15 Best Twitter Accounts To Discover More About ADHD Medication And Pregnancy
ADHD Medication and Pregnancy
GPs might prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD (methylphenidate dexamfetamine, methylphenidate, and Lisdexamfetamine) along with non-stimulants, such as modafinil or atomoxetine. These medications can enhance a patient's ability to manage their ADHD symptoms and attend regular appointments with their GP and specialist.
The majority of studies on pregnancy safety of ADHD medication limit the outcomes to live births, thus underestimating severe teratogenic effects that can cause terminations and abortions. This is the first study to include such data.
Risk/Benefit Discussion
Many women with ADHD are faced with a dilemma when they are taking stimulants during pregnancy. On the other side, a lot of women with ADHD function well when they are taking their medication. Stopping it could cause marital conflict, issues at work or school, and other serious consequences. On the other hand they do not want to expose their child to medications whose long-term effects are unknown.
Some doctors advise their patients to stop taking ADHD medications prior to becoming pregnant, while others have found a compromise between the assumption of safety and individual patient needs. Patients often consult their spouses and/or physicians before making an informed decision. They strike a balance between a mother's need to take her medication and the possibility for serious symptoms, such as agitation and depression, in the event that she stops taking the medication.
The majority of studies on ADHD medication and pregnancy concentrate on the impact of the first trimester's exposure to stimulant medications on the formation of fetal malformations (eg cardiac malformations). The literature is inconsistant. The literature is inconsistent, in part because most studies do not provide information on outcomes other than live births (eg. terminations or stillbirths, miscarriages, and terminations), nor do they consider confounding variables such as calendar year, characteristics of pregnancy and sociodemographics of the mother.
However, the results of a few studies suggest that there is no significant risk increase for the fetus due to the use of the most frequently used stimulant drugs prior to, during, and after the first trimester. Although the indicators for certain cardiac malformations, including VSD (ventricular septal defect) are clear, these findings need confirmation in larger studies that have more precise and specific information.
There is also insufficient evidence to support a link between maternal use of methylphenidate (MPH) and atomoxetine (ATO) and a greater incidence of gastroschisis, omphalocele and transverse limb deficiency. Other medications may also pose a higher risk for these kinds of birth defects, but the risks aren't clear from the limited evidence.
Do not take medication.
Women suffering from ADHD who are pregnant often face a difficult choice: Should they continue their ADHD medication or stop taking it? This is a major change that will affect both the mother and the baby. Many doctors believe that the best time to bring up the subject is when a woman informs her doctor that she would like to start a family. This will give her the information she needs to make a choice before she becomes pregnant. This isn't always the case and women could discover that they are pregnant after the time of their the pregnancy process, after it is too late to stop taking medications.
Unfortunately, there are only a few studies on the safety of stimulants in pregnant and breastfeeding. The majority of studies are based upon retrospective data analysis and do not consider factors such as the mother's age at the time of exposure or chronic conditions, stimulant indications as well as co-treatment with pain and psychiatric medications, as well as other factors that could influence risk. Numerous studies have demonstrated that there is a slight increase in chance of preeclampsia or premature birth when psychostimulants are administered during pregnancy. However these findings must be taken with caution.
A few behavioral problems in infants are related to the use of stimulants during pregnant women. The most often reported concern is the development of tics (abnormal muscle movements) in a few children. Other behavioral issues that have been identified include a rise in impulsivity, irritability, and resentment. The good news is that these symptoms generally improve once the medication is removed.
Certain medications prescribed for ADHD interact with other drugs and may cause dangerous side effects when mixed particularly with alcohol or other CNS stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamine salts). These drugs should not be used with antidepressants or narcotics, including pain relievers. They should be avoided by those who are using illegal drugs or nicotine products.
Some patients find that a reduction or a cessation of ADHD medication during pregnancy is feasible without significant functional impairment. In these instances it is essential to inform the patient and her partner or spouse about this choice and ask them for help in reducing recurrence of symptoms. This could include identifying local support resources, enlisting help from family members or friends, or seeking accommodations at work that can address the underlying impairments that cause symptoms. It is also beneficial to know about cognitive-behavioral therapy and coaching for ADHD that can be provided by trained professionals.
Medications to Consider
The decision to continue taking ADHD medication during pregnancy is a difficult one for patients and physicians. It is a particularly difficult choice for women who have co-occurring addiction disorders since many of the drugs used to treat addictions can have similar effects as common ADHD medicines, including the possibility of increasing blood pressure and attacks of chest pain.
There aren't many options for these people and their physicians. The lack of research on how to safely manage the person who has both ADHD and an addiction disorder can lead some physicians to err on the side of caution and advise their patients to quit their medication during pregnancy.
It is best to discuss whether or not you should continue taking ADHD medications prior to making plans for a family. However, a lot of women who have ADHD discover they are pregnant unexpectedly. This is usually in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the development of the fetus is susceptible to exposure to drugs.
If the physician and patient decide to continue with medication during the first trimester, it is recommended that they choose the lowest effective dose and closely monitor for any symptoms. The doctor might suggest that the woman consume immediate-release medication in the middle hours of the day in order to decrease the fluctuations in the levels of medication in the bloodstream.
In the future, more research is hoped to be done on how best to manage ADHD and other addiction issues in nursing or pregnant women. In adhd and anxiety medication , people who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should be encouraged to talk with their GP or psychiatrist about the options that may be available to them for psychotherapy that targets ADHD symptoms, and how those might differ from a treatment-only approach. They should be informed that if they do not opt to take medication, they will likely be more difficult at work and school and may struggle to maintain the relationship. This will also have a major impact on their children.
Incorporate Medications
Women who suffer from ADHD may use medications to treat symptoms such as inattention hyperactivity, and an impulsiveness. While research on how these medications can affect pregnancy has been minimal, recent studies have shown that they do not appear to affect the fetus in any way and are safe for use during pregnancy.
This is good news for women who want to become mothers and depend on their ADHD medications. However many women are concerned about the safety of continuing their medications during pregnancy, particularly those who are taking stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. These women and their health care providers must discuss the dangers and benefits of medication use according to the most recent research and recommendations.
Methylphenidate is among the most commonly used ADHD medications prescribed to pregnant women, has been found to be safe when used under the supervision of a health professional. Other stimulant medications commonly prescribed such as amphetamine and atomoxetine are also considered safe for pregnant women. However it is important to keep in mind that both non-stimulant and stimulant medications must be closely monitored during pregnancy.
A recent study of data gathered from the Danish national registers has revealed that children born to mothers who took ADHD medication during pregnancy did not experience adverse impacts on their child's neurodevelopment or long-term growth. These findings are significant because they cover a greater number of patients than previous research, and take into consideration numerous confounding factors.
The results also show that taking ADHD medication during pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing maternal complications, such as anemia, iron deficiency or hyperemesis. These findings represent a major improvement in our understanding of how obstetricians safely manage the use of ADHD medication during pregnancy.
Women suffering from ADHD must adhere to their treatment plan and work closely with their healthcare provider throughout their pregnancy. This will ensure that their symptoms are properly managed, allowing them to benefit the most from their pregnancies. There are non-pharmacological options for those who don't want or wish to stop taking their medication. These treatments can aid in reducing symptoms and increase overall health. These include: