Pregnant and Addicted to Lortabs

[Desperatetimes]

I Have been addicted to Vicoden and now Lortabs for about 2 1/2 years. I consume about 25 to 30 a day. I recenctly found out that I am PREGNANT with my 1st child. I am about a month and a week along. I need information on what damage I may have already done to my baby and the best way to get off this nasty addiction without affecting my unborn baby. Any suggestions on the easiest way to deal with the withdrawal symptoms? Please help me and my child!

[theGolden1]

That was so nice of you to share. I know methadone is safe during pregnancy. (used in the right amounts of coarse) I was wondering about ultram. I think it is also safe .... but I would trust methadone or the opiates before trusting ultram, because it's relatively new. I like to stick with the tried and true. Gee .... it's really great to see all the help and support here. I wish I was having a baby (smile) .... Goldie

[Bodymechanic]

The tylenol alone at that dosage is toxic to the fetus. The opiates are not good either but the tylenol is the worst of the problem right now. You are definately someone that needs to level with your doctor. Some people cannot or will not tell their doctor about their problem. In your case, for the sake of the baby, you have no choice. If you must stay on an opiate choose a long acting one.  The continually fluxuating opiate levels in your body using lortab are very stressful to the fetus.

[groovygirl]

I was in the same predicament last year...I had an abortion.  The first 3 months are crucial to the developement of the baby, so after talking with my doctor even though it went completely against my beliefs, I went through with it.  I am not a pro-lifer.  I really wanted another child, so this was not an easy decision.  I hate myself for what I've done.  I look at the child I already have, and I think I could have had another beautiful baby...I'm crying as I write this.  I have screwed up so badly in the past couple years...I've compromised every moral I've practically ever had.

You need to ask yourself can you quit right now?  You also need to find out if going into full-blown withdrawal right now could make you have a miscarriage...you could have major complications with that one.  What does your doctor think?  You may be able to detox with the use of something like, and I HATE to say this, Methadone for a couple days...that is what they generally use for pregnant women.  Buprenex is a drug that has proven to cause birth defects, so I think that would be out.

You have the hardest choices in front of you.  You are going to struggle with any decision you make, but please know you are not alone.

[groovygirl]

I have seen with my own eyes opiate addicted babies...it is the most horrendous thing I've ever witnessed...crying non-stop with nothing to comfort them.

[FINISHED?]

Mariposa, again, is right. Please do yourself & more importantly, your baby a favor...swallow your pride & talk to your doc. It's going to be a hard thing to do but your doctor should find this very commendable as would I. The time to get clean is now! You have somebody elses life depending on it besides your own. No pills or "high" are worth the future quality of life or the lack there of...of your unborn baby.
I'll be thinking of you & wishing you all of the strength in the world to help you through this.

[theGolden1]

Alot of babies are born addicted ..... they use phenobarbitol (or at least they used to) and watch baby very carefully. They do not want the newborn to be uncomfortable, or the new Mom. Definately work this out with your doctor. Also call a few other doctors or clinic's to help with this. Your doctor needs to be totally supportive and non judgemental. This is a big blessing .... let them take care of you and baby. Do your own reseach over the internet so you will be informed, but you need medical attention. Also .... doctor patient information is private. He can't tell anyone without your consent. Good luck to you and baby .... Goldie

[PainKilla]

Hello

I am sorry to hear of your situation.  I know how scared you must be.  I have been told by many doctors that when you are pregnant you can use Darvocet???  Maybe you can ask your doctor about this.  If you are taking these meds to control your pain then you should discuss this with a doctor.  If you are using mainly to get high I think you should try to quit for your baby's sake.  

Ultram can do wonders for withdrawal.  I am not sure how it effects a fetus though.  

Good Luck hun.  Keep us posted!

