Methamphetamine Withdrawal In Newborns: How Long Does It Last?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have devastating effects on both the mother and the baby if used during pregnancy. Newborns exposed to methamphetamine in the womb can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as trouble eating, sleeping too little or too much, poor muscle control, jitteriness, and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal in newborns typically last for a few weeks but can persist for a few months in some cases. It is important to monitor babies who are at risk for methamphetamine withdrawal and provide them with access to qualified healthcare providers.

What are the symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal in newborns?

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy can have severe consequences for the baby, including withdrawal symptoms after birth. The symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal in newborns can vary but may include:

• Trouble eating
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Poor muscle control (either floppy or tight muscles)
• Being jittery
• High-pitched crying
• Yawning
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or unstable temperature
• Seizures
• Low birth weight
• Premature birth

Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal in newborns can begin as early as 24 to 48 hours after birth or may start as late as 5 to 10 days after birth. In some cases, symptoms can last for a few weeks to a few months. It is important to seek medical care if you are experiencing methamphetamine withdrawal during pregnancy or if your baby is exhibiting any of these symptoms after birth.

How long do symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal last in newborns?

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive and potent stimulant drug. When used without a prescription or medical supervision, it can have severe consequences for both the user and, if they are pregnant, their baby.

If a mother uses methamphetamines near the end of her pregnancy, her baby can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth. These symptoms can include:

• Trouble eating
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Poor muscle control
• Being jittery
• Difficulty breathing

These symptoms can last for a few weeks but may continue for a few months.

The acute phase of methamphetamine withdrawal typically lasts from 3 to 10 days, with symptoms peaking and then gradually decreasing. During this time, individuals may experience difficulty concentrating. The subacute phase can last for an additional 2 to 3 weeks, with individuals continuing to experience mood swings, cravings, and other psychological symptoms.

It is important to note that the duration and severity of withdrawal can vary depending on factors such as frequency and dosage of use, method of ingestion, and individual physiology and mental health.

In the case of newborns experiencing methamphetamine withdrawal, medical professionals should closely monitor their condition and provide supportive care. Breastfeeding is encouraged if not contraindicated, as it has been associated with less severe and delayed onset of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

What are the risk factors for neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs, most often opioids, that they were exposed to in the womb before birth. The risk factors for a newborn developing NAS are as follows:

• Drug type: The type of drug the mother used during pregnancy can influence the risk of NAS. Opioids, including prescription opioids like hydrocodone, morphine, and oxycodone, as well as illegal drugs like heroin, are the most common cause of NAS. However, other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and certain antidepressants (SSRIs) can also contribute to NAS or the severity of its symptoms.
• Drug amount and duration of use: The amount of the drug taken by the mother and the duration of drug use during pregnancy can impact the risk of NAS. The higher the drug concentration and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of NAS.
• Maternal factors: The mother's genetic factors can influence how their body breaks down and clears the drug. This can impact the severity of NAS symptoms in the newborn.
• Gestational age: Whether the baby is born full-term or prematurely can affect the risk of NAS. Premature babies may be more vulnerable to the effects of drug exposure and withdrawal.
• Drug use near delivery: If the mother continues to use drugs within the week or so before delivery, the baby is more likely to be dependent on the drug at birth and experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Drug addiction: If the birthing parent has an addiction to opioid drugs or other substances, the newborn is at an increased risk of developing NAS.

It is important to note that NAS can affect newborns whose birthing parent took prescribed medications or substances during pregnancy, not just illegal drugs. Therefore, pregnant individuals should always disclose any drug or substance use to their healthcare providers to ensure the safety of their newborn.

How is neonatal abstinence syndrome treated?

Treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) depends on the infant's overall health, their abstinence scores, and whether they were born full-term or prematurely.

Newborns suffering from NAS are often irritable and hard to calm. Comforting measures, often referred to as "TLC" (tender loving care), can help soothe them. These include gently rocking the baby, reducing noise and lights, skin-to-skin care with the mother, and swaddling.

Some babies with severe symptoms need medicines such as methadone or morphine to treat withdrawal symptoms. The goal of treatment is to prescribe an infant a drug similar to the one the mother used during pregnancy and slowly decrease the dose over time. This helps wean the baby off the drug and relieves some withdrawal symptoms. The treatment drug is usually in the same class as the substance the baby is withdrawing from.

Babies with NAS often have severe diaper rash or other skin breakdown issues. This requires treatment with a special ointment or cream. They may also have feeding problems or slow growth. These babies may require higher-calorie feedings that provide greater nutrition or smaller feedings given more often. Intravenous (IV) fluids are sometimes needed if the baby becomes dehydrated or has severe vomiting or diarrhea.

NAS treatment can last from one week to six months. Even after treatment for NAS is over and babies leave the hospital, they may need extra "TLC" for weeks or months.

What are the complications of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of conditions caused when a baby withdraws from certain drugs (most often opioids) they were exposed to in the womb before birth. The syndrome most often applies to opioid medicines, but it can also be caused by other drugs including amphetamines, cocaine, antidepressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine.

NAS can lead to several complications in the baby, including:

• Poor growth in the uterus
• Low birth weight
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Developmental delays
• Behavioural challenges
• Motor problems
• Speech and language problems
• Vision and hearing problems
• Poor feeding and sucking
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Slow weight gain
• Respiratory problems
• Fever or unstable temperature
• Skin rash
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

In addition, prenatal drug exposure can be related to later developmental delay, and specific drugs have been linked to specific problems in the baby. For example, amphetamines can lead to low birth weight and premature birth, while cocaine use can cause poor growth and increase the likelihood of placental abruption.

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