Nicotine withdrawal

Specialties NICU

Published

Specializes in NICU.

How does your unit handle newborns that are withdrawing from nicotine?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

We don't treat them as they don't withdrawal like other kids with addictions.

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I hadn't thought of this issue, but why don't we treat this? there has to be some sxs, after all persons who smoke have sxs when they quit.

We don't treat them as they don't withdrawal like other kids with addictions.
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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

One of our neos said that nicotine withdrawal (and SSRI withdrawal) isn't treated because a) it's self-limiting and passes fairly quickly without long-term harm; and 2) can't be treated with opiates because it's not opiate-related.

That isn't meant to minimize the discomfort the baby feels....I know how I feel after a day or two without my caffeine and I'm a grown person able to obtain the caffeine on my own.

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Specializes in NICU.

We have recently had a baby going through nicotine withdrawal and it has been awful. High NAS scores and very irritable. It was really hard on everyone

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
We have recently had a baby going through nicotine withdrawal and it has been awful. High NAS scores and very irritable. It was really hard on everyone

No doubt. Some of our worst kids have been those whose moms smoke. God forbid they also be withdrawing from opiates too....

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