ADHD Medication Pregnancy
The doctors are often asked if women should stop their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence that women shouldn't stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The study utilized data from a national prescription database to assess the exposure of in-utero babies to ADHD medications. The study adjusted for a variety of confounding factors, such as calendar year, pregnancy characteristics, socio-demographic variables, maternal mental and physical health and proxies for substance use.
Treatments for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD medication can help 70 to 80% of adults and children with the condition focus more and complete tasks, be more comfortable with others, and improve performance at school or at work. The medications can be taken either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral treatments and lifestyle changes. The first step is to identify the right dosage and medication, which can be a trial-and-error process. It is important to be honest and open about your symptoms, including how they affect your life. The more you and your doctor know about what works, the easier it will be to treat your ADHD.
Stimulants are prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD that cause difficulties in paying attention, planning ahead and finishing tasks, as well as interrupting and fidgeting. The stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet forms. They are usually prescribed between two and three times a every day. They start working within 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. People may experience negative side effects, like headaches or stomachaches, when taking these drugs. These side effects usually dissipate in time.
The use of medications for ADHD could affect the pregnancies process and women planning to become pregnant or are pregnant should talk to their doctor about their symptoms and the way they are treating them. The doctor may ask about any other medications the woman is taking, including those available over the counter, such as herbal supplements and vitamins. If not treated, ADHD in pregnancy puts women at greater risk of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
A recent study of over 2000 women who were taking ADHD medication and then got pregnant, revealed that they were at a slightly higher risk of pre-eclampsia, which is a high blood pressure, protein in urine, and swelling. being born via cesarean or being admitted to the neonatal intensive unit. These women also had a slightly higher chance of having a baby with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers of this study caution that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women and they suggest that more research should be done about the safety of ADHD medications during pregnancy. However, they claim that this study should offer some relief to women who were concerned about discontinuing their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Medications for Insomnia
There are many causes for insomnia, which could be due to short or long term life changes (like jet lag or sleeping in an unfamiliar environment), mental health issues like anxiety and depression or physical ailments, such as suffering from chronic illness. Often, sleep disturbances are resolved on their own in under one month. However, sometimes they become more long-term problems that need to be addressed with lifestyle changes and medication.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of medications that aid people in falling asleep and sleep well, and also feel refreshed. adhd medication list are called sedative or hypnotic drugs. Certain sleep medications are only available by prescription while others, like diphenhydramine and melatonin are available over-the-counter. Many sleep medications carry been rated as Category B and are considered safe to use during pregnancy. Other sedative medications fall into the category of C. This means that they could cause harm to the baby when used for prolonged periods of time or at high doses. Your doctor will determine which prescription drugs are the most secure during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more complete treatment for insomnia. This is extremely efficient and can be modified for pregnant women. It involves retraining negative beliefs and thoughts regarding sleep, modifying behaviors that hinder sleep, and learning relaxation techniques. This treatment can be performed by a therapist, or with the help of a workbook.
If mood disorders that are underlying are making you sleepy, treating those disorders can also help improve sleep. Suggested Studying is especially true for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants like tricyclics with a long history can be extremely beneficial in treating depression. Anti-anxiety medications, such as Clonazepam and alprazolam, are often prescribed for anxiety.
It is important to remember that lifestyle changes are the best way to treat any sleep disorder, no matter the medication being used. This includes avoiding caffeine, going to the bathroom frequently and not napping. Only use medication when it is necessary and only for a brief time. Using only the most common and safest medications can reduce the chance of adverse effects for both the mother and baby.
Medicines for Depression
The drugs used to treat ADHD and depression may have different effects during pregnancy. Antidepressants and stimulants 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 medication, such as antidepressants as well as psychotherapy, to get well. The medications aid in increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are neurotransmitters that regulate mood and improve alertness. Antidepressants are usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are believed to block 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 medications. They are believed to increase dopamine levels in the brain. In the first trimester pregnancy, estrogen naturally increases dopamine. This can reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, when estrogen levels drop the symptoms can become more severe.
It can be difficult for pregnant women with ADHD to decide if they should continue taking their medication. This is because 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 be successful on their medication, so stopping treatment can be difficult.
Fortunately, a recent study published in CNS Drugs concluded that there no negative long-term consequences for babies who had been exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. This study included a review of the outcomes for over 5,800 mothers with their children. It was the most comprehensive study to date examining the safety of non-stimulant and stimulant ADHD medications during pregnancy.
Nevertheless the authors of this study acknowledged that there are a number of issues with this study, including the possibility of outcome misclassification and substantial attrition. The study also did not 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 medications throughout pregnancy and postpartum as well as those who stopped or stopped it. They were older when they conceived and more likely to smoke and take other psychotropic drugs. They also were more likely to take methylphenidate which is a type of ADHD medication.
Anxiety Medicines
Adults suffering from anxiety disorders can often perform well when taking medication. They can achieve their goals in work and social life and maintain healthy relationships taking the medication. When they begin to become pregnant, they are faced with a dilemma: should they continue or stop their treatment? This choice will have a significant impact on both the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors recommend that patients stop taking psychiatric medication when they become pregnant, or if they are nursing. This is due to the fact that very little is known about how psychiatric medications affects babies and fetuses.
A large study revealed that a woman's decision to quit ADHD medication in the first trimester was linked to greater rates of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued to take their medication. However, the researchers found no increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers discontinued their ADHD medications.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two drugs that can be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants aid people suffering from anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood. SSRIs are the most popular antidepressant drugs prescribed to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice and monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs are a different option. MAOIs inhibit 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 reduce anxiety swiftly. They are physically addictive, and are typically prescribed for short-term use when severe anxiety is present.
For most adults, stopping their medication to get pregnant isn't an option. However, reducing symptoms through lifestyle changes is. getting enough rest and exercise and eating a balanced diet and avoiding caffeine all can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. A therapist with experience in treating anxiety can also be helpful. Support groups can also provide women with similar experiences with understanding and compassion.