Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Early Prior To Delivery Should I Wean Off Oxycodone?
My daughter is 21 years old and is an addict. She is currently 36 weeks pregnant and JUST stopped using oxycodone. She was using at least once a week, but not enough to have withdrawal symptoms herself. She stopped using because she figured that if she stopped using a month before the baby was due to be born, that he would not have to be weened off the medication at birth, but I don't think that is true? can you give me some insight on this please?
Tue, 3 Jan 2017
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The baby does not have storage space for a drug stash. So, on the one hand drug withdrawal is very dangerous in producing miscarriage (not very relevant at 36 weeks). And, if the mom is days (not weeks) over withdrawal so is the baby.
So yes, she is entirely correct. Most addict mothers have a lot of withdrawal and use pills during delivery. Now, if she is addicted to pills then IV infection from drugs won't happen if she is not using IV drugs and it will be another serious issue. After delivery she might want to strongly consider long term use, prevention with injected narcotic blockers like naloxone or naltrexone.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The baby does not have storage space for a drug stash. So, on the one hand drug withdrawal is very dangerous in producing miscarriage (not very relevant at 36 weeks). And, if the mom is days (not weeks) over withdrawal so is the baby.
So yes, she is entirely correct. Most addict mothers have a lot of withdrawal and use pills during delivery. Now, if she is addicted to pills then IV infection from drugs won't happen if she is not using IV drugs and it will be another serious issue. After delivery she might want to strongly consider long term use, prevention with injected narcotic blockers like naloxone or naltrexone.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Matt Wachsman
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Morphinans
Loading Online Doctors....