addicted to codeine and pregnant

[reckoner]

Hello,

I currently take up to 400mg per day of codine (extracted from aspirin & codeine tabs) in two doses, one in the morning and one in the evening.

I just found out I am pregnant, and I want to do what is absolutely best for my baby. At first, I considered quitting cold turkey, but I have read that it is a bad idea.

Would tapering be a good idea? What is a good taper method?

Thanks,

Jen


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[jeffclowns]

i wish you the best and hope you soon figure out what your going to do about this ,god bless you.jeff.

[vicki595]

If you see another doctor and say you are pregnant,which you must say, that doctor may not want to treat you. You would just have to try and see. It would be better than doing nothing.

Good luck~

[reckoner]

What about if I go see a different doctor (maybe a walk in clinic) to get medical advice? Will my doctor find out about that?

[lululuv995]

hun u must tell your doc what your taking, and the amount and how you take it, u MUST for babies sake, all the opie can slow baby down, pulse rate, and placenta stuff thats too complicated for me to remember lol. If you sort this now there should be no damage done to baby, so plz tell doc everything and let him best advise you how to wean off asap and what comfort meds are safe to take with baby.
I went thru similar myself and my son was born happy n healthy, although he came a bit late, typical man, huh? because i got help very early on.
All the best. xx

[vicki595]

Unfortunately for you, we are not able to explain to you how to taper. It's against forum guidelines.  You're going through a lot of trouble to extract that codeine everyday. That in and of itself is a problem.  I gave you the best advice.  Tell your doctor.   If you don't stop and don't tell anyone,you WILL eventually get found out.  Hospitals,even in Canada, routinely test for opiates and other drugs when you are admitted in labor. That would be pretty bad for you.  Do the right thing here...

[ImDONENoMore]

Hi reckoner,

I understand your feelings about not wanting to tell your husband.  If you think that you can get through early withdrawal (whether by cold turkey or tapering) ok.  But I really think you should tell your Dr.  He is held by the oath to not tell anyone, and this includes your husband, but he could be a really good source for you now to get the drug out of your system and to help guide you into a clean life.

I congratulate you for coming here for help.  It is a VERY VERY good start.  I know had it not been for this site and all of the wonderful people here, I couldn't have stayed clean.  I'm now almost 5 months off and quitting was the BEST thing I ever did.  And it will be for you too.  Just take the help wherever you can get it.  Now is not the time to turn away any support.

[reckoner]

Oh god, I so don't want to tell my doctor or my husband or anyone about this. I just want to taper it on my own and just be done with it. I know how stupid that sounds but having my husband find out about this would probably destroy our marriage.

[vicki595]

You need to let your doctor know right away. Never stop cold turkey;it can be deadly for your baby.  You're taking a large amount of codeine and you need to be tapered and maintained by your OB. You need to do this right away. You'll also need some support for your addiction.

Good luck~

[reckoner]

Thanks for your reply. Did your doctor know that you were addicted and that you stopped cold turkey? What dose were you taking? I think what you did was admirable. I also want to do what is best for baby.

[Iwant2Bclean]

I was 12 days when I found out I was pregnant with my son. After getting home from the Dr I flushed all the pills. I did not have any Wd's or cravings at all which was very shocking.I feel it was because I knew in my heart mind body and soul that me getting clean as soon as I could was the best thing I could do for my child. I know that everybody is different and the fact that I didn't have Wd's or any issues quitting cold turkey is not always the same for others. You need to talk to your Dr and figure out what would be the best for you and your unborn child. But the sooner you get off them the better!!!!!