ADHD Medication Pregnancy<br /><br />GPs are often asked whether women should stop their ADHD medication during pregnancy. A new study from Denmark adds to the evidence that women shouldn't stop taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy.<br /><br />The study used data from a nationwide prescription database to assess the in-utero exposure to ADHD medications. The study adjusted for a variety of measured confounders, including the calendar year, pregnancy-related characteristics, socio-demographic factors physical and mental health of mothers, and the proxies for use of substances.<br /><br />Attention Hyperactivity Disorder and Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treatments<br /><br />ADHD medication helps 70 to 80 percent of adults and children who suffer from the disorder focus better to complete their tasks, interact better with other people, and enhance their performance at work or school. The medication can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes. The first step is to find the right dosage and medication, which can be an experiment. It is essential to be honest about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The more you are aware of ADHD and the treatment options that work, the easier it will be to manage.<br /><br />Stimulants can be used to manage the symptoms of ADHD which can cause problems in paying attention and planning ahead, completing tasks, as well as interruptions and fidgeting. The stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet forms, and typically are prescribed between two and three times per every day. They begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and last for 3-4 hours. There are some adverse effects, like stomachaches or headaches, while taking these drugs. These side effects tend to disappear over time.<br /><br />Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should discuss their symptoms with their physician. The doctor may ask about other medications the woman is taking, including over-the counter ones like vitamin supplements and herbal supplements. Women with untreated ADHD during pregnancy are more at risk for a number of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression during the postpartum time.<br /><br />A recent study of more than 2,000 women who were on ADHD medication and then got pregnant discovered that they had a slightly higher risk of having pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure as well as protein in urine, and swelling) or having a child delivered by cesarean section, or their babies being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The women also had a slightly higher risk of having a child with a central nervous system disorder.<br /><br />The researchers behind this study caution 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 offer comfort to women who are concerned about stopping their ADHD medication during pregnancy.<br /><br />Insomnia - Treatments for Insomnia It<br /><br />There are many causes for insomnia, which could be due to short - or long-term life changes (like jet lag or sleeping in a strange environment) or mental health issues like anxiety and depression or physical ailments, like suffering from chronic illness. Sleep problems can usually improve on their own within one month. Occasionally, however they can develop into long-term issues that require lifestyle changes and medications.<br /><br />The Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of medications that can aid people in falling asleep, stay asleep and feel rested. These are called sedative or hypnotic drugs. Certain sleep medicines are only available on prescription while others, such as diphenhydramine or melatonin, can be sold over-the-counter. Many sleep medications carry been rated as Category B and are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Other sedatives are classified in the category of C. This means that they could pose risks to the baby if used for prolonged periods of time or in high doses. Your doctor will be able to tell you which medications prescribed by your doctor are safest to use during pregnancy.<br /><br />A more comprehensive treatment for insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT. CBT is extremely efficient and can be adapted 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 completed with a therapist or with a workbook.<br /><br />If mood disorders cause insomnia, treating these conditions can help improve sleep. This is particularly applicable to anxiety and depression. Antidepressants such as fluoxetine or older tricyclics can be very beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medication, such as alprazolam or clonazepam is often prescribed for anxiety.<br /><br />It's important to remember that regardless of the medication is used the best option for any sleep disorder must be lifestyle changes like avoiding caffeine and using the bathroom frequently, and not napping during the daytime. Only use medication when it is necessary and only for a brief time. Utilizing only the most commonly used and safest medications can reduce the chance of adverse effects for both the mother and baby.<br /><br />Medicines for Depression<br /><br />The medications used to treat ADHD and depression may have different effects during pregnancy. Generally, the use of stimulants and antidepressants are safe for women who are pregnant however, women should consult with their physician prior to beginning any new medication during pregnancy.<br /><br /><br /><br />Most women with depression take various medications, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, to get well. The drugs boost the levels in the brain of certain chemicals, including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and increase alertness. Antidepressants are typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are believed to block the enzyme responsible for breaking these chemicals down. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).<br /><br />ADHD is typically treated using stimulant medications. These medications are thought to increase dopamine levels in the brain. In the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen levels increase dopamine. This reduces symptoms of ADHD, but when the amount of estrogen decreases, symptoms flare-ups can occur.<br /><br />Pregnant women with ADHD face a difficult choice to make regarding whether they should continue their treatment. This is due to the fact that there aren't many studies on the effect of psychiatric medications on pregnant women and their babies. The decision to stop treatment can be a challenge for many people with ADHD who feel they can perform well while taking medication.<br /><br />Fortunately, a study published in CNS Drugs found that there were no long-term negative consequences for babies who had been exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy. This study included an examination of the outcomes of over 5,800 mothers and their children. This was the largest study ever conducted on the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.<br /><br />The researchers behind this study have however acknowledged that this study has many limitations, such as the possibility of outcomes being classified incorrectly, and significant attrition. In addition the study did NOT focus on short-term outcomes or other types of mental health issues. The authors also note the difference in the groups of women who continued to take their medications throughout pregnancy and postpartum and those who stopped or discontinued it. They were older when they were first conceived and were more likely to smoke and to be taking other psychotropic medications. They also were more likely to take methylphenidate which is one of the types of ADHD medication.<br /><br />Medicines for Anxiety<br /><br />Adults with anxiety disorders often have a good time taking medication. They can achieve their social and work goals and maintain healthy relationships by taking the medication. When they become pregnant, they are faced with a dilemma which is: should they continue to take the medication or stop? <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">adhd treatment medication</a> will have a major impact on both the mother and any children she may have. Many doctors recommend to their patients to stop their medication when they become pregnant or nursing, since there isn't much information about the effect of psychiatric drugs on babies or fetuses.<br /><br />A large study found that a woman's decision discontinue ADHD medication in the first trimester was linked to a higher rate of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued taking their medication. However, the researchers found no increased risk of fetal heart defects in infants whose mothers discontinued their ADHD medications.<br /><br />Treatments for anxiety include anxiolytics and antidepressants. Antidepressants assist people suffering from anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood. SSRIs are generally the first choice for antidepressant drugs used to treat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are a different option. MAOIs inhibit the action of certain chemicals like noradrenaline and adrenaline, which are involved in the fight-or-flight response to stress.<br /><br />Anxiolytics, such as Benzodiazepines, like Klonopin and Xanax can help relieve anxiety quickly. However they can be physically addictive and are generally only prescribed to treat short-term symptoms of severe anxiety.<br /><br />For most adults, stopping their medications to get pregnant isn't an option. However, reducing symptoms through lifestyle changes is. Exercise, a healthy diet and eliminating caffeine all contribute to reducing symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is trained to treat anxiety can be extremely helpful. Support groups can also help women who have had similar experiences with care and understanding.<br /><br />