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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Vicodan

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Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015
Question: I am 41 and now 28.5 weeks pregnant. I have taken Vicodan , on and off for years. the 10 mg yellow ones w/a V on the back. I am only taking one per day. Should I taper down NOW to half of a yellow per day since I only have less than 3 months to go? due date is 4/10/15. What are chances of this affecting the baby?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes tapering would be better

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing..
I understand your concern..

General rule in pregnancy is to take minimum medications and to avoid addiction causing drugs..

It would be better to taper the dose like 5 mg for 5-6 days then 2.5 for another 5 days. Then 1 mg for 3 days and stop.. Sudden stoppage can cause withdrawal symptoms.. Take plain paracetamol for pain relief if required..

This drug belongs to category C which means no well controlled studies in done in human but have some harmful effects like cranial malformation in animals..Moreover babies dependent on this drug during 3rd trimester is likely to develop withdrawal symptoms.. So it would be better to taper the drug..

Hope I have answered your query.. Feel free to ask any doubts.. Good day..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (1 hour later)
ok. thanks for the answer!! I should taper starting NOW right ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing..

Yes, it would be better to start tapering the dose from now..Please do so in consultation with your doctor as it is a prescription drug.

Good day..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Dalia Muraleedharan

OBGYN

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1044 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Vicodan

Brief Answer: Yes tapering would be better Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing.. I understand your concern.. General rule in pregnancy is to take minimum medications and to avoid addiction causing drugs.. It would be better to taper the dose like 5 mg for 5-6 days then 2.5 for another 5 days. Then 1 mg for 3 days and stop.. Sudden stoppage can cause withdrawal symptoms.. Take plain paracetamol for pain relief if required.. This drug belongs to category C which means no well controlled studies in done in human but have some harmful effects like cranial malformation in animals..Moreover babies dependent on this drug during 3rd trimester is likely to develop withdrawal symptoms.. So it would be better to taper the drug.. Hope I have answered your query.. Feel free to ask any doubts.. Good day..