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ADHD Medication and Pregnancy GPs might prescribe stimulants to treat ADHD (methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine), as well as non-stimulants such as modafinil and Atomoxetine. These medications can improve the ability of patients to manage their ADHD symptoms and make regular appointments with their GP and specialist. The majority of studies on pregnancy safety of ADHD medication limit their outcomes to live births, which means underestimating severe teratogenic effects that can cause terminations and abortions. This is the first study that includes such information. Risk/Benefit Discussion Many women suffering from ADHD face 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. Removing it can result in marital conflict, problems at school or work and other serious repercussions. On the contrary, they don't want to expose their child to drugs about which very little is known about long-term effects. While some doctors may advise their patients to quit using ADHD medication prior to becoming pregnant, others have found a way to strike a balance between the assumed safety and the requirements of the individual patient. The latter often arrive at a decision in consultation with their physician and/or spouse and strike an appropriate balance between the mother's desire for her medication and the potential of experiencing severe symptoms like depression, agitation and difficulty staying awake when discontinuing the drug. Most studies of ADHD medication and pregnancy concentrate on the effects of first-trimester exposure to stimulant medication on the formation of abnormalities in the fetus (eg, cardiac malformations). However, the research available is not well-defined. This is mainly due to the fact that the majority of the studies that are available do not include data on outcomes other than live births (eg, terminations, miscarriages, and stillbirths) and also since they do not take into account a variety of confounding factors including calendar year and pregnancy characteristics, sociodemographics of mothers and indications for the medication as well as physical and mental health status, and proxies for other mental and physical health conditions. The results of some studies show that there is no risk to the fetus through the use of stimulant medications during, before, and after the 1st trimester. The warning signs for certain cardiac malformations are clear. This is particularly relevant for VSD (ventricular defect). However, these findings must be confirmed in larger studies that provide more exact information. There is also insufficient evidence to establish a connection between maternal use of methylphenidate (MPH) and atomoxetine (ATO) and a greater rate of gastroschisis, omphalocele and transverse limb deficiencies. Other medications could also be a cause of a higher risk for these types of birth defects, however the risks are not clear from the limited information. Treatments to avoid Women suffering from ADHD who are pregnant have to make a difficult decision whether to continue their ADHD medication or stop it? This is a major shift in life that will affect both the mother and the fetus. Many doctors believe that the ideal time to bring up this subject is when a woman informs her doctor that she would like to start a new family. This will provide her the necessary information to make a decision prior to when she is pregnant. However, this isn't always possible and women frequently discover they are pregnant at a later point in their pregnancy, and it's too late to stop taking medication. There are a few studies that examine the safety of stimulants during the course of pregnancy and nursing. Currently, most studies are conducted using retrospective analysis of data and do not adequately control for factors such as maternal age at the time of first exposure to drug or chronic conditions, indications for stimulants, cotreatment with pain and psychiatric medications as well as other factors that affect the risk. While certain studies have shown small increased risks of preeclampsia and premature births associated with psychostimulant use during pregnancy, these findings should be interpreted with caution. The use of stimulants during pregnancy has also been associated with some behavioral problems in infants. Most often, tics (abnormal movements of the muscles) are reported in children. Other behavior issues that have been reported include an increase in irritability and impulsivity. The good part is that these symptoms generally improve after the medication is removed. Some ADHD medications can interact with other drugs which can cause dangerous side effects, particularly when they are combined with alcohol or CNS stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines salts. These medications should not be combined in conjunction with narcotics or antidepressants including pain relievers. They should be avoided by people who are taking illicit drugs or nicotine products. Some patients are able to decrease or stop taking ADHD medications during pregnancy without significant impairment in their functioning. In these situations it is essential to inform the patient and her spouse or partner about the decision and solicit their assistance in reducing recurrence of symptoms. This might include identifying local support resources, soliciting assistance from family members or friends, or seeking workplace accommodations that treat impairments related to symptoms. It is also helpful to know about effective cognitive-behavioral therapies and coaching for ADHD that can be provided by professionals who are trained. Considerations for the use of medications Both patients and doctors find it difficult to decide whether or not to continue taking ADHD medication during pregnancy. It's a difficult choice for patients suffering from co-occurring disorders because many of the drugs they use to treat their addictions have similar effects to the common ADHD medications. This can include the possibility of high blood pressure or chest pain attacks. Unfortunately, these people and their doctors don't have many options. The lack of research on how to treat a person suffering from ADHD and a substance use disorder can cause some doctors to err to the side of caution and recommend that patients discontinue their medications during pregnancy. Ideally, the issue of whether to continue taking ADHD medication is discussed well in advance of making plans for the family. Many women suffering from ADHD are shocked to learn that they are pregnant. This usually happens during the first trimester when the fetal growth is most susceptible to drug exposure. If the physician and patient decide to continue with medication during the first trimester of pregnancy, it is recommended that they choose the most effective dose and monitor closely for signs. The doctor might suggest that the woman consume immediate-release medicine in the middle of the day in order to decrease the fluctuations in medication levels in the bloodstream. In the near future there is a lot of research to be done on how best to manage ADHD and other substance abuse disorders in pregnant or nursing women. In the meantime women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant should speak to their GP about what options they might have, including psychotherapy that focuses on ADHD symptoms and how it differs from a treatment-only approach. If they do not take medication, it is likely that they will experience more difficulty at school, work and even maintaining the relationship. This could be a major influence on their children as well. uk adhd medication to Incorporate Women suffering from ADHD might take medications to manage symptoms such as inattention hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Recent research has shown that these medications do not harm the fetus and can be used during pregnancy. This is great news for women who are planning to become mothers and rely on their ADHD medications. However many women are worried about the safety of continuing their prescriptions during pregnancy, especially those who are taking stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate or amphetamines. These women should consult with their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits that come with medication use, based on current research and recommendations. Methylphenidate is among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications and has been shown to be safe for women who are pregnant when administered under the supervision of a medical professional. Amphetamine, atomoxetine, and other stimulant medicines are safe for pregnant women. It is crucial to remember that stimulants and other medications should be closely monitored in pregnancy. A recent study of data from the Danish national registers revealed that children born to mothers who took ADHD medication during pregnancy did not have adverse impacts on their child's neurodevelopment or long-term growth. These findings are important because they cover a wider range of patients than previous research, and take into consideration many confounding factors. Additionally, the results show that the use of ADHD medication during pregnancy is not associated with any increased risk of complications for mothers like anemia, iron deficiency, hyperemesis gravidarum or TORCH infections. These findings represent a major improvement in our understanding of how obstetricians can effectively manage the use of ADHD medication during pregnancy. Women with ADHD must continue to follow their treatment plan and work closely with their healthcare provider throughout their pregnancy. This will help ensure that their symptoms are properly controlled, allowing them to benefit the most from their pregnancies. There are a variety of non-pharmacological options available to those who are unable or don't want to stop taking their medication. These treatments can aid in reducing symptoms and increase overall health. These include: