I took ritodrine (experimental at the time) during my pregnancy and want to speak with other mothers about the effects on the children as they grow up. My son growing up had psychological and social problems and as an adult still does. Seeking others with similar circumstances.
Long term effects on children whose mothers were given ritodrine during pregnancy?
Question posted by brandyashley on 14 Nov 2011
Last updated on 9 May 2023
23 Answers Page 2
MDHKJ
2 April 2017
Join the discussion at medschat.com. Also, check out Facebook Yutopar aka ritodrine.
VaughnM
4 Dec 2016
The drug was manufactured to affect soft muscle tissue. The brain is soft muscle tissue. I feel my life has been stolen.
Dawnsjoy
9 Jan 2017
I just Stumbled on this post. It looks like it is old, but I saw a few newer ones. I googled this because 2 years after I took Terbutaline for pre-term labor, andfter I gave birth to a son, just a couple of years later I fell into a deep dark depression, no one could explain it, but it was terrible. I had electro convulsive therapy (ECT) and my life has been hell. I was a happy person before this and had two children before this. I just wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this? My son also has ADHD. Anyone?
Dawnsjoy
9 Jan 2017
Oh, I took it in 1992.
allynn83
16 Jan 2017
Dawns joy - I never linked MY depression to taking the drug that was given to me in 1982 to stop my premature labor. I didn't go into an immediate deep depression, but within 2 years I began to struggle with depression until I couldn't stand it any longer and the only treatment alternative was ECT. Which I had in 2007 after years of medications, therapy, and hospitalizations. This drug very adversely affected my sons' life and mine as well.
tayflacal
14 Feb 2017
I was also given Yutopar/Ritrodine in '85 to stop premature labor. As I recall, the IV drip was approximately 2 weeks and in bed at the hospital. I was not asked, simply assured that this was the best way to prevent an early birth. After leaving hospital I took pill form until he was born. In elementary school he had many problems concentrating and staying still. He was tested and found to be borderline ADHD. H.S. was difficult for him, grades were barley passable. His senior year started off with his Fathers passing, after a four year illness. He barely made it through his senior year. Within the next two years my son tried college, started having panick and anxiety attacks. Had several jobs, couldn't hold on to. But still had a social life and friends. He decided to move and get an apartment and go to a different school. I was all for it. But then within two months of his move he was calling me with very strange comments, stories, none of which made any sense.
Hardly had any friends left.HE walked into an ER and was put into a psych hospital in 2007. This has been a nightmare for 10 years of prescription drugs many different doctors (he is 31) All of the same ailments that have been mentioned by so many of you. Bi-polar 1, schizoeffctive disorder. Having trouble fitting in in job situations, not able to finish classes at school. Angry at me, blaming me for his life problems. No social life, no friends,he lives in a world of frustration, anger, disappointment and a constant struggle to just make it through a day.
There must be some answers somewhere. Yes, the drug company from what I read is no longer around. But, what can we do? If there is any more information? Legal action, for our children? There seems to be too many incidents with a common thread, we are all suffering. We need help.
allynn83
6 April 2017
I had ECT treatments after suffering years of severe depression, in 2007. I was given Yutopar (ritatadrin) not spelled right) in 1982 to stop my premature labor. I have never met anyone else who has had ECT, let alone taken the same awful medication. I was fine too. I just assumed motherhood and life was charging me. And it wasn't "OK" to be a depressed, working, functioning mother in the early '80s, a sign of weakness. You had to suck it up buttercup. Don't know how I made it.
Ballees
17 April 2017
My son is 26, I took terbutaline in pill form and infusion pump. He has always had attention issues, digestion issues, hands shake and now we are dealing with anxiety issues. He is an adult but how do you deal with all these things? We were in the emergency room last night because he thought he was having a heart attack. Don't know what to do!
jlvu2
8 Aug 2017
I started taking ritrodine in 1984 at 4 month. I had lost a baby the year before and now was carrying twins. I was on complete bed rest until they were born full term, either at home or in hospital. After daughter was born I almost died with my son from toxiemia . After six weeks I went into very deep depression but figured I had a chemical imbalance and Dr wasn't concerned. This was my 5th and 6th children. I never was the same, I gained weight then would lose throughout the years, I lost strength but again I figured it was just part of life. Early 50s my foot swelled so big and no one knew why or I wonder now, if they cared. Had all kinds of tests. Had a hysterectomy from female problems. I had had my tubes tired about a year after the twins were born. A couple years later my cholesterol levels were sky high and had emergency open heart surgery, four bypass and aortic valve was mush,so it was replaced.
