Need help...I'm 7 1/2 months pregnant and detoxing from methadone

[Tonya J]

When I first became pregnant I wanted to detox off methadone immediately.  I fought and fought with my clinic because they insisted I was wanting to do the wrong thing.  After a few months of arguing with my counselor about this they finally allowed me to detox at 2 mgs per week.  I was on a very low dosage of 40 mgs.  I had never went higher than 45 mgs.  I am now down to 10 mgs and I feel like I am going to die sometimes. I am very depressed, have insomnia, shortness of breath, weak, nausea and I feel like I just want to jump out of my skin. The worst thing is not being able to sleep at all.  I felt great when I first started to detox.  When I got down to 18 mgs is when I started to experience withdrawals.  I sucked it up and thought I was strong enough to get through this.  I now find myself thinking about asking to have my dose increased.  It is miserable enough just being pregnant let alone going through withdrawals.  I've been told by friends and family how disappointed they would be or how stupid it is for me to increase my dose since I've "come so far".  They just do not understand how difficult this is.  I feel as though if I wasn't pregnant it would be a lot easier on me to detox.  Am I right and should I go ahead and keep detoxing or increase my dose?  I am now 7 1/2 months pregnant, miserable and confused.  Thank you for any help and advise.

[Tonya J]

Thank you all for all of your responses and advise. My ob/gyn knows I am detoxing from methodone and anytime I feel like something could be wrong or I just don't feel right I go to see him and he says "everything is ok" or "that's normal".  To be honest with you I really don't feel I am getting the care I need.  My family Dr. also knows I am in a methadone clinic.  When he found out I was pregant he told me to detox immediatly.  My family Dr. has tried to help me but I am so embarrased to go back to him because the last time I was there he did blood work and found heroin, methadone, oxycontin in my blood and said he was very disappointed in me.  I had done all of these things before I knew I was pregnant.  I guess I feel helpless and alone here and don't know where to turn.  It seems as though nobody really knows what to do for me.  I am so glad I found this board because I certainly do not feel alone anymore.  I know that there are millions of people out there going through this who want to help each other and that's nice.  As far as talking with my Dr.'s about all of this it gets me nowhere as you can see.  I don't have years of experience as an addict.  I started using a little over a year ago and when I realized I had a problem I went straight to my Dr and then the methadone clinic.  Thank you so much for any support or advice.  It's nice to know we're not alone.

[tex3]

Hi Tonya and welcome. You've gotten some excellent advice. It does sound like you might want to see a specialist, who really knows about addiction and pregnancy, as most OB/GYNs don't deal with it every day. Is that an option for you?

All I can add is that I have three children myself, and really got addicted when my baby was not quite three years old. I missed two years of her life because of that. I spent so much time chasing pills, or just laying in bed when I wasn't at work or buzzing around the house. She missed so much, as did my older girls, and it's so unfair to them and I feel tremendous guilt. I've never discussed that with anyone. Now that I'm clean (4 1/2 months) they say they barely remember what it was like "when Mommy was sick." I'm trying to make it up to them, and to myself. Don't go through that. Do what is safe now, then once the baby is born and you are physically strong enough, get through the detox and get ongoing support. You don't want to miss that time with your baby, and you won't even realize you missed it until it's over. You're on the right track, and sound like you know what to do. I just wanted to give you my story as a reminder later on. Good luck and hang in there. All will be fine.

[lostlady]

Hi Tonya - i am no expert - am not a medical professional, but have been reading through the archives on the board dealing w/ addiction.  There have been several posts about this very subject that were answered by a doctor.  In every case - he stated that it is NOT safe to detox from Meth during pregnancy because of the risk to the unborn child.  It can cause miscarriage or other problems to the baby when your body goes through the w/d symptoms.  I've cut and pasted an old post from the archives where he answered a question like yours below.  It seems like the recommendation is for you to continue the meth until delivery and then detox off it.  The baby may be born w/ some addiction to Meth but it is not know to cause birth defects.  Usually the baby can be successfully detoxed w/i 5/7 days per what Dr. Steve has said.  Please click on the "browse archives button", select Drugs and then do a search by pregnancy.  It will bring up the related posts.  Anyway - here is the post I was talking about:

