There was recently a post suggesting that we might use Narcan for our
drugged babies.  I don't remember when, where or who, just that it was
mentioned.  As an old L&D RN I have given a lot of Narcan in my time.  We
used to routinely give it to Mom 5-10 minutes prior to delivery to hopefully
to reverse the Demerol we had given in labor.  We also frequently gave it to
babes when they were lethargic with low APGARS at delivery.

 

Four months ago I had a colon resection.  I am on long-term narcotics due to
degenerative disc disease & severe rheumatoid arthritis.  My pain management
doc had weaned me from the long-term meds so that I would be able to take
the pain meds needed following surgery.  Well, even tho' I was armed with
written notes from him and a typed scenario from me stating what I had been
taking when it was to be decreased again, etc, etc, the hospital pharmacy
and nursing staff overlooked those things and placed me on my original
dosage of medication.  This was approximately four times the amount I should
have been taking.  Within 24 hours I was unresponsive!  For the first time
in my life I received NARCAN and I can tell you that it was the worst drug
that I have ever received.  I had it again later that same day with the same
reaction.  

 

It made me sick to think how many times I had given it to babies and moms,
but especially to poor unsuspecting babies.  I talked to my doctor later
about the side effect, which I truly cannot describe.  He told me that it is
a normal s.e. for narcan and that everyone feels it.  I guess what I am
trying to say is that I wouldn't want to see anyone receive narcan without a
live & death need for it.

 

Royce Anderson RN, IBCLC, CD (DONA)


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