Norco dependency and pregnancy

[taytym]

Hi, I've been trying to research as much as I can about the meds I"m on while I'm pregnant.  I was in a head on collision this Feb, and therefore was put on Norco.  I unexpectedly became pregnant in July.  I tried to get off the Norco myself just because the fact I was pregnant and thinking ,Ok this is obviously not good for the fetus I'll find alternative ways to cope with my neck and back pain",  well easier said then done.  I had the worst w/d symptoms ever and I only could deal with those symptoms no longer then a day.  So I came to conclusion I had a dependency on the Norco.  I talked to the OB.  She of course reasurred me I was ok taking these meds, she's treated plenty of moms on these meds and delivered them as well.  I then was reffered to Pain Management as well as a High Risk OB. So I'm seeing three docs because of me on the meds.  I'm not stupid and I know that my baby is going to be born addicted to the meds and I'm so worried about her going through the W/Ds like I do.  My plan was also to try and taper down, and eventually quit all together.  I take three a day,  and to try and taper down to two is killing me.  I just cant seem to get down to two, let alone one.  I have to go through some kind of W/D through the day if I want to get down to two.  Is that Ok?  how long should I go through the W/Ds in the day to not take that third pill?  I also have my orignal pain that goes along with the W/D pain, what do I do with that?  I'm frustrated , ashamed, I feel selfish taking these, it seems like a hopeless battle, I will feel so guilt if I cant get off these before I have her and she is born addicted.  I'm 24 weeks and I feel like I'm running out of time.  what can I do?

Thank You anybody for any advise I can get

[tcorley83]

Hello. Anyone on this thread recently?

[uio]

I know exactly how you feel :(
I am 32 weeks and on Norco, I have spoken to my doc, who reassured me that the benefit outgrew the risks, however I am panicking, I am affraid about withdrawal and the possible addiction my baby could have. The doctor has not even told me when to stop (if I have to), I have tried to cut down my dosses, but it is soooo hard, I tried going down little by little, but it seems impossible, in top of that I am also on Zolpidem, so I feel like I am completely in drugs.... I am down to taking half a pill of zolpidem only as needed, but the norco is impossible...
I am affraid

[IBKleen]

You do need to calm down. Stress is not good...especially now. Don't put that on yourself.

I am so glad to hear that you talked with your doctors and you were honest. That is so important. IF, and it is a a big if, the baby is born addicted, then they will be equipped to handle it. They are accustomed to this and they know what to do.

The good news is that you are on a relatively low dose, compared to others that is. That really is good news.

I know how difficult the tapering is. However, as Fladdict suggested..try the 1/2 and then 1/4. Every little bit helps.

Again hun, please don't beat yourself up. You didn't do this on purpose..that is obvious.

Take care of yourself and your little girl. Please post and let us know how you are doing.

[taytym]

Aww, Thank You.  I did try the half thing.  And I failed at sticking to it.  I just feel like I'm done with this, I feel like a prisoner to it,  and I'm putting another lil body through it too.  Selfish is what I think.  So I will continue to try the taper down.  I just feel so weak when I give up the second I feel W/Ds.

[FLaddict]

Calm down hun.. If your OB said it was ok they they know what they are doing. There is only a 50% chance the baby will be born and have withdrawals. This goes down the more you taper.  Have you tried going down to 2.5 first from 3. Instead of jumping from 3-2. Cut down a half a pill at a time or even a quarter of a pill. YOu need to not have any withdrawal symptoms. Going through withdrawal is very bad for the baby.