Neonatal abstinence syndrome caused by nonopioid substances
- Several other pharmaceutical compounds and mood-altering substances may result in a form of neonatal withdrawal syndrome that is almost impossible to differentiate clinically from opioid-associated neonatal abstinence syndrome
- Similar presentation may be associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tetracyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, ethanol, methamphetamines, cocaine, and inhalants; however:
- Neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal is characterized by an overall delayed onset and significantly prolonged withdrawal period compared with opioid withdrawal
- Neonatal manifestations secondary to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or tetracyclic antidepressant exposure are usually not severe enough to require pharmacotherapy
- Neonatal withdrawal from ethanol typically begins early, within 3 to 12 hours after delivery
- Differentiate and diagnose based on accurate history and maternal/fetal toxicology testing