How Late Into Pregnancy Is It Safe To Stop Taking Suboxone? (Page 5)

I am almost 14 weeks pregnant. I want to stop taking my Suboxone completely, but have heard it can cause premature labor if stopped too far into pregnancy. My doctor also said that withdrawals can not cause miscarriage or hurt the unborn baby in any lasting ways. I have been taking 2mg of subutex (now Suboxone) for the past week. Am I okay to cease all Suboxone use, or should I wait another week or so?

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In my case they did call CSB,but IF you have a legal prescription ,and don't over take the sub's you will be fine. They asked to count my pills ,seen I had correct amount and nothing further happened. They didn't even open a case because I had a legal prescription while pregnant . Don't get too freaked out. Don't stop taking the sub's. Take what keeps you from withdrawal, be totally honest,and I promise you and baby will be fine

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Hi there I was also woundering what happened with your situation I also was taking Percocet before I found out I was pregnant I stopped completely as soon as I found out 5 weeks in and well at 36 weeks I was in pain and I guess relapsed I only used four or three a day a few times a week for week 36/37/and am now 38 weeks just going to suffer through any pain I am also concerned about CAS getting involved it was small doses and if tested placenta they'd see that it was also a short period of time babies fine and did not withdrawal really was less then what would be prescribed to take but I am now stressing about CAS I am a nursing student and already a esthetician and be a mechanic this is my first I am stable and cannot wait to hold my bundle of joy, however now I am worried I may have caused us problems, any related stories with there outcomes would be much appreciated and wat happen with you^^^^ god bless

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Sherri,
Thank you for posting about your situation. It makes me feel better to read your post but, I am so scared that my baby may have to stay at the hospital. My OB knows about the subutex I've been on which is 4-6 mgs/day. I would like to be off it in the next month so that the risk of withdrawal once he's born is diminished a little. However, I am also worried about baby going through withdrawal in the womb which, I've read, is much worse than just staying on it. I suppose that a big reason why I am wanting to quit is because my husband is very angry that I'm taking it at all but he also gets upset if I tell him I'd like to be off by 36/37 weeks--says, either way, I am killing our baby. I just had a 3D ultrasound and, at 7 months, he is perfect. Has anyone had a problem with their husband or significant other like I have?

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All I can say is, most doctors don't advise withdrawing at all during pregnancy. You should seek a second opinion. I had to stay on my benzos and my son was full term and doing wonderfully. I think that with everything that is going on in your body right now, its safer for yourself and your child to not withdraw. Especially at the low dose you're at. If you decide to, taper it out as much as you can. Remember that your child feels what you are going through. Literally.

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I took Suboxone while pregnant, I felt like a horrible person. I took pain medication for my back and then switched to Suboxone about a year before I got pregnant. My husband had issues with pills so I took Suboxone for my pain so he wouldn't relapse. I ended up getting withdraws if I stopped taking the Suboxone. When I found out I was pregnant I stopped that is the first time I felt what a withdraw felt like. This was my fourth child, my other 3 did not do one drug, pill ect. I was the healthiest during my pregnancies. I did research I found out that withdraws could hurt my baby. So I continued to take 4mg a day split up 1mg four times a day. My husband made me feel worse. Like I wasn't doing the best for this baby like I did for my other 3. But in my situation I felt I was doing what I could, I felt horrible and Googled constantly to see what I could do. My Dr. did not know I was taking anything. I went back and fourth on telling them. I decided not to, I have 3 children that are my life. I was afraid everyday what if they take them from me. My life are my children. During my pregnancy I ended up in the hospital for high blood pressure. Nothing to do with the Suboxone, my third child I got high blood pressure, so they said from the beginning they were going tho watch my blood pressure. At 30 wks ended up in the hospital because high blood pressure. They took so much blood and urine I thought I would lose my kids because I was taking Suboxone. If I withdrew at my blood pressure would sky rocket, that is why I took my doses through out the day. I had my son at 34 weeks, it was scary enough him being early. I did not take any Suboxone when they said they were going to induce me. 2 days in labor they had me on all kinds of meds because of my blood pressure. I got an epidural after about 24. He was 5lbs 14oz and 19 inches long. They said he was very big. He was taken to Nicu to be checked, babies born that early have a high chance of lung problems. If he had any signs of withdraw I was ready to tell the nurses. He was in Nicu for only 3 hrs he was fine. They still monitored him closely because him being a preemie. He was fine, all my nurses couldn't believe how we'll he was doing for a preemie. No withdraws at all. He was released with me from the hospital. I had to take him to Dr visits a lot at first to monitor his weight. In the hospital I was given Percocet, being my fourth baby the contactions after are horrible when you nurse. I started taking Suboxone when I was released. I had to pump milk, in four weeks he was 11lbs 8oz. I pumped milk (he wouldn't latch) for 11 months. He is now three he is very smart and is big and tall. Sorry so long. I know a girl that took Suboxone while pregnant they gave her baby methadone so he wouldn't go through withdraws, they didn't wait to see of he was withdrawing. That is a huge reason I didn't tell. I think nurses and should learn more about Suboxone and pregnancy. It is safer than most any drug. I hope this helps, try to know you are doing the best for your baby. I never felt like I was, my husband made me feel horrible. Hope all is well and good luck with your little one. I am here if you have any questions.

