ADHD Medication Pregnancy
The doctors are often asked if women should cease taking 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.
The study utilized data from the prescription database to assess exposure to ADHD medications during utero. It adjusted for a variety of measured confounders, including the calendar year, pregnancy characteristics, socio-demographic factors, maternal mental and physical health as well as proxies for substance use.
Attention Hyperactivity Disorder/Deficit/Hyperactivity Medications
ADHD medication can aid 70 to 80% of adults and children to improve their concentration, finish tasks, strengthen their relationships with others and perform better at work or in school. The medications can be used either on their own or in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy and lifestyle modifications. The first step involves finding the right dosage and medication. This can be a process of trial-and failure. It is important to be honest about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The more you and your doctor are aware of what works, the easier it is to treat your ADHD.
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD symptoms, such as difficulties in paying attention, planning and completing tasks, interrupting, and fidgeting. The stimulants are available in liquid or chewable tablet forms, and are usually prescribed two to three times a day. They begin working within 30 to 45 minutes and last around 3 to 4 hours. These medications can cause side effects such as stomachaches or headaches. These side effects usually dissipate in time.
The use of medications for ADHD could affect the pregnancies process, and women who are planning to conceive or already pregnant should talk to their doctor about their symptoms and the way they are treating them. The doctor will likely inquire about any other medicines the woman is taking, including over-the-counter ones like herbal supplements and vitamins. Untreated ADHD during pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of developing mental health problems including anxiety and depression.
A recent study of over 2500 women who were taking ADHD medications, and then went on to become pregnant, they were found to have a slightly higher risk of pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure as well as protein in urine, and swelling), having a baby delivered by cesarean section, or their babies being admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. These women also had a slightly higher risk of having a child with a central nervous system disorder.
The researchers behind this study caution that the results are not necessarily applicable to all women, and that more research needs to be conducted on the safety of ADHD medications during pregnancy. The study should be a source of comfort for women who are concerned about stopping their ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Insomnia - Treatments for Insomnia It
Sleep disturbances can be caused by various causes, such as life changes and mental health issues like anxiety or depression or physical ailments like chronic pain. In most cases, sleep problems improve on their own in less than one month. Occasionally, however, they can become chronic issues that require changes in lifestyle and medications.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a variety of medications to aid people in falling asleep, stay asleep, and feel more rested. These are known as sedatives or hypnotic drugs. Some sleep medications are only available by prescription while others, such as diphenhydramine and melatonin, are available over-the counter. Many sleep medicines have an A-grade rating and are considered safe for use during pregnancy. Other sedative drugs fall into Category C, which means that they may pose some risks to the baby in the event of prolonged period of time or in large doses. Your doctor can tell you which prescription medications are the most secure to use during pregnancy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a more comprehensive treatment of insomnia. This is extremely efficient and can be modified for pregnant women. It involves retraining negative beliefs and thoughts about sleep, changing the habits that hinder sleeping and implementing relaxation techniques. This therapy can be completed by a therapist or using a workbook.
If mood disorders can cause insomnia, treating these conditions can improve sleep. This is especially true for anxiety and depression. Antidepressants, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or the older tricyclic antidepressants can be extremely beneficial for depression. Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam or clonazepam, is frequently prescribed for anxiety.
It's important to remember that lifestyle changes are the best way to treat any sleep disorder, regardless of the medications used. This includes not drinking caffeine, visiting the bathroom frequently and not snoring. Only use medication when it is necessary and only for a brief period of time. Using only the most common and safest medications can reduce the risk of adverse reactions for both the mother and baby.
Medications for Depression
The medications used to treat depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could have different impacts on the pregnancy process. Antidepressants and stimulants are generally safe for women who are pregnant. However, pregnant women should consult their doctor before starting any new medication.
The majority of women suffering from depression will need an array of antidepressants as well as psychotherapy and other drugs to recover. The medications help to increase the levels of certain brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine. These are the neurotransmitters which regulate mood and increase alertness. The most popular antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) they are thought to be effective by blocking an enzyme that breaks down these chemicals. Examples of SSRIs are fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. These drugs are believed to be effective by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. During the first three months of pregnancy, estrogen boosts dopamine. This can help lessen the symptoms of ADHD. However, when estrogen levels decrease and symptoms begin to flare up, they can be exacerbated.
It isn't easy for women who are pregnant and suffer from ADHD to decide whether or not they should continue taking their medication. There aren't many studies on the effects of psychiatric medication on pregnant women and their children. Many people who suffer from ADHD believe that they are able to be successful on their medication, so stopping treatment can be challenging.
A recent study published in CNS drugs revealed that babies exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy did not suffer any long-term adverse effects. This study included a review of the outcomes for more than 5,800 mothers and their babies. This was the biggest study ever conducted to determine the safety of stimulant ADHD medications and non-stimulant ADHD medication during pregnancy.
The authors of this research have nevertheless noted that this study has many limitations, including the possibility of misclassifying outcomes and significant attrition. In addition the study did NOT look at short-term outcomes or other types of mental health conditions. 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 stopped it. They were older when they conceived and more likely to be smokers and also take other psychotropic medications. They also were more likely to take methylphenidate which is an type of ADHD medication.
Medications for Anxiety
Adults with anxiety disorders can often be at their best when they are on medication. Taking iampsychiatry.com helps them achieve work and social goals to maintain healthy relationships, and enjoy a better quality of life overall. When they are pregnant they face the dilemma of whether to continue or stop their treatment? This choice will have a significant impact on the mother and any children she might have. Many doctors advise their patients to cease their medication when they become pregnant or nursing, as little is known about the effect of psychiatric drugs on fetuses or babies.
A large study found that a woman's decision to stop taking ADHD medication during the first trimester was linked to an increased risk of termination (lost or miscarriage) than women who continued their medications. Researchers found that infants born to mothers who stopped taking ADHD medication did not have a higher risk of having a fetal defect.
Antidepressants and axiolytics are two medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Antidepressants aid people suffering from anxiety by increasing the levels of serotonin as well as norepinephrine in the brain, which can help improve mood. SSRIs are the most popular antidepressant medications prescribed to combat anxiety. SNRIs are a second choice, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, are a different option. MAOIs inhibit the action of certain chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenaline that are involved in the fight or flight response to stress.
Anxiolytics like Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin and Xanax can help relieve anxiety quickly. However they can be physically addictive and are usually only prescribed for short-term use in cases of extreme anxiety.
The majority of adults do not stop taking their medication to become pregnant. Reduce symptoms by changing your lifestyle is a better option. Making sure you get enough rest and exercise and eating a healthy diet, and staying away from caffeine can all help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety. A therapist who is trained to treat anxiety may be extremely beneficial. Support groups can also help women who have had similar experiences with care and understanding.