[Desperatetimes]

Thank you so much for your advice, all of you! I have every intention in discussing this matter with my Doctor. My pride has no importance compared to the unborn miracle I am carring in body right now. I am married to a wonderful man and have 2 step sons, and you would think these 3 special boys in my life would be enough to get off the pills. I have never gone through anything of the sort ever in my life. All I want is to make sure what ever the Dr. suggests and the research I have found is the best thing for my baby. Most of the advise on this sight suggest one to three things; to get medical attention and try a methadone treatment, or Continue taking the pills and safetly detox the baby after birth, or wean myself off of them. I guess I want to hear from someone that has done one of the above and tell me there side. I am afraid to keep taking them while pregnant because I don't want to permantly damage the baby, But the doctor said there is little known of any long term damage. Is this true? The other was Methadone, I have heard you get just as addicted to this, is this true? And Finally I am afraid that if I wean myself off of them I won't do it right and I may still have withdraws and possible miscarriage. Please, your advice truely depends on a life.
Thank you so much for your time. God Bless and my this help others.
SAT

[itsadogslife]

This is a situation many women addicts find themselves in and it's not a good one. As the doc pointed out, the baby will be born addicted. I'm sure the hospital staff will try to make it as comfortable as possible but how much has phenobarbital helped anyone else who has tried to CT? I, too, have seen addicted babies and it is heart wrenching.

There is another reality to face. I worked in a hospital and there is, unfortunately, a very negative attitude toward women who are addicts and deliver addicted babies. Most people, including medical personnel, don't understand addiction to begin with, and having a baby while addicted is seen as the height of irresponsibility.

I don't know if wd could cause a miscarriage but it is definitely something to discuss with your OB/Gyn. Perhaps a taper schedule could be worked out to minimize the risk if it exists. The bottom line is that you need to get off for your baby.

This is from rxlist.com:
--------------------------------------------------------
Teratogenic Effects: Hydrocodone has been shown to be teratogenic in hamsters when given in doses 700 times the human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic Effects: Babies born to mothers who have been taking opioids regularly prior to delivery will be physically dependent. The withdrawal signs include irritability and excessive crying, tremors, hyperactive reflexes, increased respiratory rate, increased stools, sneezing, yawning, vomiting, and fever. The intensity of the syndrome does not always correlate with the duration of maternal opioid use or dose. There is no consensus on the best method of managing withdrawal. Chlorpromazine 0.7 to 1 mg/kg every 6 hours, and paregoric 2 to 4 drops/kg every 4 hours, have been used to treat withdrawal symptoms in infants. The duration of therapy is 4 to 28 days, with the dosage decreased as tolerated.

-----------------------------------------------------------
This should be a very joyous time of life for you. I am sorry that you have to go through this. Don't panic or despair. The odds are you will be able to kick your habit for the sake of your baby, and it doesn't sound to me as if there is any evidence that you are harming your fetus at this point.

itsadogslife

[Jennibean]

I have done one of the following. This was before I was addicted but I was on a pretty hefty amount of oxycontin and percocet due to an accident and I was waiting for back surgery when I found out I was pregnant. I already saw the best perinatologists in my area due to pregnancy complications in the past so I consulted them as well as any specialists I could find. The most important thing I was told is that baby's inutero DO NOT handle withdrawal well. There is a significant risk of miscarriage or preterm labor depending on when you are planning to detox. I swear to you I consulted poeple in my state people out of my state and they all agreed that it was far more dangerous to detox completely while pregannt than to continue therapy, plus in my situation the surgery I needed was also a risk to my baby so there was no way at that time that I could of gone completely off because I couldn't function well on them due to pain if I would have gone off it would have been unbearable although I would have done it for my baby. However NOBODY was willing to detox me. My choice was to stay on the narcotics and take as little as possible without going into withdrawal until the baby was big enough that should I go into labor it would be safe or switch to methadone. This is the only time I think methadone maintenance is the best option. They have been using it for years on pregnant women who were addcited to heroin so I know they know more about the safety of methadone during pregnancy than other narcotics. I found an addictionologist who had been specializing in this for 25 years. I went in patient for 6 days to switch from my pain meds to methadone. I was able to take a pretty low dose without having ANY withdrawal symptoms and enough to at least take the edge off of my pain, afterall methadone is one of the best pain medications available. Anyway I was determined to stay at a low dose and I did. I never exceeded more than 20mg a day and mostly stayed at 10-15 then when I was 34 weeks pregnant I started to wean slowly, when my baby was born I was taking nothing for a week before and because I did it slowly I had slight withdrawal symptoms but nothing that caused me to go into labor. My Madison was born healthy and in no withdrawal at all! She did great and it was because I had alot of help from Doctors who knew what they were doing. After she was born I had my back surgery and that is when I got addicted to all this ****! Methadone helps alot as far as not craving your vicodin. You should consult perinatologists in your area and addicitonologists, Get more than one opinion, I had one person who said he would detox me in 5 days and I am very glad I did not let him, he was a psychiatrist and knew nothing about the danger to my baby in doing this. As far as the tylenol my perinatologists told me that the baby gets a fraction of the amount I was taking but it is best to get off all that tylenol as soon as you can. My best advice to you is find help soon, be honest and if you should decide to go the same route I did, I can tell you it is best for you as well as your baby to get on the lowest possible dose of methadone, it will make it easier for you to wean before you deliver and methadone is really hard to get off of, My addicitonologist told me that if I had gone to a regular clinic they would have kept increasing my dose up to about 80mg and that would have been catastrophic! The thing is that because I had legitimate pain I was able to get scripts of methadone from the pharmacy instead of going the clinic route! I am not sure if we are allowed to post our e-mail address here can someone tell me if that is ok so that I can e-mail you privately and help you find some resources. Good Luck to you, don't beat yourself up or think you need an abortion because you have ruined your baby, I was taking almost as much tylenol as you for 16 weeks before I knew I was pregnant. Good Luck to you, you can do this and yoru baby will be fine if you can find the right resources!

[percsnomas]

There were only cautions about posting email addresses.
If this isn't an appropriate time for posting an email add., I don't know what is.

[RobynBanks]

sorry about your situation. If you want to have this baby, yes you must be 100% honest with your doc. Sometimes its NOT the best thing to withdrawl from opiates= too much of a shock for the baby. Regardless, you should be monitored. Good luck.

[Desperatetimes]

Thank all of you for your helpful info. This sight has really helped not only me but my poor worried husband as well. I mean the stress alone could not be good for the Fetus.

Vicojen, I would really appreciate it if you did post your email. If you are not sure of others overflowing your email you can do what I do; You can have more than one email account. I have a Yahoo account for all of my high risk emails, and AOL for family and friends, it's free. If you go to www.yahoo.com and type email in the search engine space and hit enter it will open you up to a bunch of different emails to choose from. Another way to go is if you have Instant Messaging, we could chat, and if you post your IM name it will be safe because your IM has a preference section that allows you to choose wether you will not except from unknown people. But If you post it I need to also know which IM you are going to be using. If you do not have Instant Messaging Post me back and I will give you instructions, if you do not already know, to set one up. Thanks so much again, all of you really are a life savers!!!
SAT

[Jennibean]

E-mail me at ***@**** I don't check that e-mail very often but I will and then I will give you my regular e-mail address. Hope to hear from you soon. You will be ok!

[A-Factor]

I work at a Children's Hospital, in the pharmacy, and you would not believe the amounts of Phenobarbital and Methadone that infants get.

It's just unreal.

[itsadogslife]

Some addtional information I gleaned from searching the web.

First of all there is pending legislation in MD that will affect mothers giving birth to drug addicted babies. It is a safe bet that this legislation will pass. I personally believe that this sums up the majority attitude in this country, be it fair or right. Not to get political, but as a liberal, I personally don't agree with it, but I am a minority at this point in time. I personally believe this will negatively impact any possibility of being honest with your doctor and will create more problems that it will solve. At any rate, it would be prudent to check your state's laws regarding the definition of child abuse.

-------------------------------------------------------
HOUSE BILL 1142
Synopsis:
Modifying a presumption that a child is not receiving ordinary and proper care and attention within the definition of "child in need of assistance" (CINA) to apply to a child that is born exposed to specified dangerous substances as evidenced by appropriate tests of the mother or the child and to include a mother that refuses the recommended level of drug treatment; altering conditions regarding the termination of parental rights for children to apply to a child that is born exposed to specified dangerous substances; etc.
--------------------------------------------------------

Secondly, here is an excerpt with references if anyone cares to research them.

------------------------------------------------------------
While the "crack epidemic" has drawn public attention away from other drugs, heroin remains a widespread social problem. Prenatal heroin exposure is associated with preterm delivery (Maas et al. 1990; Gregg, Davidson, & Weindling 1988; Finnegan 1988) miscarriages (Suffet & Brotman 1984) smaller-than-normal head size and low birthweight (Fulroth, Phillips, & Durand 1989; Zuckerman et al. 1989; Pasto et al. 1988; Householder et al. 1982; Stimmel et al. 1982) meconium staining (Pasto et al. 1988; Householder et al. 1982) Some evidence associates heroin with an increased risk for SIDS (McCance-Katz 1991; Deren 1986; Householder et al. 1982).

The majority of babies born to women addicted to heroin (or on methadone maintenance) suffer from neonatal abstinence syndrome. (McCance-Katz 1991; Mas et al. 1990; Fulroth, Phillips, & Durand 1989; Rosen & Johnson 1985). This condition includes neurologic signs (hypertonia, tremors, sleep disturbances, seizures), autonomic nervous system dysfunctions, gastrointestinal abnormalities, and respiratory problems (Hoegerman & Schnoll 1991).

Some long-term studies indicate that children prenatally exposed to heroin suffer from below-average weight and length, adjustment problems, and psycholinguistic and other ability deficits through six years of age (and, in Olofsson et al. [1983] through age 10) (Deren 1986; Olofsson et al. 1983; Wilson et al. 1979).

Studies of prenatal methadone exposure report some association with initial developmental deficits. Researchers have not identified consistent long-term effects of prenatal methadone exposure and speculate that these effects largely depend on a combination of biologic and environmental factors (Rosen & Johnson 1985; Chasnoff 1985; Johnson, Rosen, & Glassman 1983).

Heroin and other opiates, including methadone, can cause significant withdrawal in the baby, with some symptoms lasting as long as four to six months. Seizures may also occur and are more likely in babies born to methadone users.

If a woman stops taking illegal drugs during her first trimester, she increases her chances of having a healthy baby.
---------------------------------------------------------

There may be more recent studies but this was all I could find.

itsadoglife

[Desperatetimes]

I am thanking everyone for your time and advice. I would really like to hear more on the Methadone. I have done some research for the past 3 days and this seems to be the safest way to go for the baby. I live in Lafayette, LA and If anyone has any information on Doctors or Methadone treatment centers here please post it. Thank you again, this has been so much help. Please know I am taking all that you say to heart. God Bless all of you.

P.S. The unborn baby's name you are helping is Emily Paige.

Sincerely,
SAT

[Sugarbeens]

HI, I hope that you can stop taking the pills while you are pregnant.  I work with people/children who are born with disabilities.  Disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy have no known reason, but, drugs, cigarettes may cause children to be born with disabilities.  There is no true evidence for sure, but, many parents I have worked with and talked to had admitted to using different drugs, drinking or smoking during pregnancy.  As hard as it can be to detox, do it for the baby and for your family.  Although, when we have children ,even if we lead the cleanest life, there is no guarantee that our children will be born as so-called "normal", whatever that is.  But, when you abuse something and your body, you are also abusing the baby.  Get clean at least while pregnant, that way you will know you did everything possible to make sure your baby is born healthy.  I wish you the best and will pray for you.  Let the forum know how you are doing.  Believe in yourself, you can do this.  Think only about that baby right now, not about feeling high, good or whatever the pain pills do for you.  You sound like a wonderful step-mom and will make a wonderful mom to your own biological child.  They say we become someone different when we have our first child.  It is not about us anymore, but, about a precious life, a part of us that is now the most important.  Take care and love to all.  Butterbean!

[itsadogslife]

Some information on Methadone from rxlist.com:
-----------------------------------------------------------
Use in Pregnancy

Safe use in pregnancy has not been established in relation to possible adverse effects on fetal development. Therefore, methadone should not be used in pregnant women unless, in the judgment of the physician, the potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards.

----------------------------------------------------------

In addition, your baby will still be born addicted. Not healthy. She will have to go through the wd you are avoiding. She won't be able to articulate the pain she is going through. And as the previous poster pointed out, she will be more likely to suffer learning and other disabilities.

You need to put your baby's health ahead of your own discomfort, IMO. You need a plan. And I really think the best course of action is to get off the drugs as quickly as is safely possible for you and the baby.

