Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

General Child Neurology

Updated 04.29.2026
Released 10.10.2002
Expires For CME 04.29.2029

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Authors: Audrée Gauthier MD, Sophie Tremblay MD PhD, Elana Pinchefsky MDCM FRCPC MSc

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Editor: Alcy R Torres MD FAAP

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Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

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Introduction

Overview

Neonatal abstinence syndrome, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, is a clinical diagnosis that describes the constellation of symptoms that result from the abrupt discontinuation of chronic fetal exposure to, most commonly, opioid use in pregnancy. Neonatal abstinence syndrome describes newborns at risk for polysubstance exposure, including opioids, whereas neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome describes opioid-only withdrawal symptoms (90). In this article, the term “neonatal abstinence syndrome” is used for both opioid-only and polysubstance exposure. The authors provide a brief historical background and information on the pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome. The clinical or consulting neurologist will find this information useful in formulating a differential diagnosis when faced with a newborn with signs and symptoms pertaining to central nervous system/autonomic dysfunction.

Key points

	• In 2020, Canada reported an estimated neonatal abstinence syndrome rate of 4.7 per 1000 live births, whereas the United States experienced an 18% decline in neonatal abstinence syndrome rates from 2016 to 2020, with state-level rates ranging from 3.2 to 68.0 per 1000 births, reflecting a national downward trend despite rising prenatal substance exposure (106; 60).
	• Management of neonatal abstinence syndrome involves appropriately identifying infants at risk for withdrawal, assessing symptoms with objective assessment tools, and managing symptoms with supportive measures and pharmacologic therapy where appropriate.
	• Standardization of care, which includes standardization of assessments, use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy, and strict adherence to treatment protocols, has been shown to decrease the duration of pharmacologic therapy and length of hospital stay.

Historical note and terminology

Medical use of opium dates to Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures. However, morphine, named after Morpheus, the Greek god of dreams, was only isolated from opium in 1806, followed by the isolation of codeine. Congenital morphinism was first described in Germany in 1875 in a newborn with signs of opioid withdrawal at birth. The first report of successful treatment in an infant was in 1903 (80).

Opioids can be divided into natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic opioids. Opium, morphine, and codeine are examples of natural opiates. Semisynthetic opioids are derived from opium, and examples include heroin, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and buprenorphine. Examples of synthetic substances with morphine-like activities include meperidine, fentanyl, methadone, and propoxyphene (41). Methadone has become the most commonly used opiate during pregnancy, associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (31%) (91).

Other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, benzodiazepine, and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can provoke neurobehavioral dysregulation symptoms similar to those occurring in neonatal abstinence syndrome (104).

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome describes the clinical withdrawal syndrome seen in infants born to mothers who have used opioids only during pregnancy. As polysubstance use is common, it is not always possible to attribute the cause of neonatal abstinence syndrome to exposure to opioids alone (66). Thus, this article focuses on neonatal abstinence syndrome as a postnatal withdrawal syndrome that occurs among opioid-exposed infants with or without polysubstance exposure. An expert consensus panel proposed a standardized definition that requires a known history of in-utero opioid exposure (by history, not necessarily by toxicology) and the presence of at least two of the five most common clinical signs characteristic of withdrawal (excessive/continuous crying, fragmented sleep, tremors, increased muscle tone, gastrointestinal dysfunction) (48).

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

	• The hallmark of neonatal abstinence syndrome is hyperirritability, which can lead to agitation, difficulty sleeping, and inconsolable crying (53).
	• Polysubstance drug abuse may influence the risk and severity of neonatal abstinence syndrome.
	• Specific long-term effects are difficult to determine due to the confounding variables and comorbidities, but neurodevelopmental issues after neonatal abstinence syndrome have been demonstrated in multiple studies.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurs in 50% to 94% of all newborns born to mothers who were addicted to or treated with opioids while pregnant (66; 72). Commonly abused drugs have been prescription opioids, morphine, and heroin. Methadone, a long-acting synthetic mu opioid receptor agonist, has become the standard of care to treat opioid addiction and is provided by specially licensed facilities.

Placental transfer of opioids results in altered neurotransmitter release secondary to chronic stimulation of opioid receptors in the fetal nervous and gastrointestinal systems. The sudden cessation of opioid exposure after birth leads to dysregulated release of these neurotransmitters, resulting in withdrawal symptoms (53). Additional symptoms are related to autonomic system dysfunction. The hallmark of neonatal abstinence syndrome is hyperirritability, which can lead to agitation, difficulty sleeping, and inconsolable crying (53). It is important to note that concomitant conditions can modify the clinical presentations. For example, the symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome can be masked in an infant with hypothyroidism and only unmasked after therapy for hypothyroidism is started (07). Evidence supports a systemic response to perinatal opioid exposure, characterized by immune cell reprogramming and priming, which may contribute to the neurologic injury (72).

Infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome have an increased risk of having a birth weight lower than the 10th percentile for gestational age due to intrauterine growth restriction. Additionally, neonatal abstinence syndrome may be associated with increased odds of occurrence of various congenital anomalies, such as microcephaly, central nervous system anomalies (nonneural tube defects), club foot, oral clefts, and digestive system defects (15). Perinatal opioid exposure during the second and third trimesters is also associated with minor congenital malformations in the musculoskeletal system. This increased risk is shown to be dose-dependent (105). Moreover, perinatal opioid exposure or the sequelae of withdrawal symptoms may also be risk factors for developing laryngomalacia (02). Studies also suggest an increased probability of congenital cardiac malformations, but data are inconsistent (110; 15).

The time of onset of drug withdrawal symptoms following birth depends on when the mother took her last dose of the drug before delivery, as well as the formulation of the drug. Typically, the onset of opioid withdrawal occurs within 24 to 72 hours after birth (usually in the first 5 days) and lasts 8 to 79 days, with the average being 30 days (53) (Table 1).

Table 1. Timing of Onset and Observation Time

Drug	Timing of onset of withdrawal symptoms	Observation time
Heroin	24 hours after birth	72 hours
Fentanyl	24 hours after birth	5 to 7 days
Methadone	24 to 72 hours after birth (may be delayed 5 to 7 days)	5 to 7 days
Buprenorphine	24 to 72 hours after birth	5 to 7 days
(78; 04; 71)

Infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome can have multiple acute and chronic signs and symptoms of the central and autonomic nervous system, as well as gastrointestinal system dysfunction (Table 2A and 2B). They are nearly three times more likely to have feeding problems than infants without neonatal abstinence syndrome (68). The subacute withdrawal may last up to 6 months. The timing of the onset of withdrawal has to be considered in the discharge management of infants exposed to opioids in utero, as most newborns are discharged within 24 to 48 hours after birth. It may be necessary to monitor infants for longer periods depending on the maternal drug(s) of abuse.

Table 2A. Symptomatology

	Symptoms
Central nervous system	High-pitched cry, excessive or continuous crying, tremors, increased muscle tone, jitteriness, hyperreflexia, excoriation, myoclonic jerks, irritability, seizures, hyper- or hyposensibility to stimuli, exaggerated Moro; sleep and wake cycle disturbance, fragmented sleep, short sleep cycles, difficulty maintaining alert state; apnea
Metabolic, vasomotor, respiratory	Sweating, fever, frequent yawning, mottling, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, nasal flaring, tachypnea (more than 60/minute), respiratory alkalosis, skin color changes (mottled skin), hiccups
Gastrointestinal	Excessive sucking or incoordination, alterations in feeding (hyperphagia, poor feeding), weight loss and poor weight gain, feeding intolerance, gassiness, regurgitation, projectile vomiting, loose or watery stools, diarrhea
(46; 49; 98; 64)

Table 2B. Evolution of Symptoms

Timing symptoms
Acute (first days and may last up to 1 to 2 weeks)	• Tremors • Seizures • Irritability • Feeding problems • Hyperthermia • Diarrhea, vomiting
Chronic (up to a few weeks to months)	• Hyperirritability • Sleep disturbances • Hyperphagia • Autonomic signs
(53)

Of newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome, 2% to 11% manifest with seizure-like presentations. Seizure-like episodes are described as jerking or rhythmic movement of extremities, myoclonus during sleep, apnea, or tremors. The onset of seizure-like episodes is as early as day 1 and as late as day 16 of life. Based on one study using electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, only 7.5% of the newborns with seizure-like episodes had epileptic seizures. Other EEG abnormalities included mild background slowing (in approximately one fourth) and increased multifocal sharp transients in most infants. Video EEG also showed disturbed quiet sleep (non-rapid eye movement sleep equivalent) with frequent arousals, jittery movements, or sleep myoclonus (77). In studies using amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), the majority of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome had abnormal aEEG patterns (discontinuous background patterns or absent sleep-wake cycling) that often persisted at discharge (82; 59; 61). Short subclinical electrographic seizures have also been seen in the acute and recovery phases of infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (61). As abnormal movements are frequent in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, EEG monitoring should be considered to correlate suspicious movements with EEG findings to guide appropriate treatment. The underlying cause of seizures in neonatal abstinence syndrome is not known, although the threshold for seizure activity may be decreased due to the upregulation of sodium channels as a result of receptor instability (29). Benign sleep myoclonus is a distinct condition (not associated with epilepsy, characterized by rhythmic myoclonic jerks) that occurs during sleep only. Benign sleep myoclonus resolves without any intervention but may last for several months. It is frequently seen in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (77).

With the increase in opioid use, polysubstance drug abuse has also increased (108). The risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome increases 30% to 60% with co-exposure to antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and gabapentin. The use of SSRIs in the third semester, in addition to methadone or buprenorphine, has also been associated with more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome and longer hospitalizations (09). Atypical antipsychotics or nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (eg, zolpidem) did not seem to impact (84). Opioids and cocaine are often used simultaneously. Cocaine enhances the analgesic effect of morphine and blocks the tolerance that develops to morphine analgesia. Simultaneous use of cocaine and methadone during pregnancy may result in higher abstinence scores in the newborn initially but not an overall increase in the severity of withdrawal or prolonged management course (65).

Tobacco can also exacerbate neonatal abstinence syndrome or be associated with a neonatal abstinence syndrome that is more refractory to treatment. Maternal tobacco use has also been shown to increase the severity of methadone withdrawal. Infants born to mothers who smoked 20 or more cigarettes per day had higher abstinence scores (9.8 vs. 4.8) and took longer to peak (113 hours vs. 37.8 hours) than those born to mothers who smoked 10 or fewer cigarettes per day (20). Likewise, cannabis exposure can modulate the apparition of neonatal abstinence syndrome symptoms and is associated with increased risks of neurodevelopmental impairments (87).

