pregnant, trying to stay sober.

I am 6 mo pregnant and been off of vicodin for 5 days. I have struggled with addiction my entire life.  I did really good for a couple years and when I became pregnant I had to leave work and was home everyday sick.  The pills made it easier again. I used them for about 4mos and felt guilty and wanted to stop but when I didnt take them the manic thoughts, no motovation, anxiety, insomnia and depression came back.  I told my doc everything a couple days ago and she was awesome. I physically feel ok now. I was seen by the behovral health doc and she said I have a mild case of biplolar. I was alway just treated for depression.  So now I'm on a new med Tripetal and off everything else. I looked the med up and it said its unsafe for baby and not to use when patient is depressed. Now I'm totally confused. I want a med that works, that doesnt make me high. Im voluntarly starting intensive outpatient tomarrow....I need a refersher. I cant let my addiction get out of control again...I've been there too many times. Plus, now I have a healthy baby boy on the way that needs a healthy mom.  Any advice on what to do with all of this would be great!

[cathy5841]

wow, it is crazy that a dr. would prescribe you a med that is not safe for the baby on the way.  maybe a second opinion would be in order here.  congrats for getting some help to deal with your issues.  good luck to you
cathy

[reviewer]

I there.. I am so glad that you posted.. I am an OB nurse who has work labor and delivery for many years...  You have done some wonderful things in the past few days.  First you are off vicodin for five days.. that is GREAT...You talked with y our doctor about your addiction.  You have seen a behaviorial health doctor.  I am sure you doctor would not put you on anything that would hurt your baby..  YOU have done some wonderful steps already.. Stay on that path of no vicodin.. keep posting to let us know how you are doing...Hang in there,,, you can make it.

[worried878]

I am not thinking that your ob doc prescrived the vikes...but you told her about it?  that is a good thing that you let her know....you have a reason to stay focused and all the help u r getting is to your advantage...use your resources and have healthy baby...keep posting

[spacecadette]

If you are pregnant, the only person who should be prescribing you meds is your obgyn.  This is their specialty and  They know about the safety of all meds to the fetus and may have better alternatives.  When I was pregnant and had kidney problems, ALL of my treatment first went through my obgyn and then he would consult with my other doctors, eg.....urologists, specialists etc., However, no matter how many doctors he would consult with, all meds and decisions had to fist be verified by him.  All the best

[josbel]

It was the OB (and several other) doc that perscribed the Vics.  They are safe during pregnancy--that is if you dont abuse them, which I am not capable of not doing! I hope I can do this once again!

[spacecadette]

But than again, all doctors are different.....however, this method worked out pretty well for my baby and myself

[josbel]

I am suppose to talk to my OB in the am. I think that is a good idea when dealing with more than one doc while pregnant.

[worried878]

well i wish you the best of luck at not abusing them if u r an addict...geez...i hate that word...if u have had an addiction problem in the past that is....i am a nurse...not ob...but have a minor in psyche and i never knew they were prescribed for depression and bipolar disorders....but i dont know everything and that is for sure....pain is an indication...physical pain not mental as the flip side/aftermath of narcotics is depression just like alcohol...stay under your doctors care and be honest with them...i know u r honest and i am too...was not when it came to pills tho...be safe

[josbel]

The vics where for pain...I used them on my own to deal with the depression, ect.. I am on a new med for the mental illness stuff.

[spacecadette]

Yes I would.  As for more than one doc prescribing you vics, if all the doctors were in contact with eachother, (as they should be), I guarantee you that you would not have multiple prescriptions.  Your obgyn needs to be aware of all other activities occuring with other docs during your pregnancy.  That is the SAFEST way to have a successful pregnancy.  So your obgyn knows that you are addicted correct?

[worried878]

okay...i guess i was confused...so u r not taking vikes anymore...that is a good thing...it is hard to decipher these posts sometimes  LOL...glad u r moving forward

[josbel]

Thanks...It will be hard for a bit but Im ready to get back on track.. A bit scared tho.  I've done it before now it not just me I'm affecting and that scares me.

[josbel]

Yes, the OB knows everything as of yesterday. All docs have been in contact now

[worried878]

well u r ready to move forward....have you gotten the info you need from the health pages?  of course you will need to run any supplements you take by your doctor first...that is great!   wonderful!

[josbel]

i'm worried about dealing with the mental illness side w/out getting caught up in those pills but still having meds that work.

[worried878]

keep up the counseling and i know this is hard...my next door neighbor has a similar problem...keep posting for support when u need it

[SableZen]

Trileptal actually started as an anti-seizure medication. But it was also found to work as a softer mood stabilizer with less side-effects than other mood stabilizers on the market. Which is probably why your doctor would probably prefer Trileptal over other mood stabilizers when you are pregnant. It's a newer drug though - so discuss your concerns with your OBGYN. But I'm sure there's a good reason why it was prescribed. And congratulations!

[joann1975]

Congrats on the baby boy! I have a 17 month old. I did take some vikes during my pregnancy and he was fine. When you have him he will be such a joy and your only focus it will lift your depression greatly. I wish you the best of luck with your baby!

[dove3053]

Being pregnant is hard enough with the hormones going all different ways. I agree and would only do what your obgyn says and on top of that do the research like you did. You have that extra motavation to stay clean and I wish you and your baby the best of luck.

Good luck,
Dove