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Tramadol or Vics and Pregnant
Hey everyone!! I need some advice please. I am 12 weeks preg and have been addicted to Vics and Tramadol for about 4 years. I quit the vics bec those were much harder to get than tramadols. Well my primary doc prescribe me both meds but my vics would never last til the next refill so i would take the tramadol..fast forward to now.. i found out i was preg and i told my ob all my meds i was taking and she asked me was i still taking the vics and i said. No only the tramadol. So she said to get off all the meds by tapering. I have only been taking the trams lately but i do have refills on the vics but.my thing is this. Im scared as to which one is more harmful to my baby which i know we shouldnt take anything but im talking about to ween off of?? Which one is worse and which one should i taper offnot to mention the withdrawals??? Are the Trams doing damage to my baby and birth defects ? help!! Please only positive advice..
I think i need to give them to someone so i can taper bec i find myself taking just one more everytime i have possession of them!
OK Hun you need to be very Honest with the DR..She needs to know the truth..It will be a weight off your shoulder and she will respect you from here on out..We can not give a taper plan on this area because we do not know about your health or any of your issues..Just ask the DR to give you a taper plan..They do this all the time..OK..And I would also give them to some one you can trust to hand them out to you..If we have them then we can take more then we should..You do not want to go down only to find that you are going back up..OK..Do not fear the unknown..You can hang on here and we can help with any issues regarding what we did to help ease the w/ds some what..You might just be fine with a good taper..You can do it and I know you really want to for the Baby and You....
Ok ok i feel a little better nursegirl especially knowing that thats what the anti depressant qualities mean. I was thinking it was the same as an actual anti depressant as far as the risks to the baby. I have heard trams are a synthetic opiate so that may explain why my dr had a sigh of relief when she asked me was i still taking the vics and when i told her no only the trams she really didnt freak out. At my last appt she asked me how was i coming along with the tramadol and i embarrassly lied and said i have been tapering fine when in reality i dont know how to taper! Lets say if i take 2 every 4 hrs and i am planning to cut back 1 every 3days. Where do i cut the 1 pill out at?? Do i cut one pill out of one of the 2 i am taking every four hours then continue the 2 every 4 hours meaning say i take 2 starting at 7am then do i take 1 the next 4 hours and 2 the remaining every 4 hours if thats understandable
I looked up Vicodin and Tramadol on Drugs.com. Both drugs are a category C on the pregnancy and breastfeeding warning. It said that problems could not be ruled out and should not be prescribed unless the benefit from the drug would outweigh the risks. It gave 1 case of a lady who had been on high doses tramadol for years having a baby who had withdrawals 35 hours after birth. I think a category C is like in the middle somewhere.
Ok, got ya. Well, that's GREAT that you're off the Vicodin completely, truly a great accomplisment.
While you are VERY smart to be worried hon, I think you're overthinking this too much. BOTH meds can be hard to come off, and both meds can cause w/d symptoms. Everyones' experiences are different, so one person may say trams were far worse, and another may say the Vicodin was worse. You're off the Vicodin, so that isn't even an option at this point. You REALLY need to follow through with the advice about cancelling the scripts, because if you don't, you may be tempted, and you certainly don't want to add more issues here.
The trams have an antidepressant-like property to them, yes, but that doesn't increase the "danger" or "risk" to the baby, what it means mostly is that you'll likely experience some emotional w/d symptoms for a while.
Your plan really is fairly straightforward, your fears are causing you to muddy the waters a bit. You already got off the Vicodin, so that's out of the picture. DONE. Going back on Vicodin to get off trams isn't an option hon. You would only be making matters worse.
NOW, you need to taper off the trams under the care of your doctor...she needs to know how much you're taking and were taking so she can properly advise you. You didn't tell her the whole truth, so it kind of handicapped her in terms of her being able to give you the most appropriate advice.
Everything will most likely be JUST fine. Don't add to your issues by causing MORE stress by overanalyzing this too much. Get in to see your doc very soon, and you will develop a plan with her, and likely feel SO much better.
There is nothing to be confused about, and while you're scared, you cannot change the past, you can only change the present and the future, which you're going to do!! Now, go distract yourself with something fun.....sitting around thinking about this is the last thing you want to do, it will only add to your anxiety.
Hang in there!!
While you are VERY smart to be worried hon, I think you're overthinking this too much. BOTH meds can be hard to come off, and both meds can cause w/d symptoms. Everyones' experiences are different, so one person may say trams were far worse, and another may say the Vicodin was worse. You're off the Vicodin, so that isn't even an option at this point. You REALLY need to follow through with the advice about cancelling the scripts, because if you don't, you may be tempted, and you certainly don't want to add more issues here.
The trams have an antidepressant-like property to them, yes, but that doesn't increase the "danger" or "risk" to the baby, what it means mostly is that you'll likely experience some emotional w/d symptoms for a while.
Your plan really is fairly straightforward, your fears are causing you to muddy the waters a bit. You already got off the Vicodin, so that's out of the picture. DONE. Going back on Vicodin to get off trams isn't an option hon. You would only be making matters worse.
NOW, you need to taper off the trams under the care of your doctor...she needs to know how much you're taking and were taking so she can properly advise you. You didn't tell her the whole truth, so it kind of handicapped her in terms of her being able to give you the most appropriate advice.
Everything will most likely be JUST fine. Don't add to your issues by causing MORE stress by overanalyzing this too much. Get in to see your doc very soon, and you will develop a plan with her, and likely feel SO much better.
There is nothing to be confused about, and while you're scared, you cannot change the past, you can only change the present and the future, which you're going to do!! Now, go distract yourself with something fun.....sitting around thinking about this is the last thing you want to do, it will only add to your anxiety.
Hang in there!!
Also the taper plan she gave me was only a general one like take one less every week!! I have never tapered before so i was completely lost. I mean i dont even know how to start to even take one less a week bec if i take 2 every 4 hrs where do i cut down the one tablet?? So confused about that also......
Yes i have quit the vicodin completely and the reason i keep asking which is better to taper is bec i hear some say trams are worse to taper than vics are. I do have refills on my vics but i havent gotten them filled. I told my dr truthfully that i am off the vics but not how many i actually was taking. She didnt act like she was alarmed as if i would of said i was still taking the vics. She jus said lets get off of these meds and recommended a taper schedule. What concerns me also is the fact that the tramadol has SSRI properties and thats what im worried about as far as it harming my baby. Is it really like an anti depressant bec i know some anti depressants are supposed to be taken during pregnancy?? So im worried about that effect.
Are you off the Vicodin completely? You said you told your doctor you are, but you keep asking which is better to taper off? If you are off the Vicodin completely, then great job...cancel the script and be DONE with them 100%! Don't think about them anymore...they are out of the equation.
I agree with the others about the tramadol. You need to be 100% honest with your OB about your usage, do not minimize. Then ask her to compile a safe taper for you, and stay closely connected to her. If you feel bad, call her...the taper may need adjusted.
You told her you were on them, but not how much...so you definitely need to "come clean" with her the rest of the way. I know it's scary, but that is her job, she's a doctor. You can't say anything that will shock her, and she NEEDS to know the gravity of the situation.
Also, what your doc said is correct, about category D medications being very risky and dangerous for the unborn child. Tramadol is rated a Category C drug on the pregnancy rating scale, in terms of risk.
Here is the scale and the explanations:
Category A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Category B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Category C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Category N
FDA has not classified the drug.
So, as you can see, you can stop worrying so much. While there is a risk for any medication taken during pregnancy, trams are not highest on the scale. Try to stop worrying about that, and focus on doing what you need to do, which is to be honest with your doc, and get your taper plan moving along. You do not want to attempt this taper yourself. THAT could be far riskier than you would imagine.
Congrats to you, I commend you for doing the right thing...I'm sure you and baby will be just fine. Try to relax and enjoy your prengnancy, and get in to see your doc ASAP!
Best of luck!
I agree with the others about the tramadol. You need to be 100% honest with your OB about your usage, do not minimize. Then ask her to compile a safe taper for you, and stay closely connected to her. If you feel bad, call her...the taper may need adjusted.
You told her you were on them, but not how much...so you definitely need to "come clean" with her the rest of the way. I know it's scary, but that is her job, she's a doctor. You can't say anything that will shock her, and she NEEDS to know the gravity of the situation.
Also, what your doc said is correct, about category D medications being very risky and dangerous for the unborn child. Tramadol is rated a Category C drug on the pregnancy rating scale, in terms of risk.
Here is the scale and the explanations:
Category A
Adequate and well-controlled studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).
Category B
Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Category C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category D
There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.
Category X
Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.
Category N
FDA has not classified the drug.
So, as you can see, you can stop worrying so much. While there is a risk for any medication taken during pregnancy, trams are not highest on the scale. Try to stop worrying about that, and focus on doing what you need to do, which is to be honest with your doc, and get your taper plan moving along. You do not want to attempt this taper yourself. THAT could be far riskier than you would imagine.
Congrats to you, I commend you for doing the right thing...I'm sure you and baby will be just fine. Try to relax and enjoy your prengnancy, and get in to see your doc ASAP!
