ADHD Medication During Pregnancy
Women suffering from ADHD often find their symptoms so severe that they decide to continue taking their medication throughout pregnancy. This is a difficult choice to make since there have been no controlled studies regarding the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Physicians need to strike an equilibrium when balancing presumed safety with the requirements of patients. Informing patients and helping them weigh the risks is critical.
What are the risks?
Ideally, women will discuss their medication usage with their doctor when they are planning to start a family so that they can make the best choice for themselves. Sometimes, things don't go according to plan, and a lot of women have an unplanned pregnancy.
It seems that the risks of taking medication during pregnancy and taking ADHD medication are less than previously believed. In the latest study published in Molecular Psychiatry, it was found that children born from mothers who continued to take their medication throughout their pregnancy did not face an increased risk of neurodevelopmental mental disorders, vision or hearing seizures, epilepsy or other impairments. After adjustment for the maternal confounding factors the results were confirmed.
Do best adhd medication for adults with anxiety have to stop taking Medication?
Women suffering from ADHD who are pregnant need to evaluate the potential risks and benefits with taking or stopping their medication during pregnancy. In a clinical setting like psychotherapy for perinatal women doctors work together to help patients decide what is best for them.
The current study examined associations between redemption of ADHD medications and first-trimester drug exposure in a population-based sample of 364,012 women who were pregnant. This included both stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and nonstimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Although the research is promising, many ADHDers with a history of taking medication will still choose to exercise a bit of caution when it comes to pregnancy, and may decide to cut off their medications. This could have a major impact on a patient's ability function, especially at work and school.
Should I begin taking medication in the first trimester?
Women suffering from ADHD may decide to stop or cut back on their medication during pregnancy. This choice is based on the severity of their symptoms as well as the impact of those symptoms on their daily lives, including driving safety, academic or occupational function.
Recent research has examined the effects of women who took or did not take ADHD medication during pregnancy. The researchers split the women into three categories: continuers, interrupters, and non-medication use.
The results showed women who continued taking their medication were less likely to have a c-section and the Apgar score that was less than seven, or to be admitted to hospital for complications during pregnancy. The authors stress that the limitations of the study design make it difficult to determine if these results are causal. More research is needed to assess the impact on specific periods of the development of the fetus.
Do I have to start taking medication in the second Trimester?
Many women who are in the reproductive years with ADHD have to make a difficult decision about the use of medication during pregnancy. There is currently a lack of knowledge of the impact on occupational functioning as well as relationships and the development of comorbid illnesses in these women. Physicians must also weigh the assumption of safety with their patients' wishes and the needs of women who are pregnant.
New research shows that some stimulant drugs, such as Vyvanse and Adderall are safe for both mother and baby in the second trimester. However, it's important to consider how ADHD symptoms will be treated after the baby's birth.
Untreated symptoms can cause difficulties at work or in school. Fortunately, non-medication treatments like EndeavorOTC may help improve performance and decrease ADHD symptom severity.
Can I continue taking medications in the third trimester?
The drugs used to treat ADHD may have adverse effects during pregnancy. Women who have severe ADHD symptoms or comorbid disorders who rely on their medication every day, might decide to take the medication throughout pregnancy.
This particular group of women could have a greater need for the medication as their lives changes and the demands of managing their daily life tasks and relationships during this time, become more difficult. This group of women is also at greater risk of depression in the postpartum period if they quit taking their ADHD medication.
In spite of the limited research, it shows that women who stop taking their medication report more depression, family conflict, and feeling isolated than those who continue to take their medication. The decision to keep or discontinue taking ADHD medication during pregnancy is a personal one and must be carefully thought through.
Can I continue taking medication during the fourth trimester?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to choose to continue their medication during pregnancy. This choice should not be taken lightly. The severity of symptoms and any comorbidities should be taken into consideration. It is also important to take into account the effect of the medication on family functioning and the ability to drive or work safely.
Recent research has revealed that women who stop taking ADHD medication during the first trimester are more likely to experience depression symptoms than those who continue to take the medication (continuers). The continued treatment can help women cope with postpartum depression as well as parenting challenges.
Research shows that the benefits of continuing to take ADHD medication outweigh the risks. Women who have mild symptoms or who require more intensive treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, might decide to stop taking their medication. Women with these conditions are able to benefit from non-medicated treatments that are safe for mother and baby.
Can I continue taking medications in the fifth trimester?
In the ideal world women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant should discuss their ADHD medication with their physician prior to the beginning of their pregnancy. Unfortunately, life does not always go according to plan and a lot of patients find out they are pregnant far into their first trimester which makes it more difficult to make a good decision for both themselves and the baby.
Although observational studies have shown some associations between ADHD medication and pregnancy-related outcomes, it is difficult to determine whether the observed effects actually reflect the direct causality of exposure or are caused by confounding factors (eg. the differences between medicated and untreated patients in the severity of symptoms and co-morbidities). Further research using high-quality samples is needed.
Until then, treatment decisions should be according to the severity of symptoms and degree of impairment in daily functioning. If the impairment is not severe, then non-medicative treatments might be appropriate. These include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and adaptations at school or at work, and lifestyle changes that reduce stressors.
Can I continue taking medication in the Sixth Trimester?
Despite promising results from studies and clear guidance on medication usage, many women suffering from ADHD opt to cut off their medications during pregnancy. They may think that non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exercises and coaching strategies, can help to manage symptoms and improve performance. This is particularly applicable during the first trimester where women are most likely experiencing concentration difficulties.
The repercussions of quitting treatment are severe. In one study women who had quit their stimulant therapy experienced a significant increase of depression. They were also more likely than other women to mention conflict in the family, parenting difficulties, and feeling isolated. This is why it is important to have a variety of treatment options available in the toolkit, including non-medication interventions like EndeavorOTC. The data available are inadequate to provide definitive guidelines however it is crucial to evaluate the individual situation.
Can I continue taking the medication in the seventh trimester?
Women who suffer from ADHD who discontinue medication during pregnancy usually have more severe depressive symptoms. They are also more likely to have family conflict and consider parenting more difficult. They are more likely to feel lonely and feel lonely.
There are some studies that demonstrate that the treatment can be used safely into the seventh trimester or even beyond. This includes the well-known drugs Adderall and Vyvanse.
A study conducted in Denmark analyzed data from 364 singleton pregnancies and compared the results of the women who took ADHD prescriptions versus those who didn't. The study concluded that there is no rise in the likelihood of major malformations for the child when medication usage is continued as prescribed. Consult your physician for the best course of treatment. EndeavorOTC offers non-medication treatments that may be able to alleviate symptoms and improve performance during this period of time.
Can I continue taking medication in the eighth trimester?
Many women who are taking ADHD medication decide to take them through breastfeeding and during pregnancy. This could be due to their severity and the effect of their symptoms on their quality of life or work performance.
Regular use of medication can improve postpartum functioning and reduce psychiatric comorbidities such as depression. It also can improve family functioning, as well as reduce distress for infants and mothers.
Several studies have shown the very low risk of adverse reactions due to exposure to medication during pregnancy. However, more studies are required to study the timing of exposure, specifically during the most sensitive times for the development of the fetus (e.g. the first trimester). Women might want to consider alternative non-medication alternatives to ADHD medication, such as EndeavorOTC. These alternative treatments are evidence-based and clinically proven to work safely during pregnancy.