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OTC and Pain Medication During Pregnancy
by HedHurtz, Sep 13, 2000 12:00AM
Hello Doctor,
I am 28 weeks pregnant and I suffer from terrible migraines. I have been taking way too many Fioricet (about 6-8 a day) throughout my term. My OB is aware that I take the Fioricet, but just not how many. I have recently "tried" to cut down on them and started taking Tylenol PM, which contains Diphenhydramine, on a nightly basis. It helps the pain a little and allows me to sleep a full night through sometimes. I pray every day that I'm not causing damage to my daughter, but the pain is OVERWHELMING. My question is, which is the lesser of the two evils, so to speak? I do admit I am addicted to the Fioricet. I have been taking it for 8 years or so. I didn't even find out that I was pregnant until after my first trimester. Is the damage done? I get ultrasounds every 4 wks, so my OB can check growth because of the Fioricet. She did say I could take Tylenol PM. What's the difference between taking one dose or double? If it's going to affect my unborn, why would they allow me to take them at all?
I'm sorry I'm babbling, I'm just concerned and noone has answered any of my questions yet. This web-site has been the most informative yet. Thanks for being here
I am 28 weeks pregnant and I suffer from terrible migraines. I have been taking way too many Fioricet (about 6-8 a day) throughout my term. My OB is aware that I take the Fioricet, but just not how many. I have recently "tried" to cut down on them and started taking Tylenol PM, which contains Diphenhydramine, on a nightly basis. It helps the pain a little and allows me to sleep a full night through sometimes. I pray every day that I'm not causing damage to my daughter, but the pain is OVERWHELMING. My question is, which is the lesser of the two evils, so to speak? I do admit I am addicted to the Fioricet. I have been taking it for 8 years or so. I didn't even find out that I was pregnant until after my first trimester. Is the damage done? I get ultrasounds every 4 wks, so my OB can check growth because of the Fioricet. She did say I could take Tylenol PM. What's the difference between taking one dose or double? If it's going to affect my unborn, why would they allow me to take them at all?
I'm sorry I'm babbling, I'm just concerned and noone has answered any of my questions yet. This web-site has been the most informative yet. Thanks for being here
Love Ya,
Mariah :)
***@****
This is gonna be long, I have so much to say!!!!
I have read your whole story on here, which is why I started to post a question of my own. Fioricet is a makeup of acetaminophen,(tylenol), butalbital (barbiturate) and caffeine.
When I read your story, I thought I was reading about myself. I often wean down to 1-2 a day. (I break them in half of course to make myself "think" I'm actually taking 4 pills) but then I go to my Neurologist (a prescheduled once a month appointment, every month) and the cycle continues! I find myself weaning only when I'm ready to run out. Sound familiar? I go through that thinking that, "Well, if the Doc keeps giving them to me, they must be safe". I get 100 every month.
I thought all was fine and then "bam", baby on the way. I was thinking "How the hell am I gonna carry a child with all this stuff in my body." I told my OB right away and she told me to used only as needed. YEAH RIGHT!
I have horrible birth defect thoughts and if my baby is going to be retarded or an other thing that can go wrong! You are so not alone. I cry all the time, I WANTED for my child, but I cannot live in excrutiating pain! I drink sometimes too ( when I'm almost out of meds)just to balance myself. I have like two glasses of wine just to relax. I started taking those Tylenol PM. Now I'm hooked on those!!!!! I would like a doc's advice anonymously, which is why I'm here. Thanks for letting me vent!
Hey! That doctor is not a bit understanding!!! You think if he's not going to answer any of our questions, he could at least give us hope! He did the same thing to me, he didn't answer any of my questions & told me to go to a doctor! He just made me more scared! I'm glad he isn't the only person who responds! Everyone else on here is great & so very helpful & understanding! I took tylenol pm when I was pregnant with my little girl & my OB said it was fine. I took 2 every night for about 3 months. I needed it late in my pregnancy for back pain & I couldn't sleep through the night! I was huge! But, after I had her, it wasn't hard to drop them. I wish this was that easy!!! I know you'll be fine & so will your baby! I think if your doctor knows your taking that medication, she'll be looking for addiction in the baby whether she knows you're taking more than you should or not! If she sees any signs of addiction in the baby, she'll know why & treat it. Don't worry. I know it's hard, but try to relax... I'll be praying for you.
Love Ya,
Mariah
Mariah
My heart goes out to you both. I know the PAIN of addiction to well. I wish noone had to go through it. I really feel for you two, because of carrying a baby. God I can't imagine how that must hurt. I never want to say anything to upset you more. I know you don't need that. So I'm here if I can help. I'll say a pray for you both.
It's kind of like "The Psychic Hotline",for entertainment only.....get my drift?
Actually the whole reason I even submitted a question was because I had noticed other people on here that had a similar situation. I wanted some "group therapy" so to speak. Everyone on here seems to support each other and I just need a little support, that's all.
Thanks
Steve, Thank you for your kind words. Sorry if I got a little fired up, you know pregnant women. Our hormones are going crazy anyway & then add an addiction on top of that. Sorry if I came off like a nut. I cry over commercials, so it was just me being emotional! hehe Thank you for your thoughts & if you have any advise or just something you want to share I would be happy to hear it! Thanks! :)
Pamela, Have you been trying to cut down? How many more are you taking than you're supposed to be taking? Do you have migraines all the time, like everyday? I mean, is that what you take them for everytime you take some? Or does it give you a high? Because if you're taking them for migraines everytime & they aren't helping the pain, you probably should tell your doctor that the pills aren't helping & that you have to take more to kick it. She'd probably change your medicine or give you something that will help it. You think?
So, you're 28 weeks? I'm not that far behind you! When are you due? That's a coinsidence! I wonder how many more women there are just like us that are afraid to tell someone? I know I was scared to even write about it on here, much less tell someone face to face! I'm glad I came here though & told, I've gotten more help here than I ever thought possible! Tom has really helped me with the schedule deal & withdrawal solutions. I never thought of that myself. The hot baths really help when my body starts feeling sore. Also all the support & encouraging words from everyone has helped alot too! It also helps me to stay on my 2 a day schedule because I know I have to get on here & tell everyone about it. I wouldn't want to let everyone down. You know because I can't tell my Mom & if I did I could think about letting her down, so this has kinda taken the support I would get from her if I told her about it. The reason I can't is because it would be the biggest let down just telling her about it! I would be so ashamed. I think she might already know, she's just not saying anything, because she knows my b/f does all that. But anyway, I'm just glad I found this forum & all the kind people that go with it. Thank you so much!
Love Ya,
Mariah :)