Other drugs or medications can also induce withdrawal symptoms similar to neonatal abstinence syndrome. For example, SSRI use during the third trimester can induce symptoms similar to those seen in neonatal abstinence syndrome and may mimic opioid exposure. Symptoms include continuous crying, irritability, jitteriness, restlessness, shivering, fever, tremors, hypertonia or rigidity, tachypnea or respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, hypoglycemia, and seizures that may last for 1 to 2 weeks (44). Distinctly, SSRI withdrawal syndrome is associated with increased need for delivery room resuscitation and respiratory distress syndrome or seizures (94). In fact, respiratory support was initiated more often in neonates who were exposed to SSRIs (12.9% in neonates exposed to SSRIs vs. 4.2% in neonates not exposed to SSRIs). In-utero SSRI exposure was associated with a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit admission and a 1-minute Apgar score of 5 or less (94; 31). However, the absolute risk of severe neonatal outcomes, such as long-term NICU hospitalization (longer than 15 days), long-term ventilation treatment (longer than 5 hours), and seizures, was low. In-utero SSRI/SNRI exposure does not increase the risk of developing neonatal early-childhood seizures (107). Particular pharmacologic treatment is not needed except when associated with opioid exposure. Neonatal symptoms associated with SSRI exposure occur in a minority of cases and are self-limited. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome has also been reported with the use of tricyclics (33). Discontinuing clinically needed antidepressants in women near term is unwarranted when they have access to perinatal care providers, including NICU, and may put the mother at an unjustified perinatal risk, as the risk of major postpartum depression is important (39). Gabapentin exposure also produces an atypical withdrawal syndrome (46). These drugs alone do not cause a withdrawal syndrome severe enough to require treatment.

Prognosis and complications

In general, specific long-term effects of drug abuse are difficult to determine because of the confounding variables and comorbidities such as polydrug use, low socioeconomic status, lack of prenatal care, poor nutrition, and sexually transmitted diseases. Consistent findings in opioid-exposed infants are low birth weight, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, and depression at birth (08; 36). These infants are also at increased risk for neonatal sepsis and jaundice (08).

A meta-analysis demonstrated higher odds of child maltreatment after neonatal abstinence syndrome. Neglect was the most common type of maltreatment (74). O’Donnell and colleagues also highlighted that maltreatment was experienced at a younger age (median 1 year) after neonatal abstinence syndrome compared to children without a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (median 3 years). They also reported an increased probability of behavioral or emotional disorders (including conduct disorder) among children with previous neonatal abstinence syndrome, which were also associated with the use of phenobarbital at discharge (74).

Neurodevelopmental difficulties following neonatal abstinence syndrome have been demonstrated in multiple studies. A meta-analysis of 16 studies revealed that children born to opioid-dependent mothers faced challenges in various areas of development, including general cognitive abilities, psychomotor development, language skills, and social-emotional development (57). At approximately 12 months, infants with pharmacologically treated neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome have been shown to obtain lower scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (third edition) in all test domains (cognitive, receptive, and expressive language, and fine and gross motor skills) compared to norms (14). Bayley-III scores in 18-month-old children also indicate they are at higher risk for language delays that may warrant referral for early intervention (23). More specifically, it has been shown that they have poorer receptive and expressive language outcomes at 4.5 years of age (52). Studies show worse neurocognitive performance among children up to 6 years of age with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (111). Children born to mothers under methadone maintenance treatment are at significant risk of impaired school readiness, as they often have challenges in multiple neurodevelopmental areas (57). The poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with a history of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome persist in elementary school and in adolescence, and lower test scores are seen in high school (75; 111). Children with a history of prenatal opioid exposure also have higher hyperactivity and impulsivity, inattention, and combined ADHD symptom scores than nonexposed controls (86). Maternal tobacco use during pregnancy also increases the risk of ADHD. Polysubstance exposure has been shown to have an additive risk for ADHD (32).

A study linking health and educational outcome data showed that approximately 15% of children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome met the criteria for educational disability and were eligible for services, compared with 11.6% of children without a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome and that they were more likely to have speech or language impairments (30). The recommendations for pediatricians caring for children with prenatal opioid exposure include diligent monitoring for the developmental and behavioral issues mentioned above, offering supportive and nonjudgmental care, and providing access to social support services (11).

The incidence of motor problems has been less studied than the cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children with previous neonatal abstinence syndrome. Benninger and colleagues reported an increased risk of cerebral palsy in children with intrauterine drug exposure, which is comparable to rates of cerebral palsy in other high-risk populations, such as those with intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, or congenital malformations (13). Studies also indicate a higher risk of nystagmus and strabismus in these children (35). These visual conditions are also often associated with subnormal visual acuity or impaired binocular vision (38).

Moreover, on a physiological basis, studies demonstrate that infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome are more susceptible to having altered frontotemporal-limbic and frontal-subcortical pathways and decreased regional and whole brain volumes, as well as alterations of structural and functional connectivity (18). These changes may underlie the long-term deficits seen in this population. Specific regional volumetric neuroimaging alterations in children with neonatal abstinence syndrome include reduced brain volumes of the cortical and deep gray matter, including thalamus and basal ganglia, amygdala, cerebellum, brainstem, and total brain volume (81; 109). One study found that, in particular, methadone-exposed term newborns had significantly reduced white matter volume compared to controls, whereas buprenorphine-exposed term newborns exhibited a notably smaller right amygdala volume. Polysubstance exposure was associated with decreased volumes in white matter and the left amygdala (109).

Moreover, cerebral blood flow assessed with arterial spin labeling MRI has been shown to be increased in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome. This finding supports how prenatal substance exposure affects brain development. Indeed, abnormal cerebral perfusion underlies many forms of neonatal brain injury because it reflects cellular metabolism and neural activity (12).