Subject: Can a pregnant woman be detoxed from methadone?
Topic Area: Drugs
Forum: The Addiction Medicine Forum
Question Posted By: Wendylee on Friday, April 20, 2001


I am thirty years old and have been trying desperately to change my life over the past few years. I have been using on and off for seventeen years, and have been through eight inpatient treatments and many other outpatient and detox facilitys. I've always wanted to stop but it's been a difficult road. My addiction progressed to herion and I ended up on the methadone maintenence program about four years ago. The first two years were rough but thanks to the grace of God and my family I have been clean now for over a year and a half. My husband and my son have been my anchor to reality and responsibility. My husband does not smoke, drink or use drugs and never has(how we ended up together is a mystery). Also through a stroke of luck I got pregnant with my first son during a time in my life that I was clean, so there where no problems with him at birth. The only problems we have with him is the horrible separation anxiety he suffers from because of my past behavior. I have been to many detoxes during his life and he did not understand why mommy had to be gone and also while I was using I wasn't home much, so that didn't help. Anyway I have been coming down on my methadone dose since last July and I am down to 40mgs. I recently found out I was pregnant. I really wanted to be off the methadone before this happened, but that is not how things have worked out. My husband and I are happy about the baby, we are just worried. I don't want my baby to go through withdrawls because of my problems. I have a big problem with that! The bad part is everone including the clinic I go to says I could miscarry if I detox, but I have read otherwise from mothers that were in the same boat as me. I am so confused. I acually went down at least 10mgs possibly 15mgs before I found out I was pregnant, so I really want to detox if I can. Any information I could get regarding this matter I would be very grateful for. Thank you in advance. Wendylee

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Answer Posted By: HVMA-M.D.-SA on Thursday, May 03, 2001

The folks in the clinic are right. Detoxing during pregnancy definitely increases the likelihood of a miscarriage. Just because others took a big chance with their pregnancies and got a way with it doesn't mean that you should. You might not be so lucky and you may regret being so impatient. Being impatient, wanting things in a hurry, and insisting on doing things your way are characteristic behaviors in many addicts. Take this opportunity to change those addictive behaviors: take your time, work on being more patient, and learn how to listen to people who are giving you the proper advice, even when that advice rubs you the wrong way. Good luck to you!

DrSteve

Note from LostLady - I hope this information helps you!

[lostlady]

here is another good archived posting:

Subject: Pregnancy and narcotic addiction
Topic Area: Drugs
Forum: The Addiction Medicine Forum
Question Posted By: ozzie on Monday, February 07, 2000


After 7 major reconstructive knee surgeries and countless pain treatments with Demerol, I now am left with an addiction to Demerol. I just found out I'm 6 weeks pregnant and I'm terrified. I've been taking about 10 Demerol a day, and while one doctor says that the baby will probably be okay, another says that I need to abort it (which I doubt I'd be able to do.) First of all, what possible effects could this Demerol use have had on the baby, and what is the approximate malformation rate? Also, even though I'm trying like mad to stop taking the drug, I'm finding it a lot harder than I thought. If I stop cold turkey, won't my withdrawal be too hard on the developing baby? Is there a way to safely wean off the meds to make it a little easier on myself and on the baby? Please help...I'm desperate and terrified, and I want to have a happy, healthy baby.

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Answer Posted By: RS,EdD,HVMA on Tuesday, February 08, 2000

Narcotics are not known for causing birth defects; but withdrawal from narcotics can cause a miscarriage. Since you are so early in your pregnancy, it may be possible to safely wean you and your baby very slowly off the narcotics. Generally, programs that treat pregnant women keep them on the narcotics until they deliver and then they safely detox the baby. You should consult with a program that specializes in treating pregnant women who are addicted to narcotics. It's a very specialized area and you don't want to take any chances with yourself or the pregnancy. Good luck.

[lostlady]

Here's the final post that I found.  I hope that these help ease your mind.  Will keep you in my prayers.  Best of luck w/ the new baby!