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What u just said I am going thru!! It's very hard but same situation! I'm only on .2-.5 mg of sub and whenever I stop I get the restless legs along w the symptoms of withdrawing! It sux seeing as it's my first baby-- I still haven't told my doc about it and am 7 months and 3 weeks now, but I'm in the same boat and have NOONE to talk to about this all I know is that if u stop taking it , it can lead to hurting the baby or even killing the baby and that's HORRIBLE so I'm doing research on this and whatever I can find out I'll keep u posted Hun- hang in their because YOUR NOT ALONE

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If you're only taking 2mg, is recommend tapering down to nothing. Make a plan and stick to it! It's harder if you're taking more. But you can do this!

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Mommyoffour,
I was so encouraged while reading your post to this discussion. I am always filled with more encouragement when I read the posts but yours related more to my situation. I am only having my second child but, like you, did nothing as far as drugs during my first pregnancy. Unfortunately, I got hooked on suboxone and then was switched to subutex after becoming pregnant. I am now 34.5 weeks pregnant---contemplating quitting so that the baby doesn't have to go through withdrawal once he's born. However, I read more horror stories about quitting subutex while pregnant--that it is more harmful. I just feel stuck in this place of not knowing what to do. I'm trying not to let my husbands negative attitude towards me affect the proper decision that needs to be made (which is to stay on a small dose at the very least) but its very hard because I do love him. How is your marriage now as a result of all this? I know that I shouldn't be worried about my marriage as much as I am but I definitely don't want our second child being born into a turmoiltuous environment, filled with constant negativity and emotional stress just like I don't want him being born with withdrawal symptoms.

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Try to get on subutex because your baby is depending on whatever u take. I was on 16mg a day throughout my whole pregnancy and my lil boy was born perfect, no withdrawals and even breastfed him for four months while on subutex. The amount that passes thru the breast milk is tiny because it's sublingual not swallowed. As long as its prescribed to u then there won't be any problems. Just thought I would give u some good advice and you are doing what's best for your child so don't worry what others think. God bless and good luck. If u have any other questions feel free to contact me {edited for privacy}.

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I've worked at a subutex clinic for years & I want you to know we see more patients confess they don't have their own script than patients who do have a script. You're not going to be treated badly. That's what these doctors do. It's better to be monitored by a doctor than do it alone. You can do this! I'm right here with ya! Best of luck!

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Kdsmama,
You mentioned you work at a subutex clinic. I am wondering what your thoughts are on quitting at 35 weeks pregnant. I have read that it can do more harm than good--as you said, doctors are there to help monitor you through all of this. I definitely want to quit but I also realize that I don't have a lot of time to do that before my baby is born. The last thing I want is to put the baby in harms way by putting him through withdrawal while in the womb--i understand it's easier to monitor the baby outside the womb than it would be when he's still inside. Anyway, I am looking for some advice on what to do as far as quitting while I'm pregnant and whether or not it would be advised to do that and, if so, the best way to go about it.