Major confounders in these studies include postnatal environment, prenatal polysubstance abuse, suboptimal follow-up, and reliance on maternal reporting of substance use. Children with neonatal abstinence syndrome are also more likely to be raised in poverty, and in many studies, low socioeconomic status and unstable home lives are associated with greater risk for long-term neurodevelopmental impairments (83; 11). A study showed that children of mothers with opioid use disorder are at higher risk of postneonatal infant mortality (37). Those diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome also had a higher rate of mortality (1.2% vs. 0.4%), specifically, those born at term and from lower socioeconomic groups (93; 37). Most deaths occurred due to ill-defined or unknown causes, followed by external causes (including assaults and accidents) and congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities (93; 37). The mortality rate was higher in infants of mothers without medication for opioid use disorder than in infants of mothers who had medication for opioid use disorder during pregnancy (05). Also, the odds of mortality in opioid-exposed infants not diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome were 72% greater than in the reference population (58).

Clinical vignette

A 3.4 kg birth weight male infant was born at 39 weeks with Apgar scores of 3, 5, and 8 at 1, 5, and 10 minutes, respectively. The baby required resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation briefly, with good response, and was on room air without the need for respiratory support by 10 minutes of age. There was a history of maternal substance abuse, and she was positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. The mother was on a methadone maintenance program using a dose of 40 mg per day.

On admission to the nursery, the newborn received hepatitis B immunoglobulins and vaccine. The newborn's urine drug screen was positive for methadone. Neonatal abstinence scoring was performed using the Finnegan scoring method. The infant was breastfed as per the recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics. By 24 hours of age, the baby was crying and had excessive irritability, nasal stuffiness, poor feeding patterns, and was difficult to console. The neonatal abstinence Finnegan score was 12. The baby's serum electrolytes, calcium, glucose, and complete blood counts were normal. He was started on oral morphine, and the dose was increased in a stepwise fashion until the neonatal abstinence score was consistently less than 8. After the score remained lower than 8 for 48 hours, the morphine dose was tapered as long as the abstinence score remained lower than 8. The therapy was discontinued by 25 days of age.

Biological basis

• Neurotransmitter imbalances, as well as variable levels of opioid receptor expression, are thought to contribute to the underlying pathophysiology of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Opioids easily cross the placenta to the developing fetus. Opioids act through different opioid receptors, mu, kappa, and delta, which are G protein-coupled receptors located in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and other body systems. When an infant is born and is no longer receiving opioid stimulation (ie, opioid withdrawal), there is an increased production of adenyl cyclase, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, protein kinase, and transcription factors. This results in an increase in noradrenaline, acetylcholine, and corticotropin and a decrease in serotonin and dopamine, all leading to the signs and symptoms seen in neonatal abstinence syndrome (53). Neurotransmitter imbalances, as well as variable levels of opioid receptor expression, are thought to contribute to the underlying pathophysiology of neonatal abstinence syndrome, giving rise to autonomic, sensory, and motor dysregulation (67).

The locus coeruleus, a noradrenergic nucleus containing opioid receptors, regulates arousal, response to stress, and the activity of the autonomic system. When opioid levels fall after birth, an increased production of adenyl cyclase leads to an increase in norepinephrine release, resulting in many of the somatic symptoms of opioid withdrawal (17; 53).

The ventral tegmental area of the midbrain is the primary storage center for dopamine. During opioid withdrawal, dopamine release is decreased, leading to hyperirritability and anxiety. The dorsal raphe nucleus stores serotonin, which is decreased during opioid withdrawal, leading to sleep disturbances. In the autonomic nervous system, acetylcholine is a primary neurotransmitter in the preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons. During opioid withdrawal, its release is increased, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, yawning, sneezing, and sweating (53).

Other infant and environmental factors can influence the expression of neonatal abstinence syndrome, including genetic and epigenetic components that contribute to the variability and severity in clinical presentation (99). Infants with particular genotypes, such as mutations in minor alleles in the mu opioid receptor (OPRM1) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genes, have less severe presentations (100; 101). Male infants have been reported to have a more severe neonatal abstinence syndrome expression (19). Also, preterm infants have less severe presentations, yet opioid-exposed infants do not seem to benefit from early-term delivery (34; 85).

Epidemiology

• The incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome declined by 18% in the United States from 2016 to 2020.

Before 2020, the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome had been steadily increasing over time. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline has been observed in some regions (60). Infants exposed to opioids represent an extremely vulnerable patient population, with 50% to 94% of those exposed experiencing neonatal abstinence syndrome (66; 72).

From 2000 to 2014, there was a nearly seven-fold increase in the number of babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (108). The United States saw an increase in rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome birth hospitalizations, rising from 4.0 per 1000 birth hospitalizations in 2010 to 7.3 per 1000 in 2017 (40). This rise in incidence has been attributed to increased use and abuse of prescription drugs. A decline in neonatal abstinence syndrome was noted following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Canada reported an estimated neonatal abstinence syndrome rate of 4.7 per 1000 live births in Canada, whereas the United States experienced an 18% decline in neonatal abstinence syndrome rates from 2016 to 2020, with state-level rates ranging from 3.2 to 68.0 per 1000 births, reflecting a national downward trend despite rising prenatal substance exposure (106; 60). This decline could reflect a combination of factors, including shifts in maternal opioid use, changes in pregnancy-related outcomes, and variations in access to healthcare services. Further studies are necessary to better understand the contributing mechanisms (60).

Suarez and colleagues studied a large retrospective cohort of pregnant women with opioid use disorder to compare outcomes associated with the use of buprenorphine or methadone during pregnancy. They showed that 69% of the infants exposed to methadone and 52% of the ones exposed to buprenorphine in the 30 days before delivery developed neonatal abstinence syndrome (89).

