Preliminary Data Raises Concerns About Modafinil Use in Pregnancy
Modafinil (brand name Provigil) is a wake-promoting agent which is used to treat sleepiness due to narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea. It is also used to in others settings, often in combination with other medications, to treat ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction.  A research letter from Denmark published this week in JAMA Psychiatry raises concerns regarding the use of modafinil during pregnancy.  Using Danish [...]
Marijuana Use in Men Associated with Increased Risk of Miscarriage
In women of reproductive age, cannabis is the most commonly used recreational drug, and there the use of cannabis during pregnancy is on the rise.  While recent studies a North American cohort study of couples attempting to conceive. At the baseline interview occurring prior to conception, men and women provided information on demographic variables, medical history, and lifestyle factors, including marijuana use frequency. For up to 12-months or until [...]
PCOS Carries Increased Risk for Bipolar Disorder, Risk Reduced with Metformin
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-related dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Multiple studies have observed a higher prevalence of psychiatric illness, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder in women with PCOS The nature of this association is not fully understood. Some have hypothesized that the hormonal dysregulation seen in women with PCOS may increase vulnerability to psychiatric illness. Others have questioned whether the medications [...]
Folic Acid Essential for All Women of Reproductive Age
Last week was National Folate Awareness Week. While this post may be a little late, it is never too late to remind women of reproductive age of the importance of taking supplemental folic acid. Folic Acid Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects Folic acid is a B-vitamin needed for proper cell growth and can be found in many multivitamins, as well as many food sources, such as lentils, dried beans [...]
Weekly Roundup for JANUARY 24, 2020: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
One of the most common symptoms we observe during pregnancy is insomnia. While we have a large body of data to support the use of many antidepressants, there is considerably less information available on benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics. There is evidence to support the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in pregnant populations; however, our clinical experience is that it can be quite difficult to find providers with CBT skills [...]
Resource: FDA Consumer Update on Cannabis, CBD Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you visit our website, you know that the use of marijuana in women of reproductive age is on the rise and that we are concerned about it. The FDA has put out a consumer update discussing the use of cannabis, including CBD, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. In plain English, it describes what we know and don't know about cannabis and its effects on pregnancy and the developing child. [...]