Best of luck!
I really wish I could say for sure but I cant. I took really high doses of this med, but I wasn't pregnant. Again, I suggest tapering the tramadol assuming you are already OFF the vicodin, right? And really, you need to talk to your doctor. I don't know anything about the category D and X birth defects issue. She is advising you based on the 10 per day dose of just tramadol (?). She may want to adjust things once she knows the actual amounts you are/have been taking. Please call her ok?
Ok i will..it seems that the tramadol would be better to taper off huh? Four jays do you know of anybody that has been preg and taking tram and baby turned out healthy. Im jua scared bec of the really high doses i am on. I hadnt been able to enjoy my preg! My last ultrasound they said it looked ok and i asked the dr was all my baby limbs there and she said yes but then again isnt it still rather early bec of the baby being so small to be able to tell?? She also said that there is a bigger concern for meds that are in category D and X for birth defects but then again i only told her i was taking 10 a day and not higher doses.
Hi and welcome......and congrats on your pregnancy! Having experience with both of these meds and based on the information you gave us I would cancel the vicodin script now. If you have already stopped taking them I would definitely NOT start back up. But you do need to cancel the script - as Sarah said, it will "call your name". Get this one OUT of the equation. Neither of these are "easy" to get off of.
So moving on from there, you really need to get a tapering schedule in tact. It is SO great that you told your doctor the truth about WHAT you were on, but does she know how many you have been taking? Please - do not be embarrassed - I had a 15 year addiction to these pills and was taking up to 50 a day. You certainly did not choose to become addicted and be in this situation. IMO you do need to taper as quitting suddenly could threaten your babys health (and yours). We cannot give you an exact taper schedule (for your safety, we aren't qualified to do this). PLEASE talk to your doctor again - tell her how much you have been taking. She is the best suited to advise you from there how to taper down SAFELY. It sounds like you have already been cutting back and that is great. Slow and steady is best and safest. Try not to worry. Get a safe taper plan set and you can look forward to a happy and healthy future with your new baby! Hopefully you will get some more responses with someone that has experienced getting off this med while pregnant and can help put your mind at ease. I know you CAN do it..........cancel that script ok?
Julie
So moving on from there, you really need to get a tapering schedule in tact. It is SO great that you told your doctor the truth about WHAT you were on, but does she know how many you have been taking? Please - do not be embarrassed - I had a 15 year addiction to these pills and was taking up to 50 a day. You certainly did not choose to become addicted and be in this situation. IMO you do need to taper as quitting suddenly could threaten your babys health (and yours). We cannot give you an exact taper schedule (for your safety, we aren't qualified to do this). PLEASE talk to your doctor again - tell her how much you have been taking. She is the best suited to advise you from there how to taper down SAFELY. It sounds like you have already been cutting back and that is great. Slow and steady is best and safest. Try not to worry. Get a safe taper plan set and you can look forward to a happy and healthy future with your new baby! Hopefully you will get some more responses with someone that has experienced getting off this med while pregnant and can help put your mind at ease. I know you CAN do it..........cancel that script ok?
Julie
You say cancel the vics script ok..im jus wondering which med i should taper from and best for me while preg now i know neither is good but which is a little easier or better med to come off..i was taking an embarrassing amount of trams before i found out which was about up to 30 very foolish i know but i have cut bac to about 15 to 20 sometimes less. The thing is i dont have a set amount i take throughout the day or set time. I jus take them all throughout the day when im craving for them. Sometimes i will take 3 at a time and throughout the day any amount. Since being preg the most i will take at once is 2 but i may take 1 or 2 more an hour later or so on all day. Im in a mess i know!!! Do anybody know of someone that was preg and taken large doses of tram and baby turned out healthy?? Boy do i worry smh
COMMUNITY LEADER
First off Congrats on your pregnancy and being honest with your OB. That is a huge step there. Tapering off the trams is very necessary. Did your OB give you a taper plan for them? If not i would ask her. You want a slow taper as the baby feels what you do. Cancel the vicodin scripts otherwise they will call your name. How many trams do you take a day?
OK..I came off of 3 other drugs then the trams..Did do the other opiates before this..I will send a PM to FourJays she has some good experience in this..OK Hang tight..They will come rolling in too when they see You are PG..
Thanks Courageous!! I really need some advice and Ive been waiting on advice since i first posted. So many questions going on in my mind and worry about my innocent child and whether ive done damage or doing damage. I need someone to give me some insight to this situation and what med i should taper from.
Hi and Welcome..I am going to bump this up..We have a lot of people experienced in this OK..Keep Checking in..
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