Mamas Who Have Taken Zofran

[sraplayas]

i've been taking zofran for the past 5 days and wondering about a few things. first, i knew about the constipation (dealing with that!) but i am also experiencing light-headedness and nausea when i lift up my head, go from sitting to standing, etc. i have basically been on bedrest for a week but i have been able to get more food and water down--and i am still so weak. my bp and sugar is usually low and i did drop quite a bit of weight but wondering what i can do and what others have experienced?

thanks!

[cameragirl]

How much are you taking? They may need to raise the dose if you're still having issues getting water and food down. If you're still feeling lightheaded, I would call the doctor. Often getting your blood volume up with IV fluids can help break the cycle for awhile. It is easy to do, but doctors don't offer it as much as they probably should. (I was talking about this with an infusion nurse last month, because I managed to avoid hyperemesis this time. Last time was horrible.) If you can't advocate for yourself right now because of how you're feeling, have your spouse or someone else you trust to advocate for you. I was often so sick and unable to talk that my husband would call and take care of getting treatment lined up.

[sraplayas]

thanks cameragirl. i've been able to get more food down everyday and i was able to i.e. take a 20-minute shower standing up without getting light-headed so that's a start. i'm trying to get more salt into what i eat, too. i have to say that i am nervous about even talking to the obgyn again for fear that she'll overreact and want to put me in the hospital again (it was a nighttmare). maybe i'm really sensitive to the zofran? since it says that side effects include lightheadedness i'm wondering about that too. btw i'm taking 4mg 2xday. keep in mind i'm at 95lbs--5'2 and very sensitive to any medication....

[cameragirl]

It's hard to say with the lightheaded feeling. That could be the meds or being low on fluids/sugar. Do you have the option of seeing a nurse midwife with that practice? If so, they're usually easier to work with and more understanding. They don't have to hospitalize or infusions...it seems like they either don't react and care or you, or they over-react with hospitalization.

[mrs_mandolini]

4 mg, 2x day is actually quite a LOW dose. I took "vitamin Z" my whole 1st pregnancy (from 7 weeks on.) 8 mg, 4 x day. Often they only lasted 4 hours and I would spend the last 2 feeling like you describe before I was "allowed" the next one.

I'm not a big person either.

That lightheaded/ crappy feeling is dehydration/ starvation/low blood pressure. You may need MORE zofran. Which doesn't require a trip to the hospital, just a different prescription. Or, if Z. doesn't work there are other anti-nausea meds.

There is a hyperemesis gravidarum forum & website that you may want to search for on the web. Having been hospitalized, you may meet the criteria for this. It is awful but trying to "tough it out" really can result in worse outcomes for you + baby. I know this, my first pg only made it to 32 w (baby had normal preemie issues) and I attribute this directly to HG.

[sraplayas]

Thanks, Mrs. Mandolini. I am paying for the zofran myself--$10 a 8mg pill. It may sound like a good deal but it is sure adding up! My OB gave me something else that wasn't working and I was too sick to go in so we just bought the zofran (I live outside of the US). It has helped, b/c I was out of control before that and now I do have pockets of feeling OK (albeit laying down). Meanwhile, my OB hasn't returned my calls. So, I am receiving help through email with my naturopathic doctor who is very good. I just hate the idea of taking more zofran!

[rebirth]

Hi mama... Have you considered herbs and acupuncture? I had HG last time... Lost 18% of my weight and was able to control it okish with herbs (peach leaf, camomile) and accupressure. This time I have completely avoided HG symptoms with diet changes, acupuncture as needed, and herbs. I am relatively scared of prescription medication (or OTC for that matter).


Doula mama to my nursing toddler Noah

[cameragirl]

It stinks that Zofran is so darned expensive. Is a generic available yet? Another thing to try is beans. I've read a lot on the HG support groups about beans. I made a point of eating a lot of beans at the start of this pregnancy. I'm not sure if it helped or not, but it was nutritious at least.

[sraplayas]

rebirth--thanks for your thoughts. i have thought of acupuncture but dh has been out of town for a week and i haven't had the heart to ask yet another favor of my friends. do you really believe it helps? i haven't even gone down the stairs in over a week let alone gotten into the car but if it is really effective for m/s then it would be worth a try.

cameragirl--yes generic is available but not where i live. :( i tried beans and oh my i got very bad gas--not a good combination with constipation (sorry, tmi!).

I ordered a hazelwood necklace and it should arrive today or monday. who knows?

eating mashed potatoes and so far, so good!

still praying that this will vanish soon!

thanks so much for your support, it means alot

[rebirth]

Yes, acupuncture is amazing for it. I say ask friends.... That is what they are for! The one day this time I was REALLY sick (and after HG I seriously know what that means, and don't say it lightly!) I got accupuncture and felt so much better.

Additionally, the abc homeopathy website is a favorite of mine


Doula mama to my nursing toddler Noah