Prevention

	• All pregnant mothers should be routinely screened to assess the risk for substance use disorder.
	• Medically assisted treatment of pregnant women with opioid addiction is the standard of care.

Primary prevention strategies are needed to address the alarming increase of opioid use in America and the associated neonatal abstinence syndrome. Targeted initiatives to address prescribing practices may help reduce opioid use.

All pregnant mothers should be routinely screened to assess the risk for substance use disorder. Validated screening tools available to providers include the 4Ps and 4Ps plus, NIDA quick screen, and CRAFFT (22).

There are no established treatment programs for pregnant, opioid-addicted mothers that will prevent the development of neonatal abstinence syndrome in their offspring. Abrupt cessation of opioids can lead to withdrawal, which can compromise the fetus. Also, attempts to lower the maternal methadone dose to avoid the development of withdrawal in newborns may lead to mothers resorting to illicit drug use. Medically assisted treatment of pregnant women with opioid addiction is the standard of care. This treatment results in earlier entry into prenatal care, decreased obstetrical complications, decreased illicit drug use, and improved neonatal outcomes, including decreased prematurity and higher birth weights (16; 22). It has also been linked to infants receiving recommended well-child visits and fewer readmissions (70). Furthermore, neonatal abstinence syndrome is not associated with maternal methadone dose, and a systematic review confirmed split-dosing benefits on birth weight, preterm birth risk, and intrauterine growth (51). For more than 30 years, methadone was the most commonly used medication in opioid-addicted mothers during pregnancy, but buprenorphine has now become the most commonly used first-line treatment option during pregnancy (55); it is associated with lower risks of neonatal abstinence syndrome, preterm birth, and low birth weight (89; 56). Given that buprenorphine has not been associated with increase severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, its dosage should be optimized to ensure maternal stability (47). A meta-analysis published in 2025 also suggests that the combination of buprenorphine and naloxone may be associated with a reduced risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome and small for gestational age compared with buprenorphine alone, and it appears to be a safe option to consider (88; 25). The buprenorphine-naloxone combination is FDA-approved, yet clinicians are advised to discuss the risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome with pregnant patients using this product and to ensure that appropriate monitoring will be available (see Diagnostic workup) (96).

Medically supervised withdrawal during pregnancy is associated with high relapse rates of 41% to 96% and worsened maternal outcomes (50). As previously discussed, other substances such as benzodiazepines, cannabis, SSRIs, and tobacco can modulate signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome. The risks and benefits of all medications taken during pregnancy should be evaluated, and smoking cessation strategies should be offered (66; 87).

Diagnostic workup

	• All infants should be evaluated for the potential risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome through a review of maternal pregnancy history and maternal medications, physical examination, and toxicology screening if indicated.
	• At-risk newborns should be monitored for withdrawal symptoms at the time of delivery and for at least 72 to 120 hours afterward, depending on whether there was polysubstance use (71).
	• The “eat, sleep, console” approach is now supported by high-quality evidence. This method focuses on the infant’s overall functional status and caregiver responsiveness rather than solely on symptoms (113; 26).

Screening of the drug-exposed newborn. All infants should be evaluated for the potential risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome through a review of maternal pregnancy history and maternal medications, physical exam, and toxicology screening if indicated. Prenatal drug exposure can be determined by testing urine, maternal plasma, meconium, or umbilical cord blood. Analysis of the newborn’s urine sample by immunoassay is the most frequently used method. However, the results are qualitative, and the test is positive for 2 to 4 days after maternal drug use and does not distinguish between morphine, codeine, or glucuronide conjugates. Maternal plasma testing can detect an exposure for 12 to 72 hours. Meconium testing is considered the gold standard for detecting prenatal substance exposure, and includes a broad window of exposure starting around 20 weeks of gestation (78). However, despite its higher specificity, it is not available at all centers and requires multi-day collection before contamination by nonmeconium stools (78). Umbilical cord tissue immunoassay can also be used and appears to be as reliable as meconium testing and has the added benefit of being available at the time of birth (10; 46).

A large retrospective cohort study examined the timing and duration of exposure to prescription opioids during pregnancy (103). A duration of 1 to 6 days of use did not correlate with neonatal abstinence syndrome. In contrast, exposure lasting 30 days or more was associated with an increased risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Exposure during the third trimester was linked to higher odds of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, regardless of the duration of exposure.

At-risk newborns should be monitored for withdrawal symptoms at the time of delivery and for at least 72 to 120 hours afterward, depending on whether there was polysubstance use (71). Many standardized scoring tools have been developed to objectively quantify the severity of withdrawal symptoms (66). The Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool is the most comprehensive and widely used tool in the United States (76). The FNAST is an instrument that contains 21 items that are related to the signs of withdrawal, each with a score assigned. An infant then receives a cumulative score based on the presence or absence of signs or symptoms (64). A Finnegan score of 8 or higher commonly requires an intervention (67).

