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Should You Take ADHD Medication During Pregnancy? The decision to take ADHD medication during pregnancy is a decision many women must make without a clear scientific basis. This is especially relevant for stimulants with long-acting effects like Ritalin and Adderall. While studies of ADHD medication and pregnancy have shown only a small correlation with pregnancy outcomes These results require careful interpretation. Sibling-comparison studies are needed with larger samples and better long-term and perinatal outcomes to confirm these findings. How Does It Work? Many of the medications commonly used to treat ADHD are stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse. The medications work by increasing levels of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter used in executive function, within the brain. This assists people with ADHD to focus, control their behavior and manage tasks and time. Without medication, many adults with ADHD struggle to function in their daily lives. Their disorganization and difficulty following through can lead to issues with relationships or jobs, school, or other activities. They may also have issues following the law or driving safely, which can lead to car accidents and other accidents. Some women with ADHD will stop their treatment once they become pregnant. This is a major decision that needs to be taken with care. The decision to stop medication should be considered in relation to the impact on the mother's health, and there isn't much data available regarding the long-term effects of stopping ADHD drugs during pregnancy. Recent research has examined the effects of stimulant medications on infants exposed to stimulant medication in utero. Researchers looked at the data of 382 pregnant women who had filled prescriptions for methylphenidate, which is indicated for ADHD in 90% of cases. The women were compared with similar pregnancies in mothers who did not take methylphenidate. The researchers then examined the children's neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) along with other health outcomes, such as substance use, mental illness and criminal conduct. Previous studies have shown that a woman who takes stimulant medications during pregnancy or nursing is at an increased likelihood of having a baby with a NDD. The current study, however, did not find any evidence that NDDs are more common among children exposed to methylphenidate while in the womb. In addition, no differences were seen in rates of other NDDs. Some drugs used to treat ADHD have vasoconstrictive effects, which means they reduce the flow of blood through the placenta. This could cause preterm birth. Other medications that affect dopamine pathways may increase the risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. A recent study conducted by Poulton and colleagues, using population-based Medicaid data in Australia discovered that a small percent of women who used stimulants before or during pregnancy had more than one of these complications. What are the possible side effects? ADHD medication can cause serious side effects, including sedation and insomnia. However, it's essential to talk with your doctor about the options if you want to continue taking your medication when pregnant. You might be able to discover a different treatment option for your baby and you based on the signs and symptoms. Recent research has examined the effect of stimulant ADHD medication on the outcome of pregnancy in women who continued taking their prescriptions into the first trimester. Compared to women who stopped or discontinued their stimulants, those who continued taking their ADHD medications (the “continuers”) had an increased risk of having the birth by caesarean and lower than the normal Apgar score for the baby. Despite the study's findings, there's not a lot of scientific evidence about the ways that psychiatric drugs of all types can affect pregnant women and their babies. Many physicians base their recommendations on the best practices of other doctors, study on previous outcomes and careful consultations with patients. Many women suffering from ADHD, even though it is a serious concern, are reluctant to stop taking their medications during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. They are often concerned that they will be incapable of managing their ADHD symptoms without medication. They are also concerned about potential negative consequences of exposing infants to stimulant chemicals during utero. They may also not have accurate information about the safe use ADHD medication during breastfeeding. When faced with a difficult choice some women opt to continue their treatment with the support of family and friends. Others choose to stop taking their medication, even if it impacts their work or home life. It is important to inform your spouse, partner, and other family members of your decision. This will allow them to better know your needs and enable them to provide more support if needed. If you decide to stop taking your ADHD medications during pregnancy, it's a good idea to inform your employer and coworkers of your decision. how to get adhd medication uk will minimize the disruption in your work and personal life, while decreasing the likelihood of miscommunication. You might also want to look into non-medication alternatives for ADHD like cognitive behavioral therapy or exercise. EndeavorOTC is one option that has been shown to reduce ADHD in mild to moderate ADHD patients without the negative side effects associated with stimulant medications. How can I control my side effects? Women who rely on ADHD medication for their daily functioning are concerned about the effects on their child's future. It's normal for women who depend on ADHD medication to function daily are concerned about the consequences of treatment for their unborn child. All medications used to treat ADHD are absorbed through the placenta. However, the FDA has limited information on how these drugs affect the fetus or infants. This is why it's crucial to be aware of what is known and what is not before deciding whether or not to continue taking medications while pregnant. The best time to start the conversation with a doctor is when a woman is planning to have a baby. It's not always feasible, and some women find out they are pregnant when it's too for them to make a sound decision. Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed medications to treat adult ADHD and a lot of people who rely on these medications notice that their symptoms get worse when they are pregnant. This is because estrogen levels rise dramatically in the first trimester. Estrogen can negatively impact the dopamine pathways in the brain. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of continuing to use stimulants during pregnancy with a psychiatrist with deep knowledge of both ADHD and perinatal mental health. He or she will be competent to explain the research findings and help you weigh up your options. Nonstimulant treatments are a great option to treat ADHD during pregnancy, and are safe and effective for both mother and baby. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance has been proven to improve executive functioning for people suffering from ADHD. It can be useful during pregnancy. Exercise is also an effective non-stimulant treatment for ADHD. A 2018 study found that those with ADHD who exercised regularly exercise made fewer mistakes on tests which could be due to better reaction times. Antidepressants may be beneficial to some people with ADHD particularly those that stimulate the norepinephrine system such as Atomoxetine. It's important to be aware that antidepressants can also cross the placenta and have harmful effects on an unborn baby. How can I manage my side effects while breastfeeding? The decision to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits for both the mother and the foetus. Talk to healthcare professionals as they can offer advice that is based on the most recent research and your own personal conditions. Women who are taking stimulant medications for ADHD symptoms may experience a variety of side effects. They can experience loss of appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, stomach pain, nausea anxiety, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. Based on the medication, mothers could also experience changes in their mood or psychological such as agitation, aggression and depression. The risk of these adverse reactions is increased when taking long-term use or higher doses. Stimulant medicines work by increasing neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which improves focus, concentration and impulse control. They are commonly prescribed for adults and children who have ADHD or to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It is nevertheless important to be aware that these drugs can interact with other medications and supplements. Women must discuss with their physician any other medications or nutritional supplements they are taking. There is limited information on how these may affect a baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Research has shown in the past that women who are taking stimulant medications during pregnancy are at an increased likelihood of having complications during pregnancy such as preeclampsia or premature birth. This is thought to be due to a mix of factors, like the fact that women who are taking stimulant drugs are more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking and alcohol use. The authors of a systematic review concluded that there was not enough evidence to suggest that stopping the use of stimulants during pregnancy would reduce the risk. It is important to remember that the research on this subject is still relatively new, and further high-quality studies are required in order to understand the ways in which the long-term outcomes of offspring could be affected by the maternal use of ADHD medications. In the meantime, it is recommended that women who want to continue taking their ADHD medications during pregnancy consider using short-acting medications that peak and then disappear quickly. This will allow you to plan your feedings around the dose of the drug and avoid exposure to medications whenever possible.