[passmeby]

I have been taking Lortab 10 mg for about 2 months now, previously I have been taking the 7.5 mg since Nov of last year. So in total, I have been taking some form of Lortab for 5 months straight on a regular schedule of 6-8 per day. I decided I wanted to go without them to see if I still really needed to take them as much. Well, I had the 2 worst days of my life! Yesterday, I started feeling freezing cold (I'm still freezing), when I went to bed I couldn't stop twitching (like restless leg syndrome), I was sweating. During the day yesterday and today I feel confused, irritable, and totally un-ambitious. I also have no appetite. I'm totally scared and don't know what to do. I want to get through this, is there anything I can do to make this easier? How long will this last?

[J_9]

You are suffering withdrawals. This should only last a day or so.

Now, some doctors recommend taking Benadryl to help calm some of these effects. Although, just waiting it out is the healthiest thing to do.

I commend you for recognizing you may have a problem and for reaching out for help. That's the first step to any recovery.

[passmeby]

Thanks for your response. Actually I thought of taking Benadryl on my own, but for some reason, it excites me rather than makes me drowsy (I'm opposite! ), so it really just made lastnight even worse! So just a day you say? I don't know if I can do this any longer, it's the hardest thing I've done in my life besides childbirth!!

[J_9]

A day, maybe two or three. Yes, withdrawal is hard. This is why many addicts continue to be addicts. They can't get through the day without the drugs.

But you can do this. You know you can. Remember how labor seemed to be unending? Then the baby was born and the pain was relieved?

This will be much the same. All of the sudden it will be gone. You just have to tough it out.

[passmeby]

One other thing, I exclusively breastfeed my baby. Is she suffering too?

[J_9]

You have been breastfeeding while taking these meds? In essence you have been giving your baby Lortab. I'm not trying to criticize you, as I'm sure you already know that these drugs are present in breast milk.

It is possible your baby will suffer drug withdrawal as well.

[passmeby]

Well, my Dr knew I was breastfeeding, and he said only a max of 4% of what's in my bloodstream goes to the baby, so I thought it was OK. He also called my ob/gyn to check with him before he prescribed anything. He prescribed me the Lortabs, Naproxen, Soma, and I've taken steroids (methylprednisone dose pak) twice now, and I also ake Labetalol for high blood pressure on occasion. I really thought I was safe, being that he checked and double checked before prescribing. Now I feel terrible!!

[J_9]

The best person to check with is your pharmacist. Docs prescribe, but do not always know the ramifications of each medication. Here, I'll look them up for you.


Lortab: Lactation is a precaution that the benefits must outweigh the risks
Naproxen: Lactation is also a precaution here where the benefits must outweigh the risks
Soma: Again, benefits must outweigh the risks
Methylprednisone (Solu Medrol): Again, benefits must outweigh risks

However, my question is why all of these pain meds/muscle relaxers are being mixed while nursing.

Virtually everything you put in your mouth goes into your breast milk. Whatever you eat (take), baby eats (takes).

I can remember eating a heavy garlic italian dinner when I was nursing my first baby. When I burped him with his feeding, you guessed it, his breath smelled like garlic.

Again, I question the need for the combination of Lortab, Naproxen, and Soma.

[J_9]

passmeby agrees: I think it's OVER today!! I feel good!

This is SOOOO good to hear!! Keep it up, you can do this. I'm pulling for you!

[passmeby]

I didn't realize what a fog I'd been in since being on these drugs! The way I feel today is so foreign, it's like I can see and hear better, like a kind of re-birth. Thank you for all your helpful answers, and I appreciate all your support! You're a good pal!