Multiple assessment strategies have been created to overcome the limitations of the Finnegan scoring. The “eat, sleep, console” (ESC) approach is now supported by high-quality evidence. This method focuses on the infant’s overall functional status and caregiver responsiveness rather than focusing solely on symptoms, as is the case with the FNAST, which has raised concerns about subjectivity and interrater reliability (113; 26). The use of this tool emphasizes maternal involvement by optimizing nonpharmacological interventions, including low-stimulation environment, skin-to-skin contact, clustered care, and breastfeeding, as first-line measures (113). It is guided by the infant’s clinical signs of withdrawal based on the infant’s ability to eat the expected amount based on gestational and postnatal age or breastfeed well, sleep undisturbed for more than an hour after feeding, and be consoled within 10 minutes of soothing attempt (78; 113; 64). The ESC approach was associated with reduced opioid exposure--both in terms of total doses and duration of treatment--despite a later initiation of therapy (26). A cluster-randomized controlled trial including 1305 infants across 26 hospitals in the United States demonstrated that the ESC approach was also associated with shorter length of hospitalization. Specifically, infants managed with ESC were ready for discharge at a mean of 6.7 days earlier than those receiving usual care. This approach also decreased the proportion of infants who received pharmacologic treatment by 32.5% (113).

Other scoring tools include MOTHER NAS, Neonatal Withdrawal Inventory, Neonatal Narcotic Withdrawal Index, and Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Tool – Short Form, but they are not used in many hospitals for unclear reasons (03). The Hopkins Assessment and Intervention tool describes domains of functioning affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome as well as the types of nonpharmacologic behavioral and environmental measures used to treat the neonate suffering from neonatal abstinence syndrome (98). Preterm infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome are more likely than term infants to have lower scores when measured with conventional scoring tools. Indeed, these tools do not account for the difference in the neonatal abstinence syndrome symptomatology experienced by infants of varying gestational ages. Moreover, a study revealed potential racial bias in administering the Modified Finnegan Scoring in the NICU, consistent with existing literature on implicit healthcare bias, particularly towards Black individuals in the perception of pain and withdrawal symptoms (73).

Further evaluations are useful for differentiating neonatal abstinence syndrome from other diseases and detecting comorbidities. Initial testing includes a complete blood count, glucose, and calcium. Additional tests, such as thyroid function studies or investigations and empiric antibiotic treatment for sepsis, should be considered if other diagnoses are suspected. Comorbidities of neonatal abstinence syndrome may include sexually transmitted infections (eg, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus). Other comorbidities common in women with substance abuse disorder include psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and violence exposure (43).

Management

	• Nonpharmacologic supportive measures, such as mother-infant care and promoting bidirectional communication and dyadic synchrony, should be provided to all infants exhibiting signs of withdrawal (97; 98).
	• The “eat, sleep, console” approach, which optimizes nonpharmacological interventions such as rooming-in with mothers or family members, is associated with better acute outcomes (62; 113).
	• When pharmacologic treatment is indicated, opiate treatment is considered the preferred therapy (78).
	• For infants not well controlled with an opioid alone, adjunctive drugs, such as clonidine or phenobarbital, are added (63).
	• Data are limited to differentiate the effects on long-term outcomes due to prenatal drug exposure from the effects of opiates used for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

All infants with documented opioid exposure or a high probability of exposure should be monitored with a standard assessment tool, such as the FNAST or the “eat, sleep, console” approach (see Diagnostic workup section for further details of different scoring tools). The assessment should be performed every 3 to 4 hours to monitor the severity of neurologic hyperexcitability, gastrointestinal dysfunction, autonomic instability, and respiratory dysregulation. An FNAST score of 8 or higher suggests opioid exposure, even in the absence of declared use during pregnancy. All infants should be managed initially with nonpharmacologic approaches. Symptom scores will drive the decision for pharmacologic therapy (63).

Nonpharmacologic management. Nonpharmacologic supportive measures should be provided to all infants exhibiting signs of withdrawal. Supportive measures may be the only treatment necessary for some infants, but they should also be continued if an infant requires pharmacologic treatment (78). Velez and colleagues suggest that the atypical level and quality of dysregulated behaviors observed in some opioid-exposed infants could reflect difficulties in their threshold modulation for responses and reactions in four neurobehavioral domains: (1) autonomic control, (2) motor and muscle tone control, (3) state/wake and attentional state control, and (4) sensory processing and modulation (98). The development of self-regulatory capacities is fundamental for a child’s overall development.

Nonpharmacologic supportive therapies include care of the infant and the mother and promoting bidirectional communication and dyadic synchrony (97; 98). Parental involvement in the care of these infants, whether it be parental presence at the bedside or rooming-in with mothers or family members, or skin-to-skin contact has been associated with reduced neonatal abstinence syndrome severity, decreased need for pharmacologic treatment, increased breastfeeding, as well as decreased length of stay (42; 62; 102; 78; 113). In addition, the environment and infant handling should be modified so that they are not overly stimulating, which can exacerbate clinical signs of withdrawal. Also, it is important that the medical team cluster care interventions together temporally as much as possible to decrease disturbances (78). Flexibility and personalized care, along with encouraging the caregiver’s mindfulness of their own state and regulatory capacities and educating them to recognize, interpret, and respond to the unique signs of the infant, are key to optimizing neonatal abstinence syndrome treatment approaches and promoting healthy long-term outcomes of the family (98).

Breastfeeding is known to have significant benefits for all infants, including decreased risk of infections, childhood obesity, diabetes, allergies, leukemia, and sudden infant death syndrome. It also improves psychosocial functioning and mother-infant bonding (45). Studies of breastfeeding in neonatal abstinence syndrome show that there may be an association between breastfeeding and shorter length of stay (01). It has also been associated with a decreased need for initiation and duration of pharmacological treatment for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (21). Unless otherwise contraindicated, mothers on methadone or buprenorphine are encouraged to breastfeed because the quantity in breast milk is several orders of magnitude lower than the exposure infants receive in utero, even though it can vary due to pharmacogenomic factors. Studies suggest that only low concentrations of opiates are secreted in breast milk and that there were no neurologic sequelae from the exposure of opiates through breast milk (27; 67). However, women may require additional breastfeeding support related to infant latch and suck, milk transfer, and breast milk fortification or supplementation (112). When infants experience inadequate weight gain, more frequent feedings with high-calorie, lactose-free formula may help offset the increased energy expenditure, reflux, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (66).

