Club Drugs--Ecstasy (E, X, XTC) GHB (Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous Bodily Harm, Georgia Home Boy) Ketamine (K, Special K, Ket, Vitamin K, Kit Kat) Rohypnol (Roofies, R-2)

Info for teens--The American club drug story--information on effects.
Designed to help consumers seeking information about the illegal drugs referred to as club drugs.

Dear Floyd:

I have two friends that are married, and both took ecstasy on Sat, night, they both are 100% sure that swallowed a pill each. However, they found out that the wife conceived on a Monday night following the (2 days after taking the pill) ecstasy. The both know this for certain for it was there first time doing any kind of drug including alcohol (which was not taking the same night of the pill). The questions they both have are if there baby will have clubbed feet or some sort of retardation or some sort of handicap, even though it was taken prior to conception? Please help... for they are too scared to even say anything to the Dr. or any body else for that matter. I was an extreme addict and now I don't even drink nor smoke. And they felt comfortable enough to ask me. Unfortunately the wife is crying daily for she feels she ruined her future child before it even had a chance.

Hi:

Thanks for your email. Under normal circumstances, with first use, your friend's body should have had sufficient time to metabolize the drugs in her body before she conceived. Again, I doubt that harm has been done, but prompt medical consultation and advice should be obtained as soon as possible.

Her situation can be affected by other medical conditions and medications. People who take Ecstacy often experience depression for a period of time following the drug use. If the person experiences depression and then goes on a prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Prozac, the combination of the two drugs in the future could be extremely harmful. Combining ecstacy with alcohol can also be very dangerous.

See drug interactions: http://www.aidsetc.org/aetc/aetc?page=cm-314_rec_drugs

However, of greatest concern to me is your friend's failure to discuss this with her doctor. She needs to establish a good relationship with her doctor for her child's sake. The person who tells herself, "I have done something stupid and hurt my unborn child"--and then bottles up the fear and anxiety and doesn't consult the doctor--is suffering both mental and physical stress, unnecessarily.

Has your friend given any thought to how an extended period of fear, extreme anxiety, and guilt may effect her own body chemistry and the development of the child? If she is unable to have an open and honest medical relationship with her current doctor, she needs to quickly find a pediatrician that she likes and trusts. Both the expecting mom and her unborn child deserve the best prenatal medical care to insure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

You did not mention the age, employment or insurance status of your friend, but if she thinks the fetus has already been harmed, her depression may stem from guilty thoughts of aborting the pregnancy. She would benefit from sympathetic and supportive counseling by a trained mental health professional during this upsetting time. If she can not afford to pay for counseling, there are many community agencies that she can turn to for help. If you have a Crisis Clinic telephone service in your area, call to see if they will make a referral.

I can understand your friend's deep concern about these issues. I pray that she finds the strength and support to escape from the drama of the moment and take responsible action.

Best wishes to all of you,

Floyd Else, MA, LMHC, NCC, MAC Webmaster http://www.CounselingSeattle.com PO Box 6714 Bellevue, WA 98008-0714