My legs feel like they ate lead and I was trying to figure out WHY and WHEN. I looked up ritrodine and wow! My twins have suffered, my daughter the most and now I know why! I told my son but he doesn't want to hear about it but I'm sure my daughter will, she's been on all kinds of meds and lots of stuff here, are same symptoms. Sad, all of this. I probably would have taken it to save my babies but I could have been prepared and worked in a different way to help them and I. My marriage went downhill and I felt so defeated as a mom because I was so depressed for so long.
Camille Miszczenko
3 Dec 2016
I was given Ritodrine in the hospital in 1981when I went into early labor at 28 weeks. I suffered extreme vomiting and fevers every time I took it and told the nurses I was having an allergic reaction. They said nobody was allergic to it and demanded I take it.They refused to even call my doctor and tell him what was happening. I was in there over the weekend so I didn't see my doctor for a couple days. When the doctor came in and found out what was happening, he was furious and changed my medication immediately. The rest of my pregnancy went smoothly but my son has suffered from serious mental and emotional problems throughout his life. I believe the Ritodrine caused it. When he was first born, he would scream and cry for hours on end until he was exhausted. I had to hold him constantly and the slightest noises would wake him.
He has always had digestive trouble and as an adult he is neurotic, sometimes delusional and suicidal, cannot work for or with other people, and has serious relationship problems. He just cannot accept or conform to societal norms. He sometimes complains of chest pain when he gets upset, and I think he could have heart problems. I have always suspected it was the Ritodrine that made him so different from my other children.
Smbpatch
3 Dec 2016
I was also given Yutopar with my youngest, but while in the hospital for the premature labor, heart problems were discovered in both of us. I had an irregular heartbeat (still do) and he had a heart murmur, which we were told had "cleared up" shortly after he was born. I was then switched to Brethine for the duration of my pregnancy. He also suffers with digestive problems, amongst many other things. As of now, no problems with psychosis.
I had an appointment with my doctor yesterday for a yearly checkup. She was on the team of doctors that I saw during both pregnancies. Spoke with her about Yutopar and told her what was happening with my son. She said that she thought it was removed from the market because it just didn't work. She also said that if you look long enough online, you would find others that are experiencing same issues as you no matter what they are.
I just recently thought to research this online myself, there may be many others that have not connected Yutopar with the symptoms their children are having. I do not blame her or the other doctors for the use of the drug, they were doing what they could to save my children. It's the makers of the drug that I am upset with and the FDA for allowing it to be used for preterm labor. From what I have read, the company is no longer around. Really not sure where to go from here. If everyone that took this med for preterm labor and their children have suffered with mental and social issues most of their lives would file a report with the FDA, it may be a step in the right direction. Also, check out Medschat.com for other people that have had the same problems.
novabern
25 July 2017
This is exactly my experience with my daughter--the sleep problems began right away. As a newborn, she was not allowed in the nursery because she cried like an older baby and disturbed all the other infants. She was inconsolable, had extreme tantrums as a toddler and elementary school child and could turn on a dime. Her problems have persisted into adulthood even though she is also generous, extremely intelligent and works hard at at trying to cope. She can GET any job she is interviewed for, but cannot keep it out of frustration. She is philosophically opposed to medication but she has to struggle so much to function I wish she could get some help. Is there any way that we parents could communicate directly?
LisaLen
9 May 2023
My son suffers the same way, even with chest pains. i also took it in 1981, and was 28 weeks. I didn’t take good to the drug either I had bad headaches, especially in my sleep, but my doctor said to just keep taking it. I’ve always wondered threw the years if my son has all these health problems it’s strange exactly like yours. I really would like to talk to you more. I wonder if we can sue even if it's been all these years.
lauraM68
15 Sep 2016
I was given yutopar during my pregnancy. My son was born 10-12 weeks premature and has been diagnosed with failure to thrive, adhd, borderline personality disorder, general anxiety disorder, and finally autism. I think the medication I was given caused this.
