<P> Treatment depends on the drug involved, the infant's overall health, abstinence scores and whether the baby was born full - term or premature . Clinicians will watch the newborn carefully for up to a week after birth for signs of withdrawal, feeding problems, and weight gain . Babies who vomit or who are very dehydrated may need to get fluids through a vein (IV). </P> <P> Some babies with severe symptoms need medicines such as methadone and morphine to treat withdrawal symptoms . These babies may need to stay in the hospital for weeks or months after birth . The goal of treatment is to prescribe the 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 . </P> <P> If the symptoms are severe, especially if other drugs were used, a second medicine such as phenobarbital or clonidine may be added . Breastfeeding may also be helpful if the mother is in a methadone or buprenorphine treatment program without other drug use . </P> <P> Babies with this condition often have severe diaper rash or other areas of skin breakdown . This requires treatment with special ointment or cream . Babies may also have problems with feeding or slow growth . These problems may require higher - calorie feedings that provide greater nutrition and smaller portions given more often . Objectives of management are to minimize negative outcomes and promote normal development . </P>

Which drug when used alone is responsible for the most severe withdrawal symptoms in the newborn