ADHD Medication Pregnancy
GPs are often asked whether women should stop their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence and suggests that women should not do so.
The study used data from a national prescription database to assess in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. The study adjusted for various factors that cause confusion, such as the calendar year pregnant characteristics, socio-demographic variables including maternal physical and mental health, and proxy measures for the use of drugs.
Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit/Hyperactivity Medications
ADHD medication can aid 70 to 80% of adults and children to improve their focus, complete tasks, enhance their relationships with others, and perform better at work or school. The medication can be used either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle modifications. The first step is to find the right medications and doses and dosages, which could be a trial-and-error process. It is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The more you are aware of ADHD and the treatments that work, the more simple it will be to treat.
Stimulants can be used to control ADHD symptoms, like difficulties in paying attention, planning and completing tasks, interrupting, and fidgeting. They are available in liquid and chewable tablet forms. They are usually prescribed between two and three times per day. They start working within 30 to 45 minutes and last for about 3 to 4 hours. These medicines can trigger adverse effects, such as headaches or stomachaches. These side effects usually subside as time passes.
The use of medications for ADHD can affect the pregnancy process and women planning to become pregnant or are pregnant should consult their doctor about their symptoms and how they are treating them. The doctor is likely to inquire about any other medications the woman is taking, including prescription medications like herbal supplements and vitamins. If left untreated, ADHD during pregnancy can put women at higher risk of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders.
A recent study of over 2000 women who were taking ADHD medications, and then went on to become pregnant found that they had a slightly higher chance of developing pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and urine protein, and swelling) or having a child born via cesarean section or their babies being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The women also had a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers of this study warned that the results of the study may not be applicable to all women, and that more research is needed to determine the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy. However, they say that this study could provide comfort to many women who were worried about removing their ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Medications to Treat It
There are many causes for insomnia, which could be due to either long or short-term changes (like jet sleep or a night in an unfamiliar environment) or mental health issues such as anxiety and depression or physical ailments, such as the pain that comes from a chronic illness. Sleep disturbances can often improve by themselves within a month. But, occasionally, they develop into more chronic problems that require to be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications that aid in falling asleep and sleep, and feel more rested. These are referred to as sedative or hypnotic medications. Some are available only by prescription, others are sold on the market, such as melatonin and diphenhydramine. Many sleep medications are classified Category B and are safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedating medications are in category C. This means that they could cause harm for the baby if employed for long periods of time or at high doses. Your doctor can tell you which medications prescribed by your doctor are safest to take during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more comprehensive treatment of insomnia. CBT is extremely efficient and can be tailored to pregnant women. It involves learning to alter unhelpful beliefs and thoughts about sleep, modifying habits that interfere with sleep and practicing relaxation techniques. This therapy can be carried out by a therapist, or by using an instructional book.
If underlying mood disorders are making you sleepy, treating those disorders can also help improve sleep. This is especially true for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants such as tricyclics older than fluoxetine can be very beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as Clonazepam and alprazolam, are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
It's important to remember that regardless of the medication is employed the first option for any sleep disorder should be lifestyle changes, like avoiding caffeine, using the bathroom regularly, and not napping throughout the daytime. The use of medication should only be when it is absolutely necessary and for the shortest duration of time that is feasible. The use of only the safest and most common medication can help reduce the risk of adverse reactions for both mom and baby.
Recommended Web site used to treat ADHD and depression can have different effects during pregnancy. Antidepressants and stimulants are generally safe for women who are pregnant. However, pregnant women should consult their physician prior to beginning any new medication.
The majority of women suffering from depression use a combination of medication, such as antidepressants as well as psychotherapy to recover. The medications help to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters regulate mood and improve alertness. The most commonly used antidepressants are selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are thought to be effective by blocking an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), setraline (Zoloft) as well as paroxetine and sertraline.
Stimulant medications are most commonly used to treat ADHD. These drugs are believed to increase dopamine levels in the brain. During the first trimester of pregnancy, estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This can help reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, when estrogen levels decrease, symptoms can flare up.
Women who are pregnant and suffering from ADHD are faced with a difficult decision to make regarding whether they should continue their medication. There aren't many studies on the effects of psychiatric medications on pregnant women and their babies. Many people with ADHD feel that they can function well with their medication, and so stopping treatment can be difficult.
A study that was recently published in CNS drugs showed that infants exposed to ADHD medication while pregnant didn't suffer any long-term adverse side effects. The study involved an examination of the findings of more than 5,800 mothers and their children. It was the largest study to date examining the safety of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
The authors of this research have nevertheless noted that this study has a number of limitations, including the possibility of misclassifying outcomes, and significant attrition. The study also failed to examine short-term outcomes, or other mental health issues. The authors also note that the women who continued to take their medications during pregnancy and postpartum were different from the groups who stopped or discontinued their medication. They were older when they conceived and more likely to be smokers and take other psychotropic drugs. They were also more likely to take methylphenidate which is a type of ADHD medication.
Medicines for Anxiety
Adults with anxiety disorders can often function well when they are on medication. They can achieve their social and work goals and maintain healthy relationships taking the medication. When they are pregnant, they are faced with the dilemma of whether to continue or stop treatment? This decision will have a profound impact on the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors recommend to their patients to stop their medications when they become pregnant or nursing, as there isn't much information about the effect of psychiatric drugs on fetuses or babies.
A large study found that women's decision to stop taking ADHD medication during the first trimester was linked to greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued to take their medication. However the researchers did not find any increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers stopped taking their ADHD medication.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two medications that can be used to combat anxiety. Antidepressants aid people suffering from anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which help boost mood. SSRIs are the most common antidepressant drugs prescribed to treat anxiety. SNRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are other options. MAOIs block the actions of certain chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics, such as Benzodiazepines, like Klonopin and Xanax can relieve anxiety quickly. They are physically addictive and are usually prescribed for short-term use when severe anxiety is present.
For the majority of adults, stopping their medication to get pregnant is not a reasonable solution. Reduce symptoms by altering your life style is a better option. A healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding caffeine all contribute to reducing anxiety symptoms. A therapist trained in treating anxiety can also be helpful. Support groups can also provide women who have experienced similar issues with care and understanding.