Although some studies suggest acupuncture may have a positive impact through the release of endogenous opioids (63), a Cochrane Database systematic review found that current evidence is insufficient to support the routine use of acupuncture, including acupressure and laser acupuncture, for the management of neonatal abstinence syndrome (95).

Additionally, nonpharmacologic care of the mother is an important aspect to consider in treating neonatal abstinence syndrome. Mothers are often vulnerable, and their implication with the infant is imperative. Encouraging and supporting parenting confidence, promoting maternal self-regulation, and fostering her maternal ability to support her child’s healthy development and maximize her interactional capacity are all central to recovery (46). Parents should be referred to appropriate medical and social health care providers who can provide counseling, education, treatment, and social support.

Pharmacologic management. There is no universally accepted standard of care for pharmacologic management of opioid-exposed infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, and there is limited evidence to support that treating neonatal abstinence syndrome symptoms improves long-term outcomes (102; 64; 71). However, standardized approaches to the care of these infants have been shown to decrease the length of stay and the need for pharmacotherapy (78).

In general, when using the FNAST, pharmacologic management is usually initiated if the infant scores greater than 8 on three consecutive scores or if there are two consecutive scores of greater than 12. The opioid dose is increased until there is good control of the opioid withdrawal symptoms. After approximately 48 hours of stability, the drug is slowly weaned. For infants not well controlled with an opioid alone, adjunctive drugs, such as clonidine or phenobarbital, are added (63).

Table 4. Pharmacologic Treatment of Opioid-Exposed Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Drug	Dosing	Action
Morphine	0.04 mg/kg/dose every 3 to 4 hours, increase by 0.02 mg/kg/dose if symptoms are not controlled and score is above 8 (maximum dose of 0.2 mg/kg/dose) Weaning: When the score is lower than 8, maintain dose for 48 to 72 hours and then wean 10% to 20% of the initial dose every 24 to 48 hours.	Full agonist mu opioid receptors
Methadone	0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 12 hours (maximum dose of 0.4 mg/kg/dose) Increase by 0.05 mg/kg every 24 to 48 hours or 0.07 mg/kg/dose as needed every 6 to 8 hours Weaning: 10% to 20% of total daily dose every 24 to 48 hours	Long acting mu opioid agonist
Buprenorphine	Limited data available, full-term infants Sublingual solution. 4.3 to 13.3 mcg/kg/dose every 8 hours Weaning: Decrease daily dose by 10% once per day	Partial mu opioid agonist
Phenobarbital	An optional loading dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg orally (maximum dose 20 mg/kg), followed by a maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg/day divided in one or two doses (maximum dose of 8 mg/kg/day) starting 12 to 24 hours after the loading dose Weaning: After stabilization, decrease the daily dose by 10% to 20% every 24 to 48 hours or by 20% every 3 to 7 days, starting 2 to 3 days after opioid therapy has been weaned off	GABA agonist
Clonidine	0.5 to 1 mcg/kg every 4 to 6 hours orally, then maximum 2 mcg/kg every 4 hours (maximum 12 mcg/kg/day) Weaning: 25% of the total daily dose every 48 hours or change frequency to every 4 to 8 to 12 hours during 48 hours for each step, and then cease treatment for a progressive weaning over 6 days (to avoid noradrenergic rebound)	Central alpha-2 agonist
(64; 71)

Opioid therapy. When pharmacologic treatment is indicated, opiate treatment (morphine or methadone) is considered the preferred therapy (78). Morphine is most commonly used as first-line therapy for neonatal abstinence syndrome (91; 78).

Morphine. It is important to monitor for signs of narcosis, which can include decreased stooling, respiratory depression, somnolence, and constipation. Morphine can be discontinued when the oral dose is less than 0.02 mg/kg/dose.

Methadone. A randomized clinical trial concluded that short-term outcomes (including length of stay, length of treatment, and use of phenobarbital) were better in infants receiving methadone compared to morphine (24). For instance, the length of stay was 14% lower with methadone treatment; the length of treatment was 14% lower, and the use of phenobarbital was 17.2% with methadone compared to 29.7% with morphine.

Buprenorphine. There is emerging evidence on the role of buprenorphine in the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome. A randomized controlled trial that compared buprenorphine and morphine revealed that treatment with buprenorphine was associated with a shorter duration of treatment and shorter length of stay than treatment with morphine (54). The Buprenorphine Pharmacometric Open Label Research study of Drug Exposure (BPHORE) demonstrated benefits in time to stabilization and weaning when up-titration rates with buprenorphine increased to 30% (28).

Adjunct therapies. When symptoms are not controlled with opioids, adjunct therapies are useful. Particularly when there is polysubstance abuse, other therapies may be needed. In such cases, an individualized approach may be necessary, especially if the infant’s symptoms are thought to be due to nonopioid withdrawal.

Phenobarbital. Phenobarbital has been used as both first-line therapy and as an adjunct when symptoms are uncontrolled on maximum doses of opioids. A study suggests that using phenobarbital with the combination of an opioid significantly reduced the proportion of infants with a high abstinence severity score, the duration of hospitalization, and the maximal daily dose of opioids. They also reported shorter morphine treatment duration than clonidine-treated infants, but infants were discharged more often on a secondary medication (69). Phenobarbital is the drug of choice if the infant has seizures (63). Oversedation is a potential adverse effect reported in infants treated with phenobarbital in addition to an opioid (114). Another concern with the use of phenobarbital is its potential effect on long-term neurodevelopment (92).

