication.
Medicines for Anxiety
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders can typically perform well when on medication. They can achieve their work and social goals and maintain healthy relationships by taking the medication. When they become pregnancies they face the dilemma of whether to continue or stop their treatment? The decision can have a wide-ranging impact on the mother, and any children she may later have. Many doctors recommend patients quit taking psychiatric drugs when they are pregnant or if they are nursing. This is because very little is known about how psychiatric medication affects fetuses and babies.
A large study revealed that a woman's decision stop taking ADHD medication in the first trimester was associated with greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued their medications. Researchers found that infants born to mothers who had stopped taking ADHD medication did not have an increased risk of having a fetal defect.
Medications to treat anxiety can include anxiolytics and antidepressants. Antidepressants help people with anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain, which help boost mood. SSRIs are generally the first choice for antidepressant medications used to combat anxiety. SNRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are other options. MAOIs inhibit the actions of certain chemicals, including noradrenaline and adrenaline that are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as Benzodiazepines, like Klonopin and Xanax can help 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 medication to get pregnant isn't a reasonable solution. Reduce symptoms by altering your lifestyle is the best alternative. Getting enough rest and exercising and eating a balanced diet, and avoiding caffeine can all help reduce the symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is trained to treat anxiety may be extremely beneficial. In addition support groups can offer support and guidance from other women with similar experiences.