Again, you really need to check the laws in your state. There are states that take addicted babies away from their mothers at birth.

itsadogslife

[JustMeMe]

let me tell you about my little story of a baby born addicted to Vicodin 10's and demerol!!! it was NOT pretty!!  I was pregnant with my 5th baby.. IF I know anything!!! NOW I know that the pain a baby will suffer from withdrawals is NOTHING compared to any kind of withdrawal suffering I or you could suffer! I am a migraine sufferer and so usually I take fioricet, but that isn't "safe" for a unborn baby so the doctor gave me darvocet.. it helped, and it is the safer of the drugs!!!!!  use the darvocet to get OFF the vicodin!!! ok, so as it goes so far, I am doing fine with taking darvocet only when needed for headaches... then in my 7th month of pregnancy wham.. I got sick.. I felt as though I was DYING.. and I was... Went to the ER and the nurse says "oh honey your just in labor" I said no "honey" I am not.. this IS my 5th child and I am  NOT in labor.. they took me to Labor and delivery. hence I was NOT in labot rushed me to X RAY and found I was having Kidney failure then rushed me into operation.. From there I spent two weeks in the hospital hooked up to IV and being given vicodin and demerol for the pain... then they kept me on vicodin for the rest of the pregnancy for the pain of my kidney since they were not able to complete the surgery due to my being pregnant, only bypass the kidney.so... then when "Crying Macy" (her nickname for life) was born... LITTLE did I know that her suffering would be greater than any I would ever know. I didn't KNOW my baby was born addicted until the week she was born and we got home she cried and cried and cried... 5 children and she is the ONLY one who ever cried like this! I did NOT understand... I was in the pediatricians office every 2 days...after about a week and half of my pediatricican visits we sat down and the "stupid" doctor FINALLY asked me what happened while I was pregnant.. and "STUPID" me then told the story of the kidney failure and meds and so on.. we both realizing that crying Macy was addicted.. hence if I took a vicodin, and breast fed her, she stopped crying! NOT A GOOD THING!!!!!!!! so with a LOT of patience and love and serious nurturing, and completely stopped breast feeding, it took about 6 to 8 months before she finally stopped crying and could feel "normal" I wish I knew then what I know now. and If I can tell you anything.. PLEASE don't keep taking the vicodin..I lost 8 months of being able to play with her like she deserved and she spent all that time crying.. I couldnt breast feed her anymore because she EXPECTED to get her vicodin fix from my breast and so it made her suffer more.. oh yea, by the way, the MOMENT I found out she was addicted, i stopped taking the vicodin and refused any for my following operations. I wanted a clear head to be able to care for my lil Macy and I wasnt going to contribute to her suffering any more by making myself suffer.. by becoming addicted.   Darvocet is a safer pain med to use to get off vicodin. My uncle died 3 yrs ago from mixing methadone and vicodin! just for your info!!!!! Lots of love.... MM

[Rex1]

We'll be waiting for a an update, OK?

God's Grace and love to you...

Rex

[Recopiateaddict]

First, let me say that I really feel for you and even though I do not know you I will keep you in my prayers.  Second, let me go ahead and tell you that I am a male and a recovering opiate addict and my tolerance and dosage was about the same as yours and I too was addicted to Lortab.  I am currently 2 months clean and let me tell you to get there was hell and I don't know what it's like to have a baby in my stomach but the most important thing is you want help and I admire you for reaching out. By no means am I a doctor, but after the hell I have been through I have done a lot of research and have decided to become a doctor.  From what it sounds like to me you are a wonderful person and not some addict from off the street and like most of us you inadvertently got addicted to Lortab.  Here is my advice, like I said I am not a doctor but I DO KNOW that Methadone takes 1-2 months to exit the patients body.  I'm not sure, but I think this would be the same for the baby.  I agree with the lady that said you should talk to an addictionoligist and let him try to SLOWLY detox you where it is safe for both you and your baby.  As for the advice on the Ultram I would stay clear of this you are replacing one opiate for another and at your intake and tolerance level you would have to take an excess of 15-20 at a time to relieve the withdrawals (at least I did).  Last and most importantly if you can get yourself down to a intake of say 6-8 Lortab a day and then try and stop for 5-7 days and with stand the withdrawals (as long as they are not life threatening to you or your baby), then your body should be cleared of all opiates.  Then, you can start taking Revia A.K.A. Naltrexone i.e. an opiate antagonist.  This is what I did and with in a few days I had no withdrawls or cravings.  Like I said I am no doctor and I don't know if this stuff is safe to take while pregnant or if the baby’s body will be clear within 5-7 days of all the opiates.  This is something I would DEFINITELY bring up with your doctor before going to Methadone.  Because, like I said I DO KNOW that Methadone is among the worse of all the opiates to detox from, including Heroin, because it stays in your system for so long. Just keep in mind you CAN NOT take the Revia until your system is totally cleared if all the opiates or you will go into SEVERE withdrawals.  Just please discuss this with your doctor before turning to methadone.  Trust me that is the last way you want to go.  The fact is you were strong enough to reach out and I know you will do what's best for you and your baby.  I do not know you but be sure that I will be praying for you!  Good luck and I know you can do it!!!

