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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Natural drugs, not so natural effects: Neonatal abstinence syndrome secondary to 'kratom'
L Davidson1, M Rawat1, S Stojanovski2
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Background:
Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom, is obtained from the coffee plant family 'Rubiaceae.' Kratom is available in the form of capsules, whole, processed and powdered leaves, and as liquids. Secondary to its 'natural herb' status and opioid effects, it is misconceived to be a safe alternative for the treatment of chronic pain. The use of kratom has increased by tenfold in the United States since 2010.
Methods And Results:
We report a term neonate who was born to a chronic kratom user and required treatment with opiates for neonatal drug withdrawal.
Conclusion:
Physicians should be aware of these herbal supplements and its potential withdrawal effects in newborn which cannot be picked up by the standard toxicology screen.
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