ADHD Medication During Pregnancy
Women with ADHD might notice that their symptoms become so severe they decide to take their medication during pregnancy. This is a difficult decision to make, since there have been no controlled studies on the safety of ADHD medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Physicians must find an equilibrium between their assumed safety and the requirements of their patients. It is crucial to educate patients and help them evaluate the risks.
What are the risks?
Ideally women should discuss their use of medications and plans for starting an unplanned 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.
Fortunately, it appears that the risks of taking medications during an ADHD pregnancy with medication are lower than previously believed. In a recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry, it was found that children born from mothers who continued to take their medication throughout their pregnancy did not have an increased risk of developing a neurodevelopmental mental disorders hearing or vision impairments, epilepsy or seizures. The results were confirmed after adjusting for confounding maternal factors.
Do I have to stop taking my medication?
Women with ADHD who are pregnant have to weigh the risks and benefits of taking medication or stopping it during pregnancy. In a setting that is clinical, such as psychotherapy for perinatal patients doctors work together to assist patients in deciding which treatment is the best option for them.
The current study looked at the relationships between 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 medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Intuniv).
While the findings are promising however, many ADHDers with previous history of taking medication are still inclined to exercise a bit of caution when it comes to pregnancy, and may decide to cut off their medication. This can result in a significant disruption to a patient's daily functioning in particular at school and work.
Should I begin taking medication in the First Trimester?
Women with ADHD often decide to discontinue or reduce their use of medication during pregnancy. This decision is based on the severity of their symptoms as well as the impact that these symptoms have on daily functioning, including driving safety, occupational or school function.
A recent study looked at the outcomes of women who did or didn't take ADHD medication during their pregnancy. Researchers separated the women into 3 groups that continued to take medication and those who stopped and those who did not.
The results showed women who continued to take their medication were less prone to have a c-section, the Apgar score that was less than seven, or to be hospitalized for complications during pregnancy. However, the authors caution that the study's design limitations make it difficult to determine whether these findings are correlated with causal effects. Further, more studies are needed to assess the impact of specific periods on fetal development.
Should I start taking medication in the second trimester?
Many women suffering from ADHD who are pregnant face a difficult decision about taking medication during pregnancy. Currently, we have no information on the effects of ADHD on women's occupational functioning, relationships, and comorbid illness. In addition, physicians must balance assumed safety with the desires of their patients and the needs of the mother-to-be population.
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 is crucial to consider how the ADHD symptoms will be treated after the baby's birth.
Untreated symptoms can also lead to problems at work or at school. Non-medication treatments like EndeavorOTC help to improve functioning and decrease ADHD symptoms.
Can I continue taking medication in the third trimester?
The medicines used to treat ADHD may have adverse effects during pregnancy. However, women who have severe ADHD symptoms and comorbid disorders who depend on their medication for their daily functioning may decide to continue taking it throughout the perinatal time.
This particular group of women could require more of the medication as their lives changes, and the challenges of juggling daily tasks and relationships during this time becomes more challenging. This group of women are also at a higher risk of depression during the postpartum phase if they quit taking their ADHD medication.
While the research is limited however, it is clear that women who quit their medication are more depressed, experience more conflicts in their families and feel more lonely compared to women who continue to take their medication. The choice of whether to continue or stop taking ADHD medication during pregnancy is a personal one and should be considered carefully.
Do I have to continue taking medications during the Fourth Trimester?
Women with ADHD typically decide to continue taking their medication throughout pregnancy. This decision is not to be taken lightly. The severity of the symptoms and any comorbidities need to be taken into consideration. It is also crucial to take into account the effect of the medication on family functioning as well as the ability to drive or work safely.
Recent research has found that women who stop taking ADHD medication in the first trimester suffer more depressive symptoms compared to those who continue to take the medication (continuers). Continuous treatment can also help a woman cope with postpartum depression as well as parenting issues.
The research shows that the benefits of continuing to use ADHD medication outweigh the risk. Women who have mild symptoms or those who require more intensive treatment such as cognitive behavior therapy, could decide to discontinue their medication. Women with mild symptoms can benefit from non-medication therapies that are safe for both mother and baby.
Can I continue taking medications in the fifth trimester?
In ideal circumstances, women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant should discuss their ADHD medication use with their physician well before the start of their pregnancy. However, life doesn't always go as planned and often patients find out they are expecting late into their first trimester, when it is much harder to make a good decision for themselves and the baby.
Although studies on observation have demonstrated some associations between ADHD medication and the outcomes of pregnancy, it is difficult to determine if the observed effects actually reflect an immediate causal effect of exposure or result from confounding factors (eg. the differences between untreated and medicated patients in the severity of symptoms and the presence of comorbidities). Further research using high-quality samples is required.
Treatment decisions should be based upon the severity of symptoms as well as the degree of impairment to daily functioning. If the impairment is not severe, treatment options other than medication may be suitable. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), accommodations at work or school and lifestyle modifications that reduce the stressors.
Can I Continue Taking Medication in the Sixth Trimester?
Despite relevant resource site of research and clear guidelines for medication use, many ADHD women decide to quit taking their medications during pregnancy. They may believe that non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exercises and coaching strategies, can help manage symptoms and improve functioning. This is especially true during the first trimester when women are most likely having difficulty concentrating.
The effects of stopping treatment are serious. A study revealed that women who quit their stimulant treatment saw an increase in depression. They were also more likely to experience family conflict, report that parenting was more difficult, and feel more isolated. This is why it's important to have a variety of options in the treatment toolkit, including non-medication interventions like EndeavorOTC. The available data are too small to provide clear guidelines however it is crucial to evaluate the individual situation.
Can I Continue Taking Medication during the Seventh Trimester?
Women who suffer from ADHD who stop taking their medication during pregnancy often have more severe depressive symptoms. They are also more likely to have conflicts with their families and to consider parenting more difficult. They are more likely to feel isolated and feel lonely.
However, there are some encouraging studies that demonstrate that continued treatment is safe in the seventh trimester and beyond. This includes the popular drugs Adderall and Vyvanse.
A study in Denmark examined data from 364 singleton pregnancy and compared the outcomes of those who filled ADHD prescriptions to those who did not. The study concluded that there is no rise in the risk of major malformations occurring for the child when medication usage continues as intended. Consult your physician for the best course of treatment. EndeavorOTC offers non-medication treatment that may be able to reduce symptoms and improve functioning during this time.
Can I continue taking the medication in the eighth trimester?
Many women who take ADHD medication decide to take them through pregnancy and breastfeeding. This could be due to the intensity of their symptoms and the impact on their occupational functioning, quality of life, or the course of comorbid conditions.
The use of medication for a long time can improve functioning during the postpartum period and decrease the psychiatric comorbidity that can cause depression. It can also enhance family functioning and decrease the distress of infants and mothers.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the risk of adverse reactions related to exposure to medication during pregnancy is comparatively low. More studies are needed to determine the timing of exposure in critical times for the growth of fetus (e.g. the first trimester). Women might also look at alternatives to ADHD medication, like EndeavorOTC. These alternative treatments are based on scientific research and clinically proven to be safe during pregnancy.