What can i do?

[tnmomma]

I am on Prometrium and have been sick as a dog for a month now since i been on it. I am almost 10 weeks pregnant. The past couple days i havent been able to keep much down. I constantly feel like i am going to throw up and get no relief any part of the day!!!! What can i do? My dr has written scrips but i dont have the money for them right now and when i call them for other options they say there is nothing they can do and if i cant keep anything down i just need to go to the ER. If i cant afford a scrip how the heck can i afford an ER visit??? I still have 3 weeks left on this pill. Will all this stop once I quit taking it?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi! and Congratulations!
It is most likely the pregnancy and not the Prometrium which is causing you to be sick, and I'm not sure whether that is good or bad news!  So, no it won't stop when you stop the Prometrium, however, it might stop (pregnancy associated nausea and vomiting aka morning sickness) often gets better as you get into your second trimester--week 13-14 or so.
There are some pretty decent and inexpensive medications that might help you--the first one that comes to my mind is Reglan.  This is an old generic and would be pretty cheap.
There are also lots and lots of remedies for nausea/vomiting.  Some of my patients have found that the motion sickness bracelets help.  There is some decent evidence that ginger helps--if you look on line you can find ginger lollipops, etc.

Sometimes  combination of vitamin B6 and Unisom helps--this is not prescription, so you can buy it on your own and isn't too expensive.

Finally, sometimes dehydration is causing the nausea and it is a vicious cycle.  So a visit to the emergency room is indicated if it has been more than 24 hours since you were able to hold anything down.

Most ER visits are covered (at least partially) by insurance--do you qualify for any health insurance.  Also, ask your MD if you qualify for any assistance--there is lots available for pregnant mammas, and a good social worker should be able to connect you!

Good luck--It almost always gets better!

Dr B

[Maggie8716]

Hi tnmomma!!

I would HIGHLY recommend the wrist bands that you can get at Walgreens for the sickness. They go on your wrists, and cost about 10.00 WELL WORTH IT. They put pressure on a specific place in your wrist to stop it from happening. If you go to the pharmacy part, ask for the motion sickness wristbands. i think there is even one type called Sea bands. I got the regular generic ones...

Let me know if this works for you!!!

Maggie