Dr. Henry Paul, MD

Psychiatrist, Author and Educator

Tag Archives: hydrocodone

NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTED BABIES BORN IN THE U.S. IS ON THE RISE

January 25th, 2015

In June of 2014, I wrote about the growing number of drug-dependent babies being born to drug-addicted mothers. At that time, the state of Tennessee was monitoring its growing epidemic since the beginning of 2013. Now, a new study in Friday’s issue of the CDC Journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, is saying the abuse of, and addiction to, Opioids (prescription painkillers) has skyrocketed leading to an epidemic of drug-dependent babies.

34841088_sOn Thursday, U.S. Health officials said in a statement to WebMD News from HealthDay, “Too many women of childbearing age take narcotic painkillers, putting any unborn babies at risk.”

The narcotic painkillers most commonly prescribed are hydrocodone, oxycodone and codeine, also known as Vicodin, Demerol, OxyContin and Percocet. The study says that most of the mothers are prescribed pain medication to treat moderate to severe pain from a surgery.

“Using narcotic painkillers in early pregnancy can increase the risk for certain birth defects, including spina bifida (a defect of the spine), gastroschisis (a defect of the abdominal wall) and heart defects,” said CDC epidemiologist Jennifer Lind in a statement to WebMD News from HealthDay.

Babies born drug addicted have to go through an excruciating drug withdrawal, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). These babies can have seizures, brain damage and in later years school difficulties and behavior problems. It is heart-breaking to watch them go through this!

The complicated issue here is that the mothers are victims, too. Many are prescribed these addictive medications by a doctor to treat their pain. These women not only become addicted to the pain medications, but they also become pregnant. Once pregnant they become fearful of discussing their addiction with their doctor, family or friends. What needs to be understood is that there are two victims who need treatment – mother and child. This is a very heart-wrenching time for both and so compassion and understanding are necessary. Also, necessary are laws that make women feel safe so they can seek help for their addiction, and not fear losing their babies.

If you suspect that a friend or loved one is addicted to pain medications and pregnant you should talk about it with her, suggest she speak with her doctor, not be judgmental and help her to find the correct treatment.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.

 

NEW REGULATIONS ON DISPENSING HYDROCODONE. WILL IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

August 25th, 2014

In Move to Curb Drug Abuse, D.E.A. Tightens Rule on Widely Prescribed Painkiller — The stricter rule for hydrocodone, which is the most widely prescribed painkiller in the United States and which is an ingredient in drugs like Vicodin, is one of the most far-reaching efforts to stop the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse. More than 20,000 Americans die every year because of prescription drug abuse, according to federal data.  The New York Times

 

On Friday, the federal government tightened the regulations on the most prescribed painkiller in America, hydrocodone. The reason? Hydrocodone is an ingredient in drugs like Vicodin and a leader in the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse here in the United States.

As a psychiatrist treating adults and teens for over 30 years, I know that painkillers like Vicodin are highly addictive and are adding to a growing heroin addiction in this country.

As far as hydrocodone, the changes that the government requires are sweeping, making it much more difficult to prescribe the drug. For this drug, doctors will no longer be able to call in prescriptions, and patients will no longer be able to get refills on the same prescription without returning to their doctor for a visit. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) published a rule on Thursday, August 21, 2014, which also requires pharmacies to keep the drug in a vault.

The problem is that the abuse of painkillers claims more lives than any other drug including heroin and cocaine combined, and hydrocodone and other painkillers are the leading cause of heroin addiction. The heroin addiction is out of control, and I have written several blogs about it and the need for more education about the epidemic. See my blogs on heroin Governor Cuomo Recognizes Heroin Epidemic and The Growing Heroin Problem in America.

These new restrictions are not a solution to the problem, but they do acknowledge the need to do something. Oxycodone, the main ingredient in OxyContin, which I am sure many of you have heard about, is highly addictive and has been restricted for years.

The downside of restricting all of these drugs is that it will most likely lead to an increase in heroin abuse. Why? Because synthetic heroin is cheap. The reality is that it is good to be aware of the need for restricting medications like hydrocodone, but we need to also be vigilant about educating our teens and young adults, the most affected population, about the dangers of these drugs and heroin.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or psychiatric advice for individual conditions or treatment and does not substitute for a medical or psychiatric examination. A psychiatrist must make a determination about any treatment or prescription. Dr. Paul does not assume any responsibility or risk for the use of any information contained within this blog.