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I was honestly taking between 8-16 mgs of subutex my whole pregnany. It's best that the Dr's taper the baby off because they do it slowly and correctly, in a controlled medical facility. Like I mentioned they weaned my son off from 7-20-13 & he came home 8-9-13. If u bring baby home and he starts withdrawal it can get as bad as the baby having seizures ,so please take my advice and just try yr best to take as least as possible to keep u from withdrawal,and make sure when u go into labor when they admit u and ask u yall of yr medical questions nbe 100% honest. As long as yr prescribed the medicine u have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't stop while still pregnant I'm glad I made the decision I did. My son just turned 2 & he is perfect no delays

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You guys are all adults and can make your own decisions about how to do things, but I will say from experience, when I was pregnant, before Suboxone got so mainstream and I lived in Alabama, where all you have is the methadone clinic, that the first time I told my OB/GYN that I was on a rx, she automatically assumed that it was methadone, and said so. It wasn't, it was benzos, but I learned through that interaction that doctors are so used to seeing people on maintenance drugs, that they're all prepared for it and know how to deal with it. For you, sweetheart, who haven't told your doc yet, you must do this. It is horribly dangerous for you to be on this, and your baby is on this drug too, without the doctor knowing. I say this because once you deliver, the baby must be de-toxed and how will the hospital know if you don't tell them? Also, some states are super strict on drug panels once you deliver and you don't want to have to explain all that then. You are risking a lot. Tell your doc asap, so you'll have time to get ready for this. He/she may be a little PO'd bc you waited so long, but the stigma you are fighting is not as bad as you imagine. Please let your doc know. I can't believe they're not having you take a drug panel when you go. Do it for your baby because you know you would never forgive yourself if something happened and all you had to do was speak up. Good luck!! It will be okay!!

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I am in the same boat. I just found out I am a month in and have been taking 8mg a day for four plus years. I want to tapper down to none for birth but my bf doesn't know I am even on them. It I tell my doctor cps will be involved and he will find out. I live a clean and sober life just subs are the only thing im still on. I am scared and was going to just stop them until I read how dangerous that is. I need answers also and am so scared.

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I totally agree, all of you need to tell your OB about the Suboxone. They need to be aware for delivery. It will also affect any medication given to you during delivery. Tell your doctor!!! It'll be OK.

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Newmomandscared,
I can relate to your post, as I do with most of these posts I read. I know it sounds frightening but I feel that if you are just downright honest with both your doctor and your boyfriend, then eventually quitting will be much more of a reasonable goal. I am an addict and know, from personal experience, that not being honest about what you are doing can be more detrimental not just for you and your relationship, but for your baby ultimately because it only gives you more of a reason to keep taking the drug. I am married and tried keeping my sub use a secret for the first few months of pregnancy. That is a decision i regret--it caused so many unnecessary issues than if I had just come clean about it all from the beginning, not just with my husband but with my whole family. My husband ended up finding out and was very upset, angry, and disappointed--which I don't blame him. After he found out, he encouraged me to let my doctor know so she could at least be aware. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting after I told her. She didnt know much about subutex but has gathered more information since I told her and has actually thanked me for letting her know because she is able to help other women who are taking it. I just want you to know that keeping this a secret for too much longer may not be the best idea. I totally understand that it's a scary thought for your boyfriend to find out but think about your unborn baby--if you two are committed to one another and he really loves you, he will do what he can to help you out but he can't help you if he doesn't know. Just be honest with him--especially if you're wanting to taper down and eventually quit; carrying the guilt with you will make it more difficult to quit as the sub does affect you psychologically as well. I know that when I have felt guilty or ashamed because of all the lying that has come along with the addiction to the sub, that I want to take more--it's like, the more upset I feel whether due to bringing myself down or others tearing me down emotionally, the more I want to use. That's why I'm saying just be honest so that, at the very least, you don't have to live with the secrecy and keep beating yourself up. It's important to try to move forward so that you can, eventually, stop taking it. As for your baby, from what my OB has told me, it would be best to make sure you find a doctor--not necessarily your OB because they can't prescribe subs I don't think-- in your area who deals with pregnancy and addiction. Try to find one that will prescribe you Subutex because that is better for the baby than the suboxone. Suboxone has the extra drug in it--naloxone--so it can be more harmful for the baby. If you do find a doctor who does prescribe Subutex to pregnant women, make sure you tell them how much Suboxone you were taking and be totally honest so that they can prescribe you the right dosage; tell him/her what your goal is as far as wanting to stop and make sure that the goal is something both you and the doctor know you can achieve. Setting a goal that is too unreasonable will only bring you down more thus causing more usage. Try, throughout the pregnancy, to get to as low of a dose as you can. Because you're not very far along, you can slowly taper your dose down--I've read that you can do a 10 day taper which means you decrease the dose by no more than 1 mg every 10 days so if you're taking 16 now then, in 10 days, go to 15, then in another 10 days down to 14; 10 days later go to 13 mgs, etc. I hope that some of what I've said is encouraging to you. I wish you the best with your pregnancy and I know you will do what you can to keep you and your baby safe--keep your head up. Don't beat yourself up over this. Addiction is a real problem but as long as you're committed to the recovery process then you can do the taper so that your baby is born on the least amount possible.

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All OBs do an evaluation for drugs, your on such a low dose it may have not reached the levels on the diagnostic. I had a healthy baby on 160mgs on methadone. When I delivered it didn't come up on the u/a they gave us. They had to use blood work BUT it was because I was prescribed methadone. If suboxone does come up when you have your delivery, you may run into some problems with DHS. I had a csection, and could not be numb on spinal block but they gave me shots it my belly and no I did not feel the shots or delivery. Your on very low dose I don't think you will have trouble getting numb. Hope this helps.

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After my husband seen how healthy my son was even born 5 weeks early he understood why I didn't stop. We have our problems now but not because of that. I think when your child is born and he sees that you have a healthy baby he'll be ok. It will all work out. In 2012 if they knew to took Suboxone they would give the baby codeine or methadone without even waiting for any withdrawal symptoms. The nurses and Dr. that work at the hospital don't know what to do, they treat it the same as Methadone (in 2012). In Ohio they evaluate all babies, I love my kids more than myself and would tell them if they noticed any signs of withdrawal. They kept a close eye on my son because he was born so early. They were very surprised how healthy he was because I had high blood pressure. Withdrawal can last months even withdrawing from .05 of suboxone. Withdrawal is hard on your baby because what your body goes through, it's not your baby withdrawing. They are doing studies now on pregnant women taking Subutex.

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I am 16 weeks pregnant and i am taking subutex on a 2mg dose and it's making me sick very lightheaded and dizzy I want to stop taking it also I can't even go out food shopping without feeling like I'm going to pass out I have to go sit in the car until my moms done her shopping this is very annoying I see my doctor on Tuesday hopefully I am able to stop taking it with her approval...

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I wanted to update everyone on my delivery. As some of you know from previous posts of mine, I was taking subutex for the last 6 months of my pregnancy--a 4 mg dose. Towards the end, my husband took my script from me and had me taper down so, when my son was born on October 19th, I was down to 1/2 mg to 1 mg per day. I had been on that amount for approximately 6 weeks. Going down, especially from 2mg to 1 mg, was super hard but it was mostly mental--in fact, I did not have any physical pain at all. My anxiety level shot through the roof, though, and I would get more irritable with others. Anyway, that subsided after a couple weeks of just getting used to the small amount. Anyway, I went in for blood work on October 19th. My blood pressure was too high so I stayed to get monitored for a bit--I didn't think I would end up having my son that day until they told me I was in labor and would need to stay. After my doctor broke my water--she noticed the cord coming out along with my sons head--his head was pushing on it causing oxygen loss--so I was rushed to the OR for an emergency c section. My husband wasn't even allowed in the OR because they had to move quickly and, by the way, our relationship has really grown and we are much stronger because of this pregnancy--he's been amazing. My son was born at 9lbs 1oz. We stayed in the hospital for 5 days because, in Texas, a newborn has to stay in the hospital for at least 5 days in order to monitor them for withdrawal symptoms, if any. The pediatric nurses go by a NAS scoring sheet (neonatal abstinence syndrome I think is the name-- newborns.stanford.edu/ScoringSheet.html).

My son scored very low each time they did their scoring which is a great thing--otherwise, he would have had to get put on medication to help with the subutex withdrawal and his stay in the hospital would have doubled, maybe tripled. Thankfully, my insurance is awesome and allowed me to stay an extra day as I was scheduled for discharge one day before my baby was supposed to leave. Word of advice to any woman who is pregnant and taking suboxone or subutex-- try to get down to as low of a dose as possible before your baby is born. It may be mentally uncomfortable for you but it will be worth it when you're in the hospital and your baby has little to no withdrawal symptoms--just as my baby did; he actually showed no signs at all but they're required, by state law, to keep them a minimum of 5 days to observe--withdrawal sets in for a newborn at around 46 hours of life; that's what i was told--so basically, two days old is when they will start exhibiting withdrawal symptoms and if they haven't had any by day 5, then they probably won't at experience it at all. Like I said, my son was cleared to go home on day 5 and, if you have a c-section then your insurance may be more understanding and will let you stay at the hospital with your baby so you don't have to leave them there alone. I wish all the best to all the mothers out there, especially those that suffer with addiction like I do. It has been so helpful for me to be a part of this group--I feel like I have so much support from everyone and hope I can do the same for those that might need it. We are all beautiful!!

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