Subject: Pregnant w/analgesic addiction/worried about baby...
Topic Area: Drugs
Forum: The Addiction Medicine Forum
Question Posted By: Susan on Monday, October 18, 1999


Im so afraid to even submit this, Im frightened what people will think of me, it wouldn't be so hard if I wasn't pregnant. I have hidden this addiction problem for so long. Its only been until recently that I have come to face the fact that im addicted to any analgesic I can get my hands on. (Doctor approved for pregnancy)of course...Vicodin and Percocet and Tylenol #3 have been the only meds ive taken in this pregnancy. Im one day sober, not much, but a start right, the problem is im already 32 weeks pregnant, im so scared about the baby, I have been all along don't get me wrong, its just that when you hear the doctors say its safe to take, you find yourself using that to make the guilt go away.

During the pregnancy ive never exceeded the recommended dose, I will usually go through 20 tabs in two months, which from what ive read so far in other postages is nothing, but its a lot to me.. The days that I take up to four pills is rare, but I have had a few. I don't know if I have experienced any withdrawls or not, I have only gotten a little on edge at times.

What damage have I done to my baby? Im so scared....I can't go to my doctor with this. Please advise..ASAP before I find another excuse to take a pill...

Thank you...

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Answer Posted By: RS,EdD,HVMA on Monday, October 18, 1999

First of all, the kinds of pills you have been taking are not known to cause damage to fetuses. The main danger is if you go into withdrawal and the effect that could have on your baby. For people who are highly addicted to narcotic analgesics (8-10 or more pills a day), they recommend patients to be maintained on the medications til after delivery and then they detox the baby with medications over 5-7 days. It's actually quite safe and, again, not harmful to the baby. But you don't even have to worry about that because you are not heavily addicted to these meds. In fact, they've been prescribed by your doctor and you've taken them as prescribed. So I think you can relax.

However, if the amount you've taken is more than you report or if your doctor is not aware of all the pills you've been taking, then you should talk to him immediately. Again, the danger at this point is you going into withdrawal and that happens when you stop taking the pills abruptly.

Finally, don't assume that you have nothing to worry about once the baby is here and healthy. Narcotics can be very enticing once we've gotten into trouble with them. You would probably be smart to see an addictions specialist just to make sure you don't have any kind of relapse to these pills. Better safe than sorry - especially with your new responsibilities as a parent. Best of luck and enjoy your new baby!

[OxyDout]

I read all these posts, and before I say what I wanted to say I have to tell you that all of us are completely understanding of this situation, we are all addicts and live the same lives, so don't ever worry about what we might think.  HOwever, and I know this may sound harsh, but I have to say it.  If someone finds out they are pregnant and continues with the drug abuse thats is more then ok in my book especially because the doctors will tell you that is the best way to go.  If withdrawal is what will injury the baby then by all means stay on the opiate until birth.  However, and this is just my opinion that I feel strongly about.........  When birth is given and the baby is ok then there is absolutely no reason or excuse on earth for the abuse to continue.  I understand there has to be a period to wean off of the drugs, but after that I just can't fathom any excuse to continue use and or abuse of drugs.  The idea of being addicted and giving birth, and the possibility of ruining an unborn life should be the best reason to have nothing to do with drugs.  I know this doesn't pertain to me as I'm not female nor do I have a child, but I just feel strongly that anyone who continues abuse after going through this situation just isn't sincerely trying.  

With that said, I do want to say good luck, LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR and pray that everything works out in the end.  I sincerely wish you the best of luck and hope that your unborn child brings the happiness and joy that it should..

GWH

[1fortheroad]

hi tonya - you have to listen to your doctor about withdrawing right now.  i have learned lots about pregancy and drug addiction.  luckily, when i had my daughter 6 years ago, i had no addictions.  i had quit smoking a few months before i learned i was pregnant.  however, if i had found out i was pregnant a couple years ago or even six months ago, i don't know how i would have handled it.  i know that withdrawing from anything while pregnant is VERY dangerous to the baby (and mother).  methadone is sometimes given to heroine addicts who are pregnant.  it is the "preferred" drug for addicts to be on while pregnant...i'm not sure why that is, but i have heard/read it time and time again.  do not look to the forum for medical advice that is so important for you right now.  please, talk with your doctor immediately about how you are feeling - weight the pros and cons with an expert...this is too important.

[babyjag #12]

Hi, I'm seven months pregnant and have been battling with drug use. I stay clean fro so long then I have a slip again. It i so dam hard to stay clean even though im pregnant. The longest I've stayed clean is for a month. When I use I usually just go for a day then try again. Untill I give birth to this baby im going to do what ever to not use. Ive made some really good choices, Im now staying with my parents and going to drug councelling. I really think I can do this. The only thing im worrieed about is the baby. By the way I was using cocaine. I smoked it. If any one has any info they could send me or advice it would be much appreciated.

