Is Suboxone safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Research and national guidelines from ACOG, CDC, and SAMHSA show Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is safe and effective for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy when medically supervised.

What happens if I stop Suboxone while pregnant?

Stopping suddenly can cause opioid withdrawal, which may lead to miscarriage, preterm labor, or relapse. Always talk to your doctor before making any medication changes.

What is Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS)?

NOWS is a temporary condition in which babies experience mild withdrawal after birth. Symptoms usually appear within a few days and resolve in 1–2 weeks with medical support.

What's the difference between NAS and NOWS?

Both describe newborn withdrawal, but NOWS is specific to opioid exposure, while NAS may refer to withdrawal from other substances as well.

Can I breastfeed while taking Suboxone?

Usually yes. Only tiny amounts of buprenorphine pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding can actually help reduce NOWS severity.

What are the side effects of Suboxone during pregnancy?

Most patients tolerate Suboxone well. Possible side effects include mild nausea, headache, or constipation, which usually improve over time.

Can I deliver vaginally while on Suboxone?

Yes. Suboxone does not interfere with your ability to deliver vaginally or with pain management during labor. Always inform your care team about your medication.

How long does NOWS last?

Most babies recover within one to two weeks, though some require brief observation or supportive care in the hospital.

What if I relapse during pregnancy?

You're not alone. Relapse can happen. CleanSlate offers immediate support, medication adjustments, and therapy to help you regain stability safely.

Is Subutex safer than Suboxone during pregnancy?

Both are safe. Some providers may prescribe Subutex (buprenorphine without naloxone) during pregnancy, though Suboxone is increasingly supported by research as safe and effective.

Can Suboxone be started late in pregnancy?

Yes. It's never too late to start treatment. Even beginning MAT in the third trimester can improve outcomes and reduce NOWS.

Can Suboxone affect labor pain management?

It can slightly reduce the effectiveness of some pain medications, so your medical team may adjust your labor plan accordingly. Always inform your doctors about your treatment.

How does CleanSlate coordinate with my OB-GYN?

CleanSlate works closely with your prenatal care provider to ensure safe dosing, fetal monitoring, and delivery planning. Collaboration is central to our care model.

Can I take Suboxone while breastfeeding?

Yes. It's considered compatible with breastfeeding, and most infants show no adverse effects.

Why choose CleanSlate for OUD treatment during pregnancy?

Because you deserve compassionate, evidence-based care. CleanSlate offers outpatient Suboxone treatment, behavioral therapy, prenatal coordination, and long-term support to keep you and your baby safe—before, during, and after birth.

What is the best treatment for opioid use disorder in pregnancy?

The safest and most effective treatment is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone or buprenorphine-only medication, combined with behavioral therapy and prenatal care.

Can you switch from methadone to Suboxone during pregnancy?

Yes, but only under close medical supervision. Transitioning improperly can cause withdrawal for both mother and baby.

Can Suboxone help prevent NOWS?

Yes. Studies show babies born to mothers on Suboxone have milder and shorter NOWS symptoms than those exposed to methadone or illicit opioids.

Does Suboxone cause birth defects?

No. Studies show no increased risk of birth defects in babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy compared to the general population.

Can Suboxone cause miscarriage?

No. In fact, staying on treatment helps prevent miscarriage by stabilizing maternal health and avoiding dangerous withdrawal.

What happens to babies after birth if the mother takes Suboxone?

Babies may be monitored for NOWS symptoms such as fussiness, tremors, or difficulty feeding—but these are temporary and resolve with care.

Will my baby go through withdrawal if I take Suboxone?

Possibly, but symptoms are generally mild and short-lived. Medical teams are experienced in managing this safely.

Does Suboxone affect breastfeeding or milk supply?

No. Suboxone does not reduce milk production, and breastfeeding is often encouraged.

Can I take other medications with Suboxone while pregnant?

Always consult your provider. Certain medications, like benzodiazepines or sleep aids, can be dangerous when combined with opioids.

What should I avoid while on Suboxone during pregnancy?

Avoid alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, and tobacco. These substances increase the risk of complications for you and your baby.

How long should I stay on Suboxone after giving birth?

There's no fixed timeline. Many women continue treatment for months or years. Staying on Suboxone postpartum helps prevent relapse during this high-risk period.

What are the signs of opioid withdrawal in pregnancy?

Symptoms include cramping, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. Withdrawal should never be managed alone—seek medical help immediately.

What's the first step to start treatment at CleanSlate?

Call (833) 505-4673 or schedule an appointment online. You'll meet with a provider for an evaluation and a same-day start to treatment in most cases.

Daanish Shaikh, MD, ABFM, ABPM, AAMRO, FASAM

Regional Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers (Arizona, Wisconsin & Massachusetts)

Addiction Medicine | Family Medicine | Physician Executive | Multistate Medical Leadership

Call (833) 505-4673

New Patients: Schedule Now

About Dr. Shaikh

Dr. Daanish Shaikh is a dual board-certified Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine physician and the Regional Medical Director for CleanSlate Centers across Arizona, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. Over nearly two decades in medicine and leadership, he has earned a national reputation as a servant-leader, clinician-educator, and systems-builder who advances high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment across complex healthcare environments.