Smbpatch
5 Oct 2016
I was given Yutopar for premature labor in 1991. My 25 year old son has recently been diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. He has had problems with depression, social anxiety his whole life and was recently diagnosed with residual Aspergers and ADD. I've felt all along that those meds had something to do with it. He has a degree in mechanical engineering and is not able to work now.
FemDemMayor
16 July 2013
I have 24 yr old twins. Both are bright kids who struggle with mental health issues (severe bi-polar, depression and ADHD). I was given ritodrine to stop premature labor at 32 weeks. I was hospitalized, bed inverted, laying on left side for two weeks of continuous IV infused with ritodrine. Horrible experience for me but I believe the impacts on my kids are life altering. I can't find any conclusive studies that relate all this together. Has anybody found anything? It breaks my heart to watch my kids fight this.
mthmsvck
10 June 2013
I went into premature labor at 28 weeks in December of 1984 and was hospitalized for a week on a ritrodrine drip. I was then discharged with oral ritrodrine and bedrest. I was on ritodrine until I was about 8 months along. I gave birth to a seemingly healthy baby girl in February 1985. A little over four months ago, my daughter collapsed from a heart arrhythmia. I found her, did CPR, and called an ambulance. She was in the hospital on life support for almost a week before they declared her brain dead. She was only 27. I just remembered today that I was on this medication and researched it. No one warned me of potential side effects to my baby. I don't know if this caused my daughter's death, but could it have caused her arrhythmia? She was healthy, ate right, did not smoke or do drugs, and a graduate student working on a master's degree in social work. I wonder why there was no attempt to warn people that were prescribed ritrodrine about the side effects on their babies? I would like to know if this medication contributed to the death of my daughter?
gdorf
14 July 2013
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I too took ritodrine in 1986 and my son who is now 27 seems to be OK with just slight hand tremors, but I have always wondered if there were any side effects passed on through the placenta. Thank you for sharing your story as I will now make sure he is tested for heart arrhthmias. Reading other forums It is very sad to hear that many mothers who took the drug (which I had no idea was experimental at the time) have had horrific issues. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 years ago and wonder if Ritodrine is part of the cause? Any other moms diagnosed with major health issues?
randah122
24 Feb 2017
It's been ages since this comment was posted, but I wanted to share that this very thing happened to me in 2015. My mom took ritodrine to maintain her pregnancy with my sister and I after only 12 weeks of pregnancy and was forced on bed rest. All of the things described here, the shaking, the being tied down, heart racing, sweats, anxiety, depression, etc.; my mom has described to my sister and I.
After all of this happened to me in 2015, we started researching it. My mom was so adamant that my condition was all caused because of this medication. We've found several instances that indicate that it was nearly directly caused by this medication.
I was diagnosed with short qt intervals. This causes a ventricular seizure and the heart is not able to recover without a shock. I now have an implanted defibrillator to avoid any further sudden cardiac episodes. My sister also has cardiac issues, although hers effect her aorta. We both have anxiety disorders, and digestive issues. There is a medical history of anxiety disorders or digestive health issues in my family, so I can't credit that directly to the medication. The cardiac issues I believe are directly related to this medication in my opinion.
Reading your response gave me chills.
ejg8877
27 April 2018
I know this was posted years ago, but I also wanted to share my experience with ritodrine which I was given intravenously when I went into premature labor in March 1985, six weeks before I eventually gave birth, by Caesarean section.
My son is now 36 years old and has been in a non-verbal non-ambulatory condition ever since he suffered a heart attack in 2011. He went into cardiac arrest and consequently suffered anoxic brain injury. He was in a coma for 2 months and was PVS (persistent vegetative state) afterwards. He has begun being more responsive. Apparently, he had an undiagnosed heart condition called Wolf Parkinsson White syndrome. I believe in my gut that this was a side effect of ritodrine. At the time it was given to me, the doctors gave me no warning or explanation of possible side effects for me or the baby. I wasn’t even told that it was experimental.
I’m so glad that the FDA finally took this off the market. Too little too late for my son and I’m sure countless others.
veretta
19 Feb 2013
Brandlyashley. Mine has the same. I took it in 1985. It has had a profound effect on his life. VERETTA DYE
SAN-D
25 Feb 2013
Hi, Veretta! Thank you for your input. Could you please write more about your child's symptoms and in what areas he has difficulty functioning? Also when it first showed up? I will sit down and write the problems my son has dealt with and also what life for me has been like all these years. Please, all my other friends, if you would not mind sharing, I would love to hear the same from you. I would like to see the similarities we have gone through. Thanks!
veretta
26 Feb 2013
SAN-D, I started taking Ritodrine when I was around 12 weeks (1985). The medicine made my heart pound, I would shake uncontrollably and it would leave me weak. The doctors were aware of my reactions to the medication. However, I continued to take it until my due date. When my son was born it was determined that he had a VSD , no doubt right… and his mouth droop on one side. His VSD was not repaired at his birth, more on that later. During his school years he was diagnosed with learning disabilities. He has always been depressed even at an early age. At 6 we were taking him to see counselors. He has a difficult time dealing with everyday problems, he has very poor judgment. This has had him in trouble more times than I can say. Sad part is that he is not a bad person he just has poor judgment , he just doesn’t understand or he can’t process the outcome of his actions. He nearly died two years ago at 26 from complications with his VSD.
An infection developed in the hole in his heart. After 3 weeks of daily intravenous antibiotics to clear the infection the doctor he was seeing used him as a teaching patient at a medical university to repair his heart. If it had not been for that doctor he would have died, It was that serious. The doctor said it was one of the worst he had seen. My son's depression and judgment issues are my major concern now, something we will be dealing with for the rest of his life. I truly feel that all of this was because I took Ritodrine. Will we ever see a court date?
mthmsvck
10 June 2013
I wish I had known that it could cause heart problems to the baby. I think it caused my daughter's death at 27 from an arrhythmia that caused her to experience pulseless electrical activity.
CBK
18 Jan 2012
I also took Ritodrine for pre term labour in 1990. I went into full labour at 25 weeks. Drs chose Ritodrene because they wanted to see if it worked. There was talk of ventolin, but that was ignored. I suffered far worse side effects than mentioned in any forum I have seen and had to be tied to the bed to stop me from convulsing off it. The effects were so bad my family and husband found it too traumatic to visit me. I spent two weeks like this until I was discharged from hospital and given tablets to continue until my pregnancy went full term.
I was given the drug first in drip form, then in tablet forum after. My premature labour began at 25 weeks. The end result being an induced labour at 38 weeks because my waters broke and nothing happened for 3 days.
The effects on my daughter were more than profound. She suffered major sleep apneoa attacks and was blue constantly. I had to get a sleep monitor mat and this was used for 3 years before she eventually ceased with the breathing issues. SHe suffers from Von Willabrand syndrome. She is dyslexic and suffers from major hormonal problems including polycystic syndrome. She was in a size 2 until she reached the age of 9 then her body blew way out of proportion to become an adult size 14 within the space of a year with no diet changes.
She also was unable to keep any food down after the 2nd month of her life and spent most of her first year in hospital. I was branded a bad mother because she could not keep the weight on.
I would NOT recommend Ritodrene to ANYONE. I burned the name of that drug in my mind 21 years ago because the effects were So profound on me as a mother and my daugher, having to live through her traumas.
If there ever was a group who wanted a class action.. Count me in!!
JennyS~
26 March 2012
CBK your not alone... I was given Ritodrine in the early 80's when it was very experimental... without being fully informed about any possible side effects... it was horrible... I was depressed, basically upside down ( in trendellenberg position (sp?)) and laying on my left side with a fetal heart monitor on... I was kept in the hospital on bed rest for several months, my depression was horrible and when the hospital (SF General) finally released me to go home, I was given the oral medication, only it failed and I was in and out of the hospital until I had my daughter... I have had heart problems... depression, fibromyalgia and Ibs ever since! I'll join the suit... if there is one... I'd be a very outspoken named plaintiff!
JennyS~
SAN-D
4 Sep 2012
I have been looking for help to explain why my son has the problems that he has and I have always wondered if it was not the dosages, or the drugs themselves, that were given to me, in 1994, first to stop premature labor and then to induce labor. I was given magnesium sulfate and ritodrine. I could not breathe and they told me I was having a panick attack. I truly believe it was more than that, due to the fact that they kept upping dosages of the drugs because they said I had a 'high tolerance' and the drugs were not working. I thought I was going to suffocate. They gave me an oxygen mask but insisted it was a panick attack, but I heard them whispering and saw panic in the one nurse's eyes. I remember nothing but waking later to ask where my husband was and I was unable to move the lower part of my body, to sit up or stand on my own. My arms were limp, where I dropped the phone trying to pick it up, when a coworker called and my speech was slurred.
When time came to deliver my son, after all the drugs to stop labor, they then induced labor with pitocin. I have read how all these drugs enter the brain of the unborn child through the soft spot, because the brain is exposed and the long term effects are anxiety and depression and social problems for the baby-adulthood. I fear this is exactly why my son has been diagnosed with these exact problems. Not to mention the trauma he felt while I was not receiving proper oxygen and what damage low oxygen levels may have had on him...
I have a very extensive story to tell and want answers for my son. I would love to communicate with others and hear their stories. I too, want to know if there are lawsuit possibilities and how to connect there. Thanks to anyone who can help!
spiegmj
10 Sep 2012
I took ritodrine in 1986 for many months while I was on a 7 month bedrest pregnancy. It made me shake uncontrollably an hour after taking it - but I did it to protect the pregnancy. I had no clue it was experimental at the time. Now, my daughter who is 25 is having hormonal issues, sleep issues, and has been diagnosed with a cardiac arythmia. I too have developed atrial fibrilation which I am unsure is related. I would love to hear more from others who are having this experience. Why did they take it off the market? anyone know?
SuccessforMyChild
15 Oct 2012
In 1986 I took Ritodrine because I went into premature labor, my daughter is 25 and I notice that she has some of the same side effects. She is dyslexic, suffers from depression and has sleep apnea. When she was small her weight was fine but she has an eating disorder so she is large. She stays locked up in her room like a hermit but I think that has something to do with the depression. Count me in also.
dmkarius
2 Dec 2012
I took Ritodrene during the early 1980's - it was never explained to me that it was experimental at the time. I am fortunate that my children do not seem to have any side effects, however, I am currently experiencing some medical issues and am wondering if this drug has anything to do with it because none of my siblings have any of my medical issues - I am in if there is a class action suit.
PattyAli1959
3 Jan 2013
I was given Ritodrine in 1985 to stop pre-term labor at approx 7 1/2 months. I received 3 days of IV, then oral x 2 weeks at home, every 4 hours around the clock. Yes, my heart raced, it was hard to breathe and I felt like I was vibrating inside. I worried about the effects this would have on my baby, but I was assured it was the only way to prevent pre-term delivery. My son was 4 days late, was born sunny-side-up, cord around his neck, suction cup extraction, decels with every push, no spontaneous resps, apgar of 7 & 8, received mouth-to-mouth and nose, isolette with pure O2 and weaned to room air after 6 hours, developed jaundice at suction cup site, but otherwise a normal delivery. HAHA! My son had attachment issues as a baby. He couldn't be rocked or he'd have moro reflexes. He didn't like to be held for more than about 30 minutes at a time. If he was tired, we just had to lay him down and he'd go to sleep on his own.
Rocking him to sleep wasn't possible! He's 27 now and has social problems, is most likely bi-polar, he's rude, hateful, mean, doesn't care about anyone or anyone elses' property, he has no respect for other people, he has an explosive temper and gets violent when he's angered. He has no ability to see things from another person's perspective and nothing is EVER his fault. He would probably be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, anti-social personality disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. He has Lyme disease and it's affecting his brain and his heart. I always blamed his lack of O2 at birth for his psychological problems. He blames his Lyme disease for everything that's wrong with him. My kids were both raised in the same stable home with 2 loving parents. My daughter finished college and lives on her own. My son lives with me due to his inability to work. He's a navy veteran and is trying to get disability. He's scary sometimes and very difficult to love most of the time. And living with him is anything but pleasant. The best part of living together is he's at home most of the time and takes care of my dog when I'm at work. After reading some of these other posts, I believe Ritodrine played an active part in messing up my son's brain and the way he thinks. He's had panic attacks in the past and some issues with depression. If there's a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of ritodrine and the doctors that prescribed it, COUNT ME IN!!!
PatAdkins
13 Jan 2013
I am so glad I found this web site and I to have wondered if Yutopar was the reason my daughter has so many problem, I to took this drug in 1982 and did not know it was an experimental drug, I remember asking the doctor if this could effect the baby, he then assured me it was harmless. After all these years I now know different. Sadly my daughter has had more problems than any one person should have to endure, and there is no end in site, she tells me she wished she had never been born, and I feel this is my fault for taking this drug. I to was given Yutopar while carring my first child. My daughter is 30 yrs old now and has major medical and psych problems, is on 6 different psychic drugs and this started at age 12.
My husband and I have had her tested for everything and the doctors can't seem to be able to give us a diagnosis, and things are not getting any better, my beautiful daughter has struggled and suffered so much and it breaks my heart to know that Yutopar that was given to me affected my baby and I knowing, that not only that I have to live with that, my that daughter is the one who suffers from it on a daily basis. My second child is normal, and I did not take the drug while carring him. I would really like to talk to all of you, something needs to be done to care for these kids that are now adults that can not cope, sleep, eat, extremely depressed, sucidal thoughts, learning problems, unable to conform to society, lies, can't function in everyday life and with everyday problems... We need help... if anyone out there could possible contact me I would be so grateful... and believe me I'm in to!!!
PatAdkins
13 Jan 2013
We my friend are a mirror image, I to was given this drug, my husband would lay across me to keep me from falling off the bed, it was horrible, and now I to have a daughter that suffers from the same problem your daughter suffers with, in fact they could be twins. This is so heartbreaking and sad, we were used by doctors and pharmaceutical companies and our daughters and all other kids affected by this drug has to live with the consequences. Now how sad is that?
veretta
19 Feb 2013
I am in tears reading these post. They are my life! My son has had heart and mental issue since being a child. I am sick knowing that this drug did this!! Someone needs to help us and our children!
veretta
19 Feb 2013
I am in tears reading these post. They are my life! My son has had heart and mental issue since being a child. I am sick knowing that this drug did this!! Someone needs to help us and our children!
veretta
19 Feb 2013
San-d your son's issues are the same as mine. VERETTA DYE
Phillygal526
23 Feb 2013
been crying for days since comming across all this info concerning ritodrine. I was prescribed this drug while pregnant with my 29 year old son. who has grown up with so many emotional and social issues.and now physical for years. i wondered why him.I only took this drug with my son and my two who i didnt were just fine. I never could have imagined what I would find.. soo many children with all the same symptoms and issues my son has had to live with his whole life. how could i have not researched this sooner.please moms we need to get together and fight for our children. i worry constantly about my sons future. i wrote on another forum and asked anyone who would like to be involved to please contact me at 267-254-1406. contacting a lawyer.. someone needs to be held acccountable for this. they should not be able to walk away scott free because of severe issues that cannot be seen physically. I feel so terrible to know so many parents had to live through the same emotionally trying years as we endured. hopefully we can get this out there for our children. dawn mccarney
Phillygal526
23 Feb 2013
been crying for days since comming across all this info concerning ritodrine. I was prescribed this drug while pregnant with my 29 year old son. who has grown up with so many emotional and social issues.and now physical for years. i wondered why him.I only took this drug with my son and my two who i didnt were just fine. I never could have imagined what I would find.. soo many children with all the same symptoms and issues my son has had to live with his whole life. how could i have not researched this sooner.please moms we need to get together and fight for our children. i worry constantly about my sons future. i wrote on another forum and asked anyone who would like to be involved to please contact me at 267-254-1406. contacting a lawyer.. someone needs to be held acccountable for this. they should not be able to walk away scott free because of severe issues that cannot be seen physically. I feel so terrible to know so many parents had to live through the same emotionally trying years as we endured. hopefully we can get this out there for our children. dawn mccarney
LiRob66
3 June 2013
If it is not too late, I am in too. My son age 24 has had many emotional and social problems. I began taking Ritodrine when I was 20 weeks pregnant and continued the drug around the clock every six hours until my 38th week of pregnancy. My son was born with a very low apgar score and he had difficulty breathing. He has always been very emotional and unhappy. He has been in and out of trouble for lack of good judgement and has many emotional problems. At age 9 he developed epilepsy which required more brain meds. Shortly after that he was diagnosed with ADHD. He is still very easily igitated and cannot focus for long periods of time. His IQ is above average as he is extremely intellligent. Our lives have been a living "hell." He cannot seem to get productive although he is probably one of the smartest individuals I have ever known. I wish there was a solution to help him cope and to repair our lives.
