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This study from the BMJ analyzes the effects of opioid and psychotropic medications during pregnancy in relation to risk of neonatal drug withdrawals. Within the United States about 14-22% of pregnancies are complicated due to the use of prescription opioid medications – resulting in an infant being born every 25 minutes with signs of opioid withdrawal. Researchers concluded that despite a lack of safety data, use of prescription opioids and psychotropic medications is common during pregnancy. However, study findings showed a 30-60% increase in the risk of neonatal drug withdrawal associatted with co-exposure to prescription opioids and antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and gabapentin.
External Link
http://www.bmj.com/content/358/bmj.j3326
Related Topics
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare
- Children 0-5
- Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
- Medical Care
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)