[Desperatetimes]

Well everyone, I am going to a high risk Dr. today at 11:30am. I am really nervous, but happy at the same time because I know the sooner I get help the better chance my baby will have. I will keep you informed after I get back and maybe I can help with other womens questions they may have on this topic. Thanks guys.

P.S. Cross Your Fingers and please Pray for me.

[Recopiateaddict]

I will keep you in my prayers and please let us know how everything turns out.  Also, if any of you have heard of Revia A.K.A. Naltrexone, please let me know.

[lulubella]

im just curious as to where you get 25- 30 pills a day. thats 900 pills a month.

[FLaddict]

This post is from 5 years ago. If you need support or would like to ask a question, Go down to "Back to Forum" under this post and then click on "Post a New Question"

[curious08]

I am just curious as to how these babies are now? Especially  desparatetimes baby. Was the baby born addicted? Are there any long term devolpmental problems? This was 5 years ago, it would be nice to read a follow up post of some sort.

[jennyw169]

Hello all I actually came upon this web site because i am in a similar boat. I am five and half weeks pregnant and takingloratab. Before I became pregnant I consulted several doctors web sites and friends on this subject due to the severe back pain i have from a car accident 5 years ago. I knew i wanted to have a child but i did not know when. I am so glad it happened now. Basically here is the low down on what every doctor web site and informed friend I spoke with it is completely safe to take your prescribed amount and no more. If you are taking twenty five to thirty a day that is not good however if you back down to the eight a day you are suppose to be taking you should be ok. Assuming you are going to ween off. At 6 months the babies lungs will start to be affected by the lortab so you should be completely weaned off by then. On the flip side if you just quit taking them and dont wean off you can expect to lose the pregnancy due the stress this puts on your body. Its not good for the baby and it is not good for you, many things can happen to you if you just discontinue your medication up to and including a heart attack. So please for your and your babbys sake, wean off your meds and remember you are a good person and a good parent. Good luck and may god bless you and your little one.
Jenny

[mommydearestut]

I can fully understand where you are coming from i am in the same situation. I am 20 weeks pregnant with my daughter and i was taking up to 15 pills a day. Due to a accident, i had to have my face reconstructed, i have always have horrible migranes.  I had a reality check last week when my doctor told me he felt i was addicted to my lortabs after almost a year of him prescribing them, he also knew that when my husband returned from Iraq that we would be planning on having a baby. He cut my prescription in half and told me that he was going to start detoxing me as soon as possible. I have tried to stop taking them on my own and it was the worst feeling ever i wanted to crawl out of my skin, every thing ached all over my body i even became depressed and some what hostile, and eventually i even considered suicide for even having of put myself in this situation. I live in Utah and i havent found any one who doesnt look at me like im a monster because of the medication that i am on.

[Rebekah315]

I went int the doctor for a routine check up and subscription for prenatals, I was having some pain from the pregnacy and it was becoming very bad so the doctor prescribed me loritab every 6 hours. I started only taking one a day but the paain increased and the irritability without taking it mad it impossible for me to deal with my three year old and husband. Soon I got up to 6 in a day and began feeling suicidal. I went into the emergency room and discovered that the original pain was from a urinary tract infection that the prescribing doctor never treated me for, instead he gave the loritab....after listening to you all I see that after my ER visit I abruptly stopped loritabs abd began spotting the following week, I never understood but now I see that the withdrawals were too stressful on the baby, was never told about this side effect, now I have no baby at all.....nervous and scared, what should I do?