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Should You Take ADHD Medication During Pregnancy? Many women are required to take ADHD medication during pregnancy, without any scientifically proven evidence. This is especially relevant for stimulants with long-acting effects like Ritalin and Adderall. While studies of ADHD medication and pregnancy have revealed small associations with pregnancy outcomes, these findings require careful interpretation. Studies of sibling comparisons are required with larger samples and more perinatal and long-term outcomes to confirm these results. How Does It Work? Several medications commonly used to treat ADHD are stimulants, such as Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse. The stimulants increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter which is involved in executive functions. This helps people with ADHD to concentrate, control their behaviors, and manage tasks and time. Many people with ADHD perform well on medication, but without it, they may struggle with their lives. Their lack of organization and difficulty following through can cause problems with relationships and jobs, school or other pursuits. They may also have issues obeying laws or driving safely, leading to car accidents and other accidents. Some women suffering from ADHD may stop treatment when pregnant. This is a huge decision that needs to be taken with caution. The decision to stop a medication must be considered in relation to the impact it could affect the mother's health as well as wellbeing. There aren't many data on the long-term consequences of stopping ADHD medication during pregnancy. A recent study examined the outcomes of children exposed to stimulant medications during utero. Researchers looked at the data of 382 pregnant women who took prescriptions for methylphenidate. It is recommended for ADHD in 90% cases. The women were compared to similar pregnancies of mothers who did not use methylphenidate. The researchers then studied the children's neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), along with other health outcomes, such as substance use, mental illness, and criminal behavior. Previous studies have found that a person who uses stimulant drugs while pregnant or breastfeeding is at greater risk of having a baby with an NDD. her explanation , however, found no evidence that NDDs were more prevalent in children exposed to methylphenidate within the womb. In addition, there were no differences in the incidence of any other NDDs. Some drugs used to treat ADHD have vasoconstrictive properties, which means that they slow blood flow in the placenta and can cause the restriction of fetal growth and premature birth. Other medications that affect dopamine pathways may increase the chance of preeclampsia and preterm birth, and cesarean delivery. Recent research conducted by Poulton and colleagues using Medicaid data from Australia's population discovered that a small proportion of women who used stimulants during or prior to pregnancy suffered from more than one of these complications. What are the side effects? ADHD medication can cause serious side effects such as insomnia and sedation. It is important to discuss your options with your physician in the event that you decide to keep taking your medication throughout pregnancy. You might be able to choose a different method of treatment for you and your baby based on the signs and symptoms. A recent study looked at the impact of stimulant ADHD medications on the outcome of pregnancy for women who continued to take their prescriptions throughout the first trimester. Women who continued taking ADHD medications had an increased risk of having a caesarean delivery and had a lower Apgar score than women who had stopped taking stimulants or stopped them. Despite the study's findings, there isn't a lot of scientific evidence on how psychiatric medications of all kinds affect pregnant women and their babies. A lot of doctors base their advice on the best practices of other doctors, studies on past outcomes, and careful consultations with patients. Many women suffering from ADHD, despite the fact that it is a serious concern, are reluctant to stop taking their medications during pregnancy and while breast-feeding. They fear that they may not be able to manage their ADHD without medication. They are also concerned about potential negative effects of exposing their babies to stimulant chemicals in the uterus. They might not have accurate information about the safe use ADHD medication during breastfeeding. When faced with a difficult choice Some women decide to continue their treatment with the help of family and friends. Others choose to stop taking their medication, even if this affects their work and personal life. It is essential to inform your spouse, partner, and other family members about your decision. This can help them better comprehend your needs and allow them to provide additional support if needed. It's a smart idea to inform your employer and colleagues know if you decide to stop taking your ADHD medication during pregnancy. This can reduce the disruption to your career and personal life, as well as lessening the chance of miscommunication. Depending on your individual needs, you might also think about non-medicative alternatives such as exercise or cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD. One option is EndeavorOTC It has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms in people suffering from moderate to mild ADHD without the adverse negative effects of stimulant medication. How can I manage my side effects? Women who depend on ADHD medications for daily functioning worry about the impact on their unborn child. This is understandable, as all medications used to treat ADHD are absorbed by the placenta and the FDA has only limited information about how those drugs affect the fetuses and infants. This is why it's important to get a clear understanding of what is known and what's not before making the decision whether or not to continue taking the medication during pregnancy. It is best to start conversations with a doctor before a woman decides to plan a pregnancy. However, that's not always the case and a lot of women find out they're expecting before it's too late for them to make a thoughtful, informed decision about the best course of action for their health. Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating adult ADHD, and many people who take these drugs discover that their symptoms become worse when they are pregnant. This is due to the fact that levels of estrogen increase dramatically during the first trimester and estrogen can have a negative effect on the dopamine pathways in the brain. It's crucial to discuss the pros and con of continuing to take stimulants during pregnancy with an experienced psychiatrist with an extensive understanding of ADHD and the perinatal health. They will be capable of explaining the research and help you evaluate your options. Nonstimulant therapies can be used to treat ADHD during pregnancy and are safe and effective for mother and baby. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve executive functions in people with ADHD and could be beneficial during pregnancy. Exercise can also be an effective nonstimulant therapy for ADHD. A study from 2018 showed that people with ADHD who exercised regularly physical activity made fewer errors on tests and this could be because of improved reaction times. Antidepressants may be beneficial to those suffering from ADHD, especially those that increase the norepinephrine system such as Atomoxetine. It's important to remember that antidepressants can also cross the placenta, which can have harmful effects on the unborn baby. How Do I Manage My Side Effects While Breastfeeding? It is essential to weigh the advantages and risks of either continuing or halting ADHD medication during pregnancy. This applies to both the mother as well as the fetus. Get advice from healthcare professionals since they can offer advice basing on the most recent research and your individual health circumstances. Women who take stimulant medication to treat their ADHD symptoms are more susceptible to various adverse effects, such as loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach pain nausea, dizziness, insomnia and nervousness. Depending on the particular medication, mothers could also experience psychological/mood changes like aggression, agitation and depression. These side effects are more likely to occur during long-term use or high doses. Stimulant drugs increase the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain. This improves focus, attention and impulse control. They are usually prescribed to adults and children who have ADHD, or to treat other ailments like narcolepsy. It is nevertheless important to be aware that these drugs may interact with other supplements and medications. Women should consult their physician about any other medications or supplements they are currently taking as there isn't a lot of information on how these might affect the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the past, research has shown that women who take stimulant medications during pregnancy are at a greater risk of complications during pregnancy like preeclampsia or premature birth. This is believed to be due an array of factors, which include the fact that women who are taking stimulant medication tend to have other unhealthy habits, like drinking and smoking. The authors of a systematic review discovered that there was not enough evidence to suggest that stopping the use of stimulants during pregnancy could lower the risk. It is important to keep in mind that research into this subject is still in its infancy. More high-quality studies will be required to establish how the use of ADHD medication by mothers can impact the long-term outcomes of their children. Women who wish to continue taking their ADHD medication during pregnancy should think about using short-acting medications, which are absorb quickly and peak quickly. This makes it easier to time feedings around drug dosing and to avoid exposure to the medication whenever it is.