Neonatal abstinence syndrome most commonly follows prenatal exposure to which class of substances?

Neonatal abstinence syndrome most commonly follows prenatal exposure to which class of substances?

• A. Benzodiazepines
• B. Antidepressants
• C. Opioids
• D. Stimulants

Answer: (C)

Neonatal abstinence syndrome arises when a newborn experiences withdrawal after being exposed to addictive substances in utero. The most common cause is opioid exposure during pregnancy because opioids readily cross the placenta and the fetus becomes dependent on them. After birth, the sudden removal of the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms in the baby, which can include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, yawning, sneezing, and autonomic instability like tachycardia. The onset of symptoms depends on the specific opioid: short-acting opioids (such as heroin) tend to cause withdrawal within 24–72 hours after birth, while long-acting opioids (like methadone or buprenorphine) may lead to symptoms a bit later, around several days. While other drug classes can be associated with neonatal withdrawal or adaptation, opioids are by far the most common cause of NAS.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome arises when a newborn experiences withdrawal after being exposed to addictive substances in utero. The most common cause is opioid exposure during pregnancy because opioids readily cross the placenta and the fetus becomes dependent on them. After birth, the sudden removal of the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms in the baby, which can include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, poor feeding, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, yawning, sneezing, and autonomic instability like tachycardia. The onset of symptoms depends on the specific opioid: short-acting opioids (such as heroin) tend to cause withdrawal within 24–72 hours after birth, while long-acting opioids (like methadone or buprenorphine) may lead to symptoms a bit later, around several days. While other drug classes can be associated with neonatal withdrawal or adaptation, opioids are by far the most common cause of NAS.