How Late Into Pregnancy Is It Safe To Stop Taking Suboxone? (Page 4)
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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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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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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'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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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I was prescribed 24 mgs of subutex my whole pregnancy. I took it very sparingly. When my son was born I was 100% honest & let them know so the hospital could care for him properly. As long as you are taking what is prescribed & are totally honest for yr baby's sake you won't get into any trouble,but my son was born 7-20-13 ,came home 8-9-13 the NICU weaned him off using morophine ,so that he wouldn't withdrawal too bad. He is very happy,healthy,on track as far as development. I was told subutex was a better option then the pain pills I was prescribed before getting pregnant. PLEASE be honest while in labor. A lot of babies addicted to opiates can have severe seizures if hospital staff isn't aware of what you took while pregnant. Just take what you need,but don't stop because it can cause a miscarriage. I have 4 children & my youngest was the only one that I had to take the subutex with. I hope my words help. Good Luck!!

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Janna, what have you done to help you wean off and keep the baby ok? I'm in need of any advice I can get about this issue. I am so thankful that I'm not the only woman who is going through this type of situation. I don't want CPS getting involved because i don't want to risk being without my child and my marriage would probably end if that were to happen.

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Just wanted ton update. I didn't start weaning process when I said I would because I was feeling so terrible and stress on my body or my baby but I did start yesterday and I took 6 milligrams instead of my usual 8 I have to say I woke up today feeling withdrawals...bbut I only have a certain amount of strips left and I have to do this now or else call my doctor and make a new appointment which she would probably charge me a bunch of money to be seen again and I just can't afford that right now so I really have no choice in the matter.I'm now almost 19 weeks pregnant and hoping that means my risk of a miscarriage is pretty slim at this point?I'm just so scared about everything and it's sad because this is a miracle pregnancy that technically never should have happened and I can't even enjoy it because I'm just full of worries and scared about everything.I'm trying not to stress but I figure if I can at least get down as low as possible maybe my baby won't be born with withdrawals and I really do not want to deal with CPS because it would probably kill my marriage .but I hope everyone is doing ok and keep your head up

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Hello, i was wondering what you ended up doing since i am in the same situation you were in. Thank you.

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I was taking suboxone during the first 4 months of this pregnancy and 4 years prior. I am now 6 months pregnant and was switched to subutex about 2 months ago. This is my second child, by the way. With my first child, I didn't take anything. She came out beautiful. Anyway, as for this pregnancy, I was ashamed to tell anyone about taking suboxone and, when it was finally figured out that I was taking it, my husband was furious. That is when I made the choice to go to a doctor and get subutex. I also informed my OB about what I was doing and she advised me to keep taking it. I am an addict and we all know that there are many things that come along with addiction other than the just using our drug of choice (lying, stealing, etc). I had been stealing the sub from my husband all the while telling him I was not. He finally gave me a surprise drug panel and I failed. Everyone in the family now knows about this and all I hear from my husband is how awful I am, how no one respects me, how I'm killing our child, that I'm selfish, etc. I am really trying to taper down (not going as planned especially when I hear all the time how awful I am) to nothing because I don't want to risk having baby born with withdrawal and CPS being called then I risk losing both my kids and I definitely don't want that. I don't care if the withdrawal makes me uncomfortable but I don't want it hurting the baby as well. I realize that if I'm feeling uncomfortable then so is the baby.

What I'm wondering is what is the safest way to stop taking this? I have no more subutex left and my script can't get refilled for another 2 weeks!! I have some tramadol on hand that I may take when I start feeling super awful and hopefully that holds me over till then with me not taking anything for a few days at a time (I'm sure this subutex is still in my system). I also have some clonapin and vitamin B-12 sublingual tablets to help with the energy part of it. have read the stories on here and I am so grateful that there are other women in the same boat as I am. This post is more to everyone out there but I responded to the post about a woman's baby being taken by CPS and my heart just aches for you. That feeling must have been awful and I can't even imagine what you're going through. My thoughts are with you and I hope that you're doing better now. I just want to quit not just for me but for the baby most importantly and would like to know the safest way--is 6 months ok to stop taking it altogether because that's what I'm looking at now. If I can't get a script refilled for 2 weeks then i may as well consider this as me stopping since I feel as though I have no other option. All I want is for my baby to be ok--I know that whatever damage has been caused was already done early on in the pregnancy. I know that if the baby if the born without any "firsthand symptoms" anything that happens to him whether psychological or emotional issues--will be blamed on me as my husband has made that very clear. I know he's upset so he's saying a lot of things he may not necessarily mean. To end my rant, I really want the baby to be ok since I will not be having subutex for the next 2 weeks--I know it would be good for me but I'm worried for the baby. Any advice until i can get the refill or should I just take my tramadol when needed and the clonapin for the anxiety?

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Debra, Thank you so much! this is extremely helpful and I am going to start today dropping to 7 and I'll let you know how I feel as I continue lowering my dose. I'm currently taking 4 milligrams twice a day. I was actually doing three times a day because it felt like it wasn't lasting? but that could just be all in my head so I've cut it down to twice a day. Ill update in a week! I'm extremely determined and I want to do this I'm going to do this. Ladies, mind over matter right? whatever we set our minds to we can essentially do . and don't cry and don't feel bad because you are in recovery with the suboxone and you are not intentionally trying to harm your baby its better than being in active addiction. Good luck!

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Baby girl - u took the words out of my mouth. I need to know what u did and what happened? Please im so scared. We have an addiction n it sucks. We would never hurt our babies. I would love to talk to u please.

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Let mr know what happens im in the same boat lets talk I want ur email ir number ir ill guve y mine it off everyone I read ur related the most

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