[babyjag #12]

Hi, I'm seven months pregnant and have been battling with drug use. I stay clean fro so long then I have a slip again. It i so dam hard to stay clean even though im pregnant. The longest I've stayed clean is for a month. When I use I usually just go for a day then try again. Untill I give birth to this baby im going to do what ever to not use. Ive made some really good choices, Im now staying with my parents and going to drug councelling. I really think I can do this. The only thing im worrieed about is the baby. By the way I was using cocaine. I smoked it. If any one has any info they could send me or advice it would be much appreciated.

[babyjag #12]

Hi, I'm seven months pregnant and have been battling with drug use. I stay clean fro so long then I have a slip again. It i so dam hard to stay clean even though im pregnant. The longest I've stayed clean is for a month. When I use I usually just go for a day then try again. Untill I give birth to this baby im going to do what ever to not use. Ive made some really good choices, Im now staying with my parents and going to drug councelling. I really think I can do this. The only thing im worrieed about is the baby. By the way I was using cocaine. I smoked it. If any one has any info they could send me or advice it would be much appreciated.

[Concerned Granddaughter <3]

I know that this post was from YEARS ago and I am very sorry that I or someone who is educated in Methadone and pregnancy wasn't around to give advice. So if anyone is pregnant, does a search and finds this forum, I just want to say that the clinic doc is right. It can be extremely dangerous to detox while pregnant. No matter how closely the fetus is being watched, you can still have problems. Possibly even a miscarriage. Just because you can't see the baby going through the pain of withdrawal, doesn't make it right to do that to them. This is your child that we're talking about. A sweet and innocent child that cannot tell you that it's hurting and cannot defend itself. So PLEASE people, if you are on Methadone, do NOT taper off of your dose during pregnancy. it is much MUCH safer to stay on it until after birth. You may even have to INCREASE your dose to keep you and the baby comfortable due to the change in blood volume during pregnancy. You may metabolize your dose much quicker. Also, if you are taking opiates illegally when you find out you are pregnant, DO NOT stop taking them cold turkey, but please DO talk to your doctor and try to get into a Methadone clinic ASAP! It's the safest thing that you can do for your baby. Thanks for listening and I hope that this will help someone...

There is a wonderful forum for Methadone and pregnancy run by a very wonderful and knowledgeable nurse and Methadone advocate named Sharon. If you are in need of more information on this subject, or even just need support and want people to talk to that are going through (or have gone through) the same thing as you are, please join us at  http://excoboard.com/exco/forum.php?forumid=85305

Good Luck to all of you..
~Riki

[pepsiblue]

I am kind of confused...about methadone? Well, from what I have read here posted many times from alot of posters is that Methadone doesn't get you high. It actually blocks the opiate receptors in the brain that make you feel high. So how is methadone so addicting? I mean, I took the pills to get high. Plain and simple. And I did try methadone, once........and it didn't do squat for me, it was like taking a plain tylenol. So I am just wondering why people get addicted to it? I am really not trying to be rude or start any BS, I swear it, I am really just confused on the methadone addiction people have.

[Two222]

I've never gotten high off methadone..or even morphine for that matter. When I had surgery they kept giving me morphinee and it didn't do ****, then they gave me a couple percs and that helped better. Maybe they need to take a lot

[pepsiblue]

I dunno. Must be, cuz I really don't understand the methadone addiction. Morphine didn't do **** for me, either, which is nuts cuz morphine is supposed to be waaaaaaay stronger than norcos or percocet. Maybe everyone's body chemistry is just very different reacting to diff. drugs. ?

[Two222]

It could be. i got diluadid (can't spell it) a few weeks back cause I was out of hydros, and they didn't even do anything to me whatsoever, and they are supposed to be strong.

[pepsiblue]

Oh yeah.....dilaudid is strong stuff. When I had my son they gave me that while I was in labor and I guess the nurses told me later I had them laughing their asses off cuz I asked them "Hey, what store can I buy this stuff at? Its greeeeat...." lolol
I don't remember saying that, but apparently I did.  lol