caover
28 Aug 2016
To anyone in the blog on Ritodrine and the affects on children's lives afterwards... I went into labor early with my first pregnancy and was put into bedrest from 26-37 weeks. Went into labor the day I got up. My second pregnancy was in 1984 and I went into labor at 16 weeks. They stitched my cervix shut and gave me high doses of Ritodrine from 16 weeks through 37 weeks - 2 pills every 2 hours, event though the night. It was horrible, my heart raced, eyes fluttered, and couldn't concentrate. Was not able to get out of bed until I hit the 36 week mark. My son is now 31 years old and has a lifetime of problems emotionally as well as some physical problems. He was diagnosed as autistic (but may be high functioning asperger), but he did not speak until 3 years old, was diagnosed with auditory processing defect and worked with a speech therapist for years. He suffers and has always suffered from depression, panic attacks, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD.
He is highly intelligent but he suffers greatly from panic attacks and lives most of his days in his home. Is something going on out there regarding a class action suit??? Please contact me if there is a group on this. This has been a very serious issue for us. Thank you.
CAOCAO
Mdijon
14 Aug 2017
I also started having panic and anexity attacks after Ritodrine but I am more concerned about my 32 year old daughter whose suffered all of her life ... she has extreme social anxiety it's dibilitating and she has depression. .
Mdijon
14 Aug 2017
Is there any resolve or any news? I notice all these comments are old. It's now Aug 2017. Wished I'd of found these years ago..
Mdijon
14 Aug 2017
Is there any resolve or any news? I notice all these comments are old. It's now Aug 2017. Wished I'd of found these years ago..
Mdijon
14 Aug 2017
Is there any resolution or any news? I notice all these comments are old. It's now Aug 2017. Wished I'd of found these years ago..
Cheroketj
2 Oct 2018
I used this drug during the 1991/1992. From 5th month of pregnancy until delivery. The IV version had me so sick I literally felt like my veins were being melted inside my body. In middle of snowstorm while I was in the hospital I had my husband open the windows (freezing him and the nurses) but it was only way to get even a hint of relief. The oral form didn't seem to bother me at the time. My son however is now 26 and has had issues with pills, anxiety, social issues, inability to keep a job. Extremely intelligent but cannot keep a job. Cannot handle anyone telling him what to do. He has already had surgery on one wrist and needs one on the other because of deteriorating joints. Has always had chronic Bronchitis. Within 8 years of using the med I woke up out of the blue with Degenerative Disk Disease. I have degeneration in 4 places in my spine. I can't help but wonder if both of our issues are from these meds. We can't undo what is done but I think the manufacturer used us as human lab rats and something should be done.
Cate72
10 Oct 2019
Hi I just read your story and I can't believe the similarities with my own daughter. I had originally answered, talking about my daughter's anxiety issues but she too has had terrible menstrual problems. She did not start menstruation until she was 15 and from the start she would bleed for 3 weeks out of 4. She also put on a huge amount of weight without any dietary changes. She was referred to an endocrinologist because of hormonal changes in her bloods. They finely just put her on the contraceptive pill and told to loss weight, she was so upset that she refuses to persue it further. She is 23 now and still taking contraceptive pill which allows her some regularity but refuses to seek further help with her problems. As her mum I find this heart breaking, she is still over weight and has such low self esteem because of what the doctor had said to her.
We live in the UK and can't afford private health care so we have little say as to which doctor we see so I can understand her reluctance to go back to see the endocrinologist who told her to loose weight. She was so tiny when she was younger even though she had a good birth weight. At age 2 she was wearing clothes for a 1 year old even though she had a good healthy diet. She couldn't put weight on, now she is miserable at being over weight. I'm sorry I'm rambling, it's just I never made any connection with Ritodrine until I read this article tonight. No one has ever mentioned that there may have been side effects for us both. At the time I was given the drug visas assured that there was no possible side effects. I feel so angry and upset, my heart aches for my gorgeous girl. I hope answers will come.
Related topics
premature labor, ritodrine, pregnancy
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