CRYSTAL METH, METHAMPHETAMINES, AND …
VALPROIC ACID, AND COMPLICATIONS IF USED
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General Discussion
Fetal Valproate Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder caused by exposure of the fetus to valproic acid (dalpro, depakene, depakote, depakote sprinkle, divalproex, epival, myproic acid) during the first three months of pregnancy. Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug used to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. A small percentage of pregnant women who take this medication can have a child with Fetal Valproate Syndrome. The exact prevalence of this condition remains to be established. Symptoms of this disorder may include spina bifida, distinctive facial features, and other musculoskeletal abnormalities.
Symptoms
Infants with Fetal Valproate Syndrome may be born with spina bifida. Spina bifida is the incomplete closure of bony spine. It occurs when the tube of tissue that lies along the center of the early embryo (neural tube) does not completely fuse during fetal growth. Part of the contents of the spinal canal may protrude through this opening (bifida cystica). Depending on the severity of the opening, a variety of neurological and physical symptoms may occur. (For more information on this disorder choose "Spina Bifida as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)
Distinctive facial features are characteristic of Fetal Valproate Syndrome. Affected infants may have a vertical fold of skin on either side of the nose that forms a groove under the eye (epicanthal folds); a small, upturned nose with a flat bridge; a small mouth (microstomia); a long, thin, upper lip; a downturned mouth; and/or minor abnormalities of the ears.
Other abnormalities that may be found in a few affected individuals include: underdeveloped nails of the fingers and toes; dislocation of the hip; long, thin fingers and toes (arachnodactyly); overlapping fingers and toes; separation of the rectus muscle of the abdominal wall (diastasis recti); absence of the first rib; a condition in which the urinary opening is on the underside of the penis (hypospadias); abnormalities of the heart; softening of the windpipe (tracheomalacia); and/or a club foot.
Growth deficiency and an unusually small head (microcephaly) may also occur when valproic acid is taken in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs during pregnancy.
Causes
Fetal Valproate Syndrome is a rare disorder that may occur when a fetus is exposed to valproic acid (depakene, dalpro, myproic acid, depakote, depakote sprinkle, divalproex, epival) during the first three months of pregnancy. It is believed that valproic acid crosses the placenta and interferes with normal development causing developmental abnormalities in the fetus (teratogenesis). Some researchers feel that the severity of the defects caused by valproic acid may be dosage related while others have found no dose-related effect.
Valproic acid in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs may also cause fetal abnormalities.
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Description
Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex belong to the group of medicines called anticonvulsants. They are used to control certain types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex may be used alone or with other seizure medicine. Divalproex is also used to treat the manic phase of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness), and to help prevent migraine headaches.
Divalproex and valproate sodium form valproic acid in the body. Therefore, the following information applies to all of these medicines.
Pregnancy
Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex have been reported to cause birth defects when taken by the mother during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Also, animal studies have shown that valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex cause birth defects when taken in doses several times greater than doses used in humans. However, these medicines may be necessary to control seizures in some pregnant patients. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
Valproic acid, valproate sodium, and divalproex pass into the breast milk, but their effect on the nursing baby is not known. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast-feeding during treatment with valproic acid, valproate sodium, or divalproex. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
Children
Abdominal or stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, tiredness or weakness, and yellow eyes or skin may be especially likely to occur in children, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of these medicines. Children up to 2 years of age, those taking more than one medicine for seizure control, and children with certain other medical problems may be more likely to develop serious side effects.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
body aches or pain; congestion; cough; dryness or soreness of throat; fever; hoarseness runny nose; tender, swollen glands in neck; trouble in swallowing; voice changes.
Less common
Abdominal or stomach cramps (severe); behavioral, mood, or mental changes; blurred vision;; confusion;; continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; earache, redness or swelling in ear; dizziness,; double vision; faintness, or light-headedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness; fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse; heavy, nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding; increase in seizures; loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting (continuing); rapid weight gain; spots before eyes; swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet; tingling of hands or feet; tiredness and weakness; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual weight gain or loss; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; yellow eyes or skin.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Abdominal or stomach cramps (mild); acid or sour stomach; belching; heartburn; indigestion; stomach discomfort, upset or pain; change in menstrual periods; crying paranoia; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods; depersonalization; dysphoria; diarrhea; euphoria; hair loss; indigestion; lack or loss of strength; loss of appetite; loss of bowel control; mental depression; nausea and vomiting; paranoia; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rapidly changing moods; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; trembling of hands and arms; unusual weight loss or gain.
Less common or rare
Absence of or decrease in body movement; absent, missed, or irregular menstrual periods; stopping of menstrual bleeding; anxiety; nervousness; restlessness; bloated full feeling; bloody or cloudy urine; bloody nose; bruising; burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles" , or tingling feelings; burning, dry or itching eyes; change in taste; chills; clumsiness or unsteadiness; coin-shaped lesions on skin; cold sweats; confusion; constipation; cramps; decreased awareness or responsiveness; degenerative disease of the joint; difficult, burning, or painful urination; difficulty in moving; discharge; excessive tearing of eye; discouragement; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; excess air or gas in stomach or intestines; excessive muscle tone; muscle tension or tightness; muscle stiffness; feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings; feeling sad or empty; feeling of warmth or heat;; flushing or redness of skin, especially on face and neck; frequent urge to urinate; headache; heavy bleeding; irregular heartbeats; irritability; joint pain; swollen joints; lack of appetite; lip smacking ; uncontrolled chewing movements; loss of hair; loss of interest or pleasure; loss of memory; problems with memory; mimicry of speech or movements; muscle aching or cramping; muscle pains or stiffness; mutism; negativism; normal menstrual bleeding occurring earlier, possibly lasting longer than expected; pain; passing gas; peculiar postures or movements, mannerisms or grimacing; puffing of cheeks; rapid or worm-like movements of tongue; redness, swelling, or soreness of tongue; severe sleepiness; shortness of breath; difficult or labored breathing; small red or purple spots on skin; stuffy nose; runny nose; sneezing; redness, pain, swelling of eye, eyelid, or inner lining of eyelid; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; sensation of spinning; shaking; shortness of breath; hyperventilation; skin rash; sweating; tightness in chest; tiredness; trouble concentrating; trouble in speaking; slurred speech; trouble sleeping; uncontrolled chewing movements; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs; unusual excitement, restlessness, or irritability; wheezing.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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valproic acid
Pronunciation: val PROE ik AH sid
Brand: Depakene
What is the most important information I should know about valproic acid?
In rare cases, valproic acid has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage
In rare cases, valproic acid has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with valproic acid, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking valproic acid to prevent the seizures from recurring.
Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Valproic acid may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if valproic acid is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking valproic acid in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
What is valproic acid?
Valproic acid affects chemicals in the body that may be involved in causing seizures. The exact way that it works is unknown.
Valproic acid is used to treat various types of seizure disorders.
Valproic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking valproic acid?
Do not take valproic acid if you have liver disease.
Valproic acid is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Malformations of the face and head, heart, and nervous system have been reported. Do not take valproic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.
Valproic acid passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take valproic acid without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Extreme caution must be used if valproic acid is used to treat seizures in a child younger than 2 years of age due to the increased risk of liver damage.
How should I take valproic acid?
Take valproic acid exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take valproic acid with food if it causes stomach upset.
Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules because they may hurt the mouth or throat. Swallow them whole
Measure the liquid form of valproic acid with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests during treatment. It is important for your doctor to know how much medication is in the blood and how well your liver is working.
Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
Do not stop taking the medication even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking valproic acid to prevent the seizures from recurring.
Store valproic acid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a valproic acid overdose include unconsciousness, sleepiness or drowsiness, faint or no heartbeat, decreased breathing, or stopped breathing.
What should I avoid while taking valproic acid?
Valproic acid may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if valproic acid is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking valproic acid in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valproic acid may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What are the possible side effects of valproic acid?
In rare cases, valproic acid has caused liver failure, sometimes resulting in death. Children younger than 2 years of age, especially those taking multiple seizure medicines, those with metabolic diseases, those with mental retardation, and those with organic brain disease are at the highest risk of liver failure. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop loss of seizure control, weakness, fatigue, swelling of the face, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage.
In rare cases, valproic acid has also caused severe, even fatal, cases of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Some of the cases have progressed rapidly from initial symptoms to death. Cases have been reported soon after starting treatment with valproic acid, as well as after several years of use. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. These symptoms may be early signs of pancreatitis.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking valproic acid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
a rash;
hallucinations;
loss of coordination or difficulty walking;
unusual bleeding or bruising; or
double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take valproic acid and notify your doctor if you experience
tremor (shaking);
weight gain;
menstrual changes;
hair loss;
drowsiness or weakness;
depression or other psychiatric changes;
headache; or
low red blood cells (anemia).
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect valproic acid?
Other drugs used to treat seizures such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), felbamate (Felbatol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), clonazepam (Klonopin), and others may increase or decrease the effects of valproic acid and may themselves have increased or decreased effectiveness. Tell your doctor about all other medications that you are taking.
Before taking valproic acid, tell your doctor if you are taking warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. Valproic acid may interact with these medications and affect clotting of the blood. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking either of these drugs.
Valproic acid may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if valproic acid is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking valproic acid in combination with alcohol or any other medicines.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with valproic acid. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
DEXEDRINE, AND COMPLICATIONS IF USED
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Q) What is Dexedrine?
A) Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) is an amphetamine, belonging to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants it is a Schedule II controlled substance. Dexedrine was often used in the late 60s and early 70s as a prescription diet aid, because one of the effects of such stimulant drugs is to suppress appetite. Dexedrine (and its more potent cousin Benzedrine) was also commonly (and illegally) used by college students, either for the stimulant high it provided or as a study aid.
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Q) How does Dexedrine work?
A) This drug works by suppressing all spontaneous behavior. Dexedrine reduces all spontaneous or self generated activates which is shown by the following characteristics: exploration and curiosity, socializing, and an increase in obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
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Q) What does Dexedrine look like?
A) Dexedrine is manufactured in orange 5mg, 10mg, 20mg tablets and 5mg, 10mg, and 15mg clear and brown capsules.
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Q) What side effects occur with the use and abuse of Dexedrine?
A) The side effects that occur with Dexedrine are: addiction, agitation/irritability, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea, weight loss, hallucinations, liver irritation/toxicity, increased heart rate, tics, Tourette's syndrome, sexual difficulties, behavior disturbances, and thought disorder, elevation of blood pressure, over stimulation, restlessness, dizziness, euphoria, headache, exacerbation of motor skills, diarrhea, and constipation.
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Q) What are the symptoms of a Dexedrine overdose?
A) The symptoms of a Dexedrine overdose are: abdominal cramps, assaultiveness, coma, confusion, convulsions, depression, diarrhea, fatigue, hallucinations, high fever, heightened reflexes, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, nausea, panic, rapid breathing, restlessness, tremor, and vomiting.
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Q) What drug interactions occur with the use and abuse of Dexedrine?
A) The drug interactions which can occur with the use / abuse of Dexedrine are:
MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) - serious, even fatal, interactions can occur
Acidifying agents like guanethidine, reserpine, and fruit juices can lower absorption of Dexedrine.
Alkalinizing agents such as Diamox (acetazolamide) increase absorption of Dexedrine and other amphetamines.
Tricyclic antidepressants may increase their levels when taken with Dexedrine. Although tricyclic antidepressants may be used with amphetamines to help make them work better, using the two medicines together may increase the chance of fast or irregular heartbeat, severe high blood pressure, or high fever.
Thorazine (chlorpromazine), lithium, and Haldol (haloperidol) can lower the effectiveness of Dexedrine.
Dexedrine increases the effects of norepinephrine.
Amantadine (Symmetrel), Caffeine (NoDoz), Chlophedianol (Ulone), Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Nabilone (Cesamet), Pemoline (Cylert)- these medicines may increase the stimulant effects of Dexedrine and cause nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, and possibly convulsions (seizures).
Appetite suppressants (diet pills), Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems, Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies (including nose drops or sprays) - these medicines may increase the stimulant effects of amphetamines and cause nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, or convulsions (seizures), and affect the heart and blood vessels.
Beta-adrenergic blocking agents (beta blockers) may increase the chance of high blood pressure and heart problems when taken with Dexedrine
Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine). Amphetamines may cause additive effects, resulting in irregular heartbeat.
Meperidine - when Dexedrine is taken at with meperidine, it increases the chances of certain side effects such as fever, convulsions, and even coma.
Thyroid hormones-The effects either of these hormones or of Dexedrine may increase when both are being taken.
CRYSTAL METH, METHAMPHETAMINES, AND COMPLICATIONS IF USED DURING PREGNANCY
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Question about Meth and Pregnancy:
What are the effects of meth and preganacy?
Answer: I have included two separate articles that pretty much sums it up. I can tell you from personal experience, from people I have met over the years who used meth all during their pregnancy, did have children with various problems and some of those problems didn't start to show until later on when the children were in school. They were slower, sickly, and as babies, were smaller and cried a lot. Basically, every thing that is described below in these two articles these children suffered from at least one of the abnormalities.
Hope this helps.
US MT: Meth Use Linked To Birth Woes
URL:
Newshawk: Sledhead
Pubdate: Sun, 30 Apr 2000
Source: Billings Gazette, The (MT)
Copyright: 2000 The Billings Gazette
Contact: speakup@
Address: P.O. Box 36300, Billings, MT 59101-6300
Fax: 406-657-1208
Website:
Author: Pat Bellinghausen
METH USE LINKED TO BIRTH WOES
Research is starting to confirm what experts in addiction and child health have suspected: Parents' methamphetamine abuse is bad for babies. The problem is not simply this one drug, it's all drugs, according to Dr. Kathy Masis, a family doctor and addiction treatment expert who spoke at the Regional Methamphetamine Task Force meeting Friday in Billings. Masis works with the Indian Health Service Billings Area Office. "Cigarette smoking causes more damage to babies than methamphetamine does because so many U.S. women smoke while they're pregnant," Masis said. The effects that another legal drug alcohol has on the developing fetus have been well documented and are publicized in campaigns to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome. Publicity over "crack babies" born to cocaine addicts seems to have left an impression that cocaine is bad for babies, too.
Amazingly, health care practitioners around the country are hearing from their pregnant patients that they think methamphetamine isn't dangerous to babies. "I've heard it in Montana. They've heard it in Southern California," said Masis, who recently attended a national conference on research into methamphetamine's effects on babies. "They say, `I know alcohol is bad, so I switched to methamphetamine.' They know about crack babies, but they haven't heard that methamphetamine is bad." "What we're hearing is women switching from one drug to another.
The message I want mothers to hear is: `Don't do drugs during pregnancy. Get clean,'
" Masis said. About 20 social service and addiction treatment professionals on the Montana-Wyoming task force listened as Masis described how methamphetamine can harm an unborn child. "If you're taking methamphetamine, you are not eating. We know that. That leads to malnutrition," she said. Masis said people who abuse methamphetamine never use just the one drug. They use it in combination with alcohol, marijuana, opiates, LSD and other substances, sometimes using these other drugs to moderate some of the effects of methamphetamine, according to addiction counselors at the meeting. The death of a newborn resulting from methamphetamine use has been rarely documented, she said. It's not known how often methamphetamine causes miscarriages, but it has been associated with miscarriages late in pregnancy.
One great hazard of drug use during pregnancy is that the fetus doesn't grow and the birth weight is low. Low birth weight puts the baby at risk for a host of problems and is the No. 1 reason for admissions to intensive care nurseries, Masis said. Although research focuses on maternal drug use, Masis said what fathers do also matters. Battering during pregnancy and an unsafe environment for the mother and baby after the birth are substantial factors in infant health. Getting a pregnant woman into addiction treatment isn't the best solution, Masis said. "We need to have more treatment available to mom before she is pregnant." In one review of research on babies born to methamphetamine-addicted mothers, the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York found that methamphetamine produced many of the same effects as cocaine. Both are powerful stimulants that raise blood pressure and the risk of stroke. Both drugs have been associated with heart abnormalities in babies.
Babies exposed to methamphetamine were smaller, showed abnormal behavior in constant crying and jitteriness and were at greater risk for bleeding in the brain.
Other researchers have associated cleft lip with methamphetamine exposure. Masis said there is much that can be done to help babies affected by prenatal methamphetamine exposure. The greatest period of brain development is in the last three months of pregnancy and in the first year of life, she said. There is opportunity to help drug-exposed babies even after birth, she said. "What we need to do is nurture them," Masis said. "Love is the most powerful medicine and that's what these babies need."
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MAP posted-by: Derek Rea
Media Awareness Project
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Irvine, CA, 92604-0326
(800) 266-5759 Contact: Mark Greer (mgreer@)
Editor: Richard Lake (rlake@)
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CRANK BABIES:
Methamphetamine drugs may be the worst drugs to hit America. These are drugs like ice, crystal, speed and crank. A national household survey estimates almost nine and one-half million Americans have tried one of these drugs. Well, researchers now are looking at how they impact the most defenseless lives of all newborn babies.
AH, THE MIRACLE OF LIFE. TEN LITTLE FINGERS, TEN TOES AND WHAT A CUTE NOSE! PARENTS HOPE FOR A GIRL OR A BOY. BUT MOST OF ALL. PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILD TO BE AS HEALTHY AS THIS ONE.
New mother: ".just hoping that he was nice and healthy, and everything is okay. Yeah. He's been really healthy."
IT DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK OUT THIS WAY. IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA 20 OUT OF EVERY 1,000 BABIES BORN WILL HAVE SOME KIND OF MAJOR BIRTH DEFECT. AND THAT NUMBER INCREASES WHEN MOTHERS ABUSE DRUGS DURING PREGNANCY.
Dr. Michael Sherman/Neonatologist: "You are talking about four times more birth defects with cocaine. You are talking about six times more birth defects if you are talking about methamphetamine."
WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE? IT'S A GROUP OF ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS DRUGS THAT ARE SNORTED, SWALLOWED, SMOKED OR INJECTED AND CAUSE THE BRAIN TO BE FLOODED WITH DOPAMINE, WHICH IS A CHEMICAL THAT STIMULATES PLEASURE.
THE TEMPORARY PLEASURE FROM DRUG USE COMES WITH A COST. MEMORY LOSS, PSYCHOSES, BRAIN DAMAGE, HEART DAMAGE, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, INSOMNIA, AND INTENSE PARANOIA ARE JUST SOME OF THE POSSIBILITIES. AND WHAT DOES METH DO TO A NEWBORN BABY?
Dr. Sherman: "Effects on the brain and spinal cord, such as spina bifida, effects on the heart, effects on the kidneys, where you may have water or malformation of the kidney, particularly. There is a high occurrence of problems with the development of the intestines. There might be skeletal abnormalities, where they might have club foot, or developmental abnormalities or missing parts of their arms or legs as a consequence of this abuse."
DR. MICHAEL SHERMAN, CHIEF OF NEONATOLOGY AT UC DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER, IS STUDYING HOW DEVASTATING THE EFFECTS OF METH CAN BE TO NEWBORN BABIES.
Dr. Sherman: "This is called gastroschesis - it's where there is a hole in the abdomen. All of the intestines are outside the body. This is a common birth defect in mothers who abuse methamphetamine and cocaine before birth particularly methamphetamine."
THIS LITTLE ONE'S HEART MUSCLE WAS SO UNDERDEVELOPED IT STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY AFTER BIRTH.
Dr. Sherman: "This is where she had her first surgery, and she then had the surgery again. And here... down here is where the pacemaker is."
AFTER RECOVERING FROM SEVERAL HEART SURGERIES AND EVEN NEEDING A PACEMAKER TO SURVIVE THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF LIFE, THIS DRUG EXPOSED BABY STILL HAS MANY MORE BATTLES TO OVERCOME.
Dr. Sherman: "But the long-term consequences of its effects in the development of the brain may last for years and years and years."
Myrna Terry, foster parent: "There was a time when this child could only sit for about five minutes."
FOSTER PARENTS LIKE MYRNA TERRY KNOW THOSE CONSEQUENCES. SHE TAKES DRUG-EXPOSED INFANTS STRAIGHT FROM THE HOSPITAL NURSERY INTO HER HEART AND HOME. SHE LOVES AND CARES FOR THE BABIES WHO ARE VICTIMS OF THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE.
Myrna: "The sleepless nights we went through that seemed like forever because even when his body was rid of the drugs, he still had problem with sleeping. Sleep disorder has always been a problem for him."
Dr. Sherman: "The babies may often have sleep disturbances because it does effect transmitters in the brain. So these babies have been described as occasionally irritable babies."
THE EFFECTS OF METH ON BABIES CONTINUE LONG AFTER BIRTH. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THESE CHILDREN START SCHOOL?
Dr. Sherman: "It is difficult to assess how they are going to do at school. Will they have learning disabilities, will they be hyperactive? What will be the really long-term consequences?" "Don't use drugs. This can result in a very serious problem for your baby."
Myrna: "Think of the damage that not only you are imposing on yourself but this innocent child, and the way society looks at this child." These drugs are affecting and, in fact, ruining millions of lives. Researchers have just begun to look at the immediate effects of meth, but the long-term effects to children born to meth-addicted mothers are still unknown.
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