Fellowship-trained in Addiction Medicine and holding certifications from ABFM, ABPM, and AAMRO, Dr. Shaikh has overseen clinical operations, medication-assisted treatment programs, and quality-improvement systems in both nonprofit and for-profit healthcare organizations. He is recognized for leading multidisciplinary teams that consistently achieve top-tier accreditation from the Joint Commission, CARF, SOTA, BSAS, OASAS, and other regulatory bodies.

Across his career, Dr. Shaikh has served in medical leadership roles at St. John’s Riverside Hospital, START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Resource Recovery Centers of Orange County, Recovery Village, and Helio Health. He has provided—and supervised care across—the full continuum of addiction treatment, from detoxification and inpatient care to PHP/IOP, outpatient MAT, primary care, long-term care, and urgent/emergency settings.

Known for his patient-centered philosophy, compassionate leadership style, and commitment to clinical excellence, Dr. Shaikh continues to help shape the next generation of addiction-medicine providers while expanding access to care for patients with substance use disorders.

Outside of his professional work, he is passionate about fitness, reading, film, travel, table tennis, and spending meaningful time with his parents and daughter.

Education & Training

Medical Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Medical University of the America, Nevis, Caribbean
Residency: Family Medicine (Board Certified)
Fellowship: Addiction Medicine (Board Certified)
Board Certifications:
- American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
- American Board of Preventive Medicine – Addiction Medicine (ABPM)
- Medical Review Officer (AAMRO)
- Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (FASAM)

Professional Experience

Regional Medical Director – CleanSlate Centers (MA, WI, AZ)

Leads medical oversight for three states, guiding clinical policy, protocol development, and regulatory alignment
Ensures compliance with CARF, SAMHSA, BSAS, SOTA, and state-level standards
Coaches and mentors Center Medical Directors, physicians, PAs, and NPs
Oversees MAT programs including buprenorphine, methadone-to-buprenorphine transitions, naltrexone, and injectable formulations
Integrates psychiatric care, infectious disease management (HIV/Hep C), and primary care principles into addiction treatment
Facilitates Change Management, IDT meetings, CQI initiatives, and lab-interpretation protocols
Responsible for operational improvement, outcomes monitoring, and team development across multiple centers

Previous Leadership Roles

Medical Director – St. John’s Riverside Hospital (NY)
Medical Director – Resource Recovery Centers of Orange County (NY)
Medical Director – START Treatment & Recovery Centers (NYC)
Medical Director – The Recovery Village (CO)
Physician Leader – Helio Health (NY)

Across these organizations, Dr. Shaikh oversaw:

Detoxification and medically supervised withdrawal
Inpatient and residential treatment
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Outpatient MAT clinics (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, harm-reduction)
Psychiatric integration and co-occurring disorder treatment
Quality-improvement systems guided by SAMHSA and state regulators

He has trained and supervised medical directors, physicians, NPs, PAs, residents, and fellows, strengthening clinical competency and leadership pipelines in addiction medicine.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Shaikh specializes in:

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid, alcohol, and polysubstance use
Buprenorphine, methadone transitions, naltrexone, long-acting injectables
Management of fentanyl and stimulant use disorders
Primary care integration within addiction medicine
Psychiatric evaluation and co-occurring disorder management
Infectious disease care, including HIV and Hepatitis C treatment
Quality-improvement and regulatory compliance
Clinical leadership of multidisciplinary teams
Policy development aligned with SAMHSA, CARF, and state guidelines

Locations

Dr. Shaikh oversees and supports CleanSlate clinical teams across:

Arizona

Wisconsin

Massachusetts

Call (833) 505-4673

Schedule Online

Leadership & Patient Care Approach

Dr. Shaikh is guided by CleanSlate’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, with a focus on restoring dignity, reducing harm, and ensuring evidence-based treatment for all individuals with substance use disorders. He believes that addiction is a chronic medical condition—not a moral failing—and works to build care environments where patients feel safe, understood, and empowered to heal.

As a mentor and educator, he fosters a culture of continuous learning, emphasizing clinical excellence, ethical practice, and servant leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Shaikh

What conditions does Dr. Shaikh treat?

He treats opioid, alcohol, and polysubstance use disorders; co-occurring psychiatric conditions; infectious diseases related to substance use; and provides integrated primary and addiction care.

What is Dr. Shaikh’s approach to leadership and patient care?

He combines evidence-based medicine with a compassionate, patient-first philosophy and focuses on building high-quality, compliant clinical programs across multiple states.

Does Dr. Shaikh train other clinicians?

Absolutely. He mentors physicians, NPs, PAs, residents, and fellows, helping build clinical and leadership pipelines in addiction medicine.

What medications does Dr. Shaikh prescribe?

He offers the full spectrum of MAT, including Suboxone and other buprenorphine formulations, extended-release naltrexone, and medically supervised transitions involving methadone.

Does he work with hospitals, detox programs, and community partners?

Yes. Dr. Shaikh collaborates extensively with inpatient units, detox programs, residential facilities, outpatient clinