ADHD Medication During Pregnancy
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently have symptoms that are so severe that they elect to take their medication throughout pregnancy. This is a difficult decision since there aren't any controlled studies that assess the safety of ADHD medications in the womb or during nursing.
Physicians must strike an equilibrium between their assumed safety and the needs of their patients. It is important to educate patients and help them assess the risks.
What are the risks?
Idealy women should discuss their use of medications and their plans to start a new family with their physician so that they can make an informed choice. However, life doesn't always go as planned and many women find themselves in unintended pregnancy.
It is encouraging to know that the risks of taking medications during an ADHD medication-related pregnancy are lower than was previously thought. In the latest study published in Molecular Psychiatry, it was found that children of mothers who continued to take their medication throughout pregnancy did not have an increased risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders hearing or vision seizures, epilepsy or other impairments. After taking into account confounding factors for mothers the results were confirmed.
Do I have to stop taking Medication?
Women suffering from ADHD who are pregnant must weigh up the benefits and risks with a decision to continue or stop their medication during pregnancy. In a clinical setting, such as perinatal psychosis, doctors collaborate closely with patients to assist them in choosing the best option for their individual circumstances.
The current study looked at the associations between the redeemed prescriptions for ADHD medications and exposure in the first trimester to these medications in a population-based group of 364,012 pregnant women. This included both stimulant drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
Although the research is promising but many ADHDers who have previous history of taking medication will still choose to exercise a bit of caution regarding pregnancy, and decide to stop their medication. This can cause severe disruption to a patient's daily functioning, especially at work and school.
Do I need to start taking medication in the first trimester?
Women suffering from ADHD might decide to cut back or reduce their dosage during pregnancy. The decision is based on the severity of the symptoms and their effects on daily functioning such as driving safety and school or occupational functions.
Recent research looked into the effects of women who took or did not take ADHD medication during their pregnancy. The researchers divided the women into three groups including interrupters, continuers and non-medication users.
The results revealed that women who continued to take their medication were less likely to have the birth by cesarean, have with an active Apgar score of less than 7, or to be hospitalized due complications in their pregnancy. The authors stress that the limitations of the study design make it difficult to determine whether these results are causal. Further research is needed to assess the impact of specific periods during fetal development.
Do I have to start taking medication in the Second Trimester?
Many women who are in the reproductive years with ADHD are faced with a complex decision regarding medication use during pregnancy. Currently, we are not aware of the effects of ADHD on women's job functioning and relationships as well as on other comorbid illnesses. Physicians must also weigh the assumption of safety with their patients' preferences and the needs of pregnant women.
Recent research suggests that certain stimulant drugs like Vyvanse or Adderall may be safe for both mom and baby during the second trimester. It's important to think about how ADHD symptoms can be treated when the baby is born.
For instance, some people have difficulty driving without the help of ADHD medication and untreated symptoms can also lead to impairment in work or school. Non-medicative treatments like EndeavorOTC aid in to improve functioning and decrease ADHD symptoms.
Can I continue taking medications in the third trimester?
The medications used to treat ADHD can have negative effects during pregnancy. Women who have severe ADHD symptoms or comorbid disorders, who rely on their medication to function every day, might decide to continue taking the medication throughout the pregnancy.
This group of women may be more dependent on the medication as their life transitions, and the challenge of managing daily living tasks and relationships during this time become more difficult. Additionally, research shows that this group is at a higher risk of developing depression during the postpartum time if they discontinue their ADHD medication.
Although research is not extensive, it does show that women who quit their medication are more depressed, experience more conflict in their family and feel isolated as compared to those who continue to take their medication. Nonetheless, the decision to continue or end ADHD medication during the womb is a personal one and has to be considered carefully.
Can I continue taking medications in the fourth trimester?
Many women with ADHD opt to continue their medication even while pregnant. This decision should be made carefully and the degree of symptoms and the co-morbidities should be taken into consideration. It is important to also take into consideration the effect the medication can have on your family and your ability to drive or work in a safe manner.
A recent study has revealed that women who discontinue ADHD medication in the first trimester experience more depression-related symptoms than women who continue to take their medications (continuers). The continued treatment can help a woman cope with postpartum depression as well as parenting challenges.
Research shows that the benefits of continuing to take ADHD medication outweigh the risks. However, women with mild symptoms or require more intense treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, may opt to discontinue their medications. These women can benefit by non-medication treatments that are safe for mother and baby.
Can I continue taking medication in the fifth trimester?
In a perfect world women who are expecting or are planning to be pregnant will discuss their ADHD medication use with their doctor prior to the beginning of their pregnancy. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan and patients are often surprised to discover that they are pregnant into the first trimester. This makes it difficult to make the best choice for themselves and their baby.
Observational studies have shown that there are some associations between ADHD medication during pregnancy and the outcomes. However, it is difficult for researchers to determine whether these effects result from an actual cause-and-effect relationship or if they are a result of confounding factors. Further research with high quality samples is required.
Treatment decisions should be based upon the severity of symptoms and the degree of impairment to daily functioning. If the impairment is minimal, then non-medication treatments may be appropriate. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), adaptations at school or at work and lifestyle modifications that help reduce stressors.
Can I Continue Taking Medication in the Sixth Trimester?
Despite promising results from studies and clear guidance on the use of medications, many women with ADHD elect to discontinue their medications during pregnancy. They may think that non-drug therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) exercises, exercises and coaching strategies, can help to manage symptoms and improve performance. This is especially relevant during the first trimester when women are most likely experiencing concentration difficulties.
The consequences of discontinuing treatment are grave. A study showed that women who stopped taking their stimulant treatment saw a significant increase in depression. They were also more likely to have conflict in family life and report that parenting was more difficult, and feel lonely. This is why it's crucial to have a wide range of treatment options in the toolkit, including non-medication treatments like EndeavorOTC. The information available is too limited to provide unequivocal guidelines however it is crucial to consider individual circumstances carefully.
Do I have to continue taking medications during the Seventh Trimester?
Women who suffer from ADHD who stop taking their medication during pregnancy usually experience worsening depressive symptoms. They are also more likely to be affected by family conflicts and rate parenting as difficult. They are also more likely to feel lonely.
There are some studies that demonstrate that the treatment can be safely continued until the seventh trimester or beyond. This includes the most well-known medications Adderall and Vyvanse.
medication for inattentive adhd analyzed data from 364 singleton babies and compared the results of those who filled ADHD prescriptions with those who didn't. The study concluded that the risk of malformations in children is not increased when medications are used according to the prescription. Consult your doctor for the most effective treatment. EndeavorOTC offers non-medication treatment that may be able to alleviate symptoms and improve your functioning during this time.
Can I Continue Taking Medication in the Eighth Trimester?
Many women who take ADHD medications choose to take them through breastfeeding and during pregnancy. This could be due to their intensity and the effect of their symptoms on their health or their work performance.
Regular use of medications can enhance the functioning of postpartum period and reduce psychiatric complications, like depression. It can also improve family functioning and decrease the distress of infants and mothers.
Several studies have shown the minimal risk of adverse effects from exposure to medications during pregnancy. However, more research is needed to determine the time of exposure, and specifically during the sensitive times of fetal development (e.g. the first trimester). Women may also want to look at alternatives to ADHD meds, such as EndeavorOTC. These alternative treatments are evidence-based and clinically proven to work safely during pregnancy.