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How Long Do I Need To Be Completely Off Vicodan Prior Child Delivery?

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Posted on Sat, 4 Apr 2015
Question: I am due to give birth 4/10/15. How long do I need to be completely off Vicodan so baby has no withdrawals. I take one yellow or half of a yellow daily. and have for years.. I have tapered to half a yellow for the past 2 weeks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
one month

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
It would be best to be completely off narcotics for one month prior to delivery. Try to get completely off the narcotic as soon as possible. If you are down to only half a tablet you should be able to stop now. Stopping now will help you with delivery and will help prevent your baby from being sedated, having breathing problems or withdrawal. Please stop now.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (14 minutes later)
Thank you. Okay, will I have withdrawals if I do not try going down to a 1/4 or is that so small that stopping now should be fine?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
should not withdraw

Detailed Answer:
If you are only taking half a tab you should not withdraw. If you feel more comfortable though go down to a 1/4 tab for a few days then stop. Good for you for looking out for your chiild and getting off the medication early.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (17 hours later)
last question: do you see this a lot and does the small amt of what I take cross the placenta and to the newborn? I have heard so many conflicting answers. One addiction specialist told me pretty much not to worry since I now take so little anyway and that stopping now wouldn't do anything, but I KNOW that getting OFF completely will only benefit us both. ( me and baby) I just don't want any withdrawal ,by getting off 100%, to hurt baby. Im already 35.5 wks, so maybe it wont? Do you see babies that are withdrawing and/or poor breathing from moms who took small doses like myself? BUT for extended periods of time. That may be the kicker.. thanks for your help!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
unlikely to cause withdrawal

Detailed Answer:
I agree that it is unlikey to cause withdrawal even if you continued the small dose. It is however much better for you and the baby if you are off all narcotics one month before delivery.
Babies who withdraw are usually from mother who are taking larger doses of narcotics right up until the time of delivery.
Dr. Robinson
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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How Long Do I Need To Be Completely Off Vicodan Prior Child Delivery?

Brief Answer: one month Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. It would be best to be completely off narcotics for one month prior to delivery. Try to get completely off the narcotic as soon as possible. If you are down to only half a tablet you should be able to stop now. Stopping now will help you with delivery and will help prevent your baby from being sedated, having breathing problems or withdrawal. Please stop now. Regards, Dr. Robinson