Clonidine. Clonidine is a central alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist that, at low doses, stimulates the alpha 2 presynaptic adrenergic receptors, resulting in decreased norepinephrine release in the synapse. This negative feedback reduces autonomic overactivity, which is part of the withdrawal syndrome. Clonidine treatment may induce low blood pressure with a rebound effect of high blood pressure after clonidine cessation (114). Due to this risk, along with the potential for arrhythmias, monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is recommended throughout clonidine treatment (64). A study identified a significant decrease in length of stay when adding clonidine as an adjunct to morphine monotherapy (06).

Some centers wean adjunctive therapies before cessation of opioids, whereas others will wean the opioid first and discontinue the adjunct later (63).

Discharge criteria is clinical stability. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a minimum of 3 days of observation for all infants with opioid exposure during pregnancy or 4 to 7 days for infants exposed to buprenorphine, methadone, or sustained-release opioids (78). If the infant was on pharmacologic therapy, the infant can be discharged if stable 24 hours after medication has been discontinued. Close follow-up and parental guidance must be ensured. Psychosocial difficulties are more frequent in this population. Mothers with a history of substance abuse may have less human and financial support and may lack the ability to interpret and respond appropriately to infant cues (66). Thus, individualized discharge planning should include referral to a primary health care provider and family supportive resources (such as a community social worker, infant development program, or parenting support group).

Outcomes

Regarding acute outcomes, the average length of stay for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome is 17 days overall but 23 days for those requiring pharmacologic treatment (79). Length of stay varies depending on the type of prenatal drug(s) exposure, severity of withdrawal symptoms, treatment, and social factors. Factors associated with decreased length of stay include using the “eat, sleep, console” approach, which subsequently optimizes the nonpharmacological interventions such as rooming-in with mothers or family members. These interventions can also reduce neonatal abstinence syndrome severity as well as increase breastfeeding (62; 113), which itself has also been associated with decreased length of stay (01).

Data are limited to differentiate the effects on long-term outcomes due to prenatal drug exposure from the effects of opiates used for the treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome. A randomized trial showed that infants treated with either morphine or methadone had similar short- and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, phenobarbital use, the overall health of the infant, and the postnatal caregiving environment were found to impact the child’s neurodevelopment (23).

Furthermore, evidence from morphine exposure in preterm newborns suggests that morphine use is associated with impaired cerebellar growth and poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood (115). Evaluating the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with in utero exposure and the effects of its treatment is complex, as it is also largely affected by environmental factors such as maternal age, socioeconomic status, and parental education levels (75).

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Contributors

All contributors' financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated to ensure that this and every other article is free from commercial bias.

Authors

Audrée Gauthier MD

Dr. Gauthier of Université de Montréal, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Sophie Tremblay MD PhD

Dr. Tremblay of Université de Montréal has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Elana Pinchefsky MDCM FRCPC MSc

Dr. Pinchefsky of Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center and University of Montreal has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Editor

Alcy R Torres MD FAAP

Dr. Torres of Boston Medical Center and Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Former Authors

Shelly-Ann Williams MD
Price Ward MD
Julie Ross MD
Dilip M Purohit MD
Michael V Johnston MD†
Gabrielle Arbour MD
Pouneh Amir Yazdani MD
Ann Tilton MD

Patient Profile

Age range of presentation: 0 to1 month
Sex preponderance: male=female
Heredity: none
Population groups selectively affected: none selectively affected
Occupation groups selectively affected: none selectively affected

ICD & OMIM codes

ICD-10: Neonatal withdrawal symptoms from maternal use of drugs of addiction: P96.1
ICD-11: Opioid withdrawal: 6C43.4

Neonatal withdrawal syndrome from maternal use of drugs of addiction: KD35

Withdrawal symptoms from therapeutic use of drugs in newborn: KD36

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Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Associated Disorders

Neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome

Differential Diagnosis

Gastroesophageal reflux
Pain
Sepsis
Brain injury, eg, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Hyperthyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypocalcemia
- Immaturity
- Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus
- Seizures
- Dysmorphism/oromotor dysfunction
- Gastrointestinal disease
- Polycythemia

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Clinical Categories

General Child Neurology

Sign	Differential diagnosis
Irritability	• Gastroesophageal reflux • Pain • Sepsis • Brain injury, eg, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy • Hyperthyroidism
Jitteriness	• Hypoglycemia • Hypocalcemia • Immaturity
Myoclonic jerking	• Benign neonatal sleep myoclonus • Brain injury • Seizures
Seizures	• Hypocalcemia • Hypoglycemia • Brain injury, eg, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
Fever	• Sepsis
Feeding problems	• Dysmorphism/oromotor dysfunction • Immaturity • Brain injury • Gastrointestinal disease • Sepsis • Polycythemia
(46)

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

Cite this article

Introduction

Overview

Key points

Historical note and terminology

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

Table 1. Timing of Onset and Observation Time

Table 2A. Symptomatology

Table 2B. Evolution of Symptoms

Prognosis and complications

Clinical vignette

Biological basis

Etiology and pathogenesis

Epidemiology

Prevention

Differential diagnosis

Confusing conditions

Table 3. Differential Diagnosis of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Diagnostic workup

Management

Table 4. Pharmacologic Treatment of Opioid-Exposed Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Outcomes

Special considerations

Pregnancy

References

Contributors

Authors

Editor

Former Authors

Patient Profile

ICD & OMIM codes

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Questions or Comment?

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