Understanding Medications Used During Labor: A Patient's Experience

Question
My age: 30
I currently have one child and my last period started June 20, 2004

5 years ago when I was in labor with my son, they gave me the drug Nubane when I was about 3 cent. dialated.  My question to you is, is it normal for this drug to make someone feel "high" or see double and not have any pain relief.  I could not focus on my husband because I was seeing 3 of him and I felt the room was spinning and my contractions were still just as strong.  It was not until I had my epideral that I had any relief.  Is this normal?  How do you feel about the drug "stadol" and what are it's side effects if any?  Thanks!  Laura Sheridan

Answer
Most of my patients have an epidural during labor. We insert a Foley catheter so they do not have to travel to the bathroom and the epidural takes away most of the discomfort of labor. If they, for some reason, do not want a needle into their back, Stadol is fine and safe for "taking the edge off" during labor. It is a short acting drug and has virtually no side effects. It can cause some grogginess or dizziness, but rarely. Usually, I have to order it every 2 hours (2mg). Nubane has siimilar effects as Demeral and can certainly cause you to become dizzy. I would not use it during labor.