Abstract: Most doctors would caution against using ADHD medicines (Ritalin, Ritalina, Concerta) when you are pregnant. An alternative, non-medicine treatment might be EEG-Feedback.

Web4Health logo
Home Search Categories Discussion Get personal advice Unseen Login/out My account
Should not be visible

 Go to:
 Superfolder New Question 
 Current folder Answers 

MORE INFO
Web4Health: Health and psychology

CATEGORIES
Addictions
ADHD
Anorexia
Anxiety, panic
Bulimia
Burnout
Depression
Healthy living
Instability
Life
Mood swings
Obesity
Personality
Phobia
Psychotherapy
Medicines
Relations
Sex
Sleep
Stress
Treatment

All answers
All categories

Tell a friend about Web4Health

This web site
in other languages
Independent medical expert answers

ADHD medicines (Ritalin, Concerta) and pregnancy; non-medical ADHD treatment

Intelligent natural language question-answering in the area of psychology and psychiatry. Ask a simple question  Local help Info

Go the top of the page Top Forum iconDiscuss this Forum iconGet personal advice Printer Print
Question(s):
Written by: Martin Winkler, Psychiatrist
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest revision: 22 Jul 2008.

My wife has a severe case of adhd that is about to ruin our marriage, can you offer any advice. On occasion she can realize that all of our issues stem from lack of impulse control on her part, but these monemts of clarity are normally completely overidden by sudden impulsive acts. One day she says that she wishes she could just stop and live the way she wants to, but most of the time the impulsive behavior becomes so distractive that she thinks there is no way for her to make things better. I have strongly urged her to get back on adhd medication because I have seen in the past just how much it helps her, but we are currently trying to get pregnant and she does not want to take anything for this reason. Is there any adhd medication that is safe for a pregnant woman to take? If medication is not an option how can she be helped to increase confidence in herself that she can control these impulses, and not let them control her life?

Answer:

Most doctors would recommend to skip any medication if you try to get pregnant. While there is no strong evidence for severe harm due to psychostimulants you cannot exclude any risk. I am not aware of any adhd meds without this little (but important) risk. The good information : Most women report less severe symptoms of ADHD while they are pregnant. This is caused by hormonal changes that have a positive effect.

In Germany some psychologists use EEG-Neurofeedback to cope with ADHD symptoms if you are not allowed to swallow pills for ADHD. This might be an option for your wife if it is available in your region.

It might also be a good option to join an ADHD self-help group in your town. To talk about your problems with other women is a very good option to cope.

More information
ADD/ADHD drugs: medicine for ADHD Age at which to start children with ADHD treatment with medicines ADHD kids and common myths: ritalin - are parents doping their children? Toxic effects of psychostimulants Strattera (atomoxetine) medicine for ADHD Sugar and hyperactivity Concerta twice a day? ADHD change of symptoms SSRI´s und Schwangerschaft List of more articles about ADHD List of more articles about psychiatric drugs
 
 
Sources, references
Disclaimer: The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified psychiatrist or psychotherapist. It can not and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. If you find anything wrong, please notify us at .
Go to top of pageTop
Home Search Categories Discussion Get personal advice Unseen Login/out My account
Web4Health in other languages: Finnish German Greek Italian Polish Russian Swedish
adhd-meds-pregnancy Separator Copyright 2003-2008 Web4Health
Web4Health is selected as finalist for the 2008 Stockholm Challenge Award
Non-Google Advertisements: