xanax and vicoden

[mommyyy]

Im 13 wks preg and i take xanax on a daily bases and on occasions when back hurts due to car accident ill take a vicoden is this an addiction problem and will my baby be ok

[Csw2922]

Hey friend, I'm trying to stop taking pain meds. I've read your post and was wondering how you are dealing with the pain. I'm ashamed to say that I gave in after two days. I have been keeping myself busy. Trying not to think about it. Setting short term goals. But a friend came to see me tonight at work and had some meds in him from a recent car accident. I told him no at first. Then he said he wasn't going to charge me and have me three. I didn't even think about it. They were in me so fast. I felt like screaming. Now, I'm still at work and it feels normal. I'm more talkative, I'm working harder than usual. Feels good. But I'm screaming inside. I'm not sure what to do now. I miss my old self. I used to be so active. Working out every day. Eating healthy. Spending time with family and friends. Life was good. Every since I broke my hand years ago, I've been on these pills off and on since. But lately it's been worse. I find myself searching for them. I even went to the urgent care and faked an injury to get pain meds. That's sad isn't it?? I've spent so much money on these things. I really thought after two days I would be ok. But the more I read about detox, withdraws and PAWS, the scarier it gets for me.

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

First of all, congratulations! What wonderful way to start a new clean life. Second, you must realize that you are not the only one in this predicament. We get this question on this forum over and over again from wonderful caring women who want to have healthy babies.
You need to stop Xanax immediately since all benzodiazepines are contraindicated in pregnancy.
Vicodin may be tapered slowly: the basic technique is to space out the pills you take on a consistent manner until you take only one at night, then half at night, than every other night and then none. Your baby will withdraw slowly with you without any problems. If you are able to be off of all the Vicodin by the 20th week of pregnancy, then the newborn's meconium (stool) will be drug free if they should test it.  I know that you are feeling rotten and tired now, but a lot of pregnant women do as well at this time of pregnancy. Your body’s ability to produce its own endorphins has been impaired by you taking Vicodins, so when you stop completely, it will take a few weeks for it to relearn how to function again. I can promise you that if you eat healthy foods, stay away from sugars, sodas and caffeine - you will be feeling better in a few weeks.
You need to quit smoking as well (if you do), because it leads to decreased baby weight and higher incidence of early labor.  You need to make sure you are taking care of yourself as that is the best way to take care of your baby. Please find an OB or a midwife ASAP to start getting prenatal care. Make sure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated and get moderate amount of exercise (like nice brisk walks). Good luck to you and your growing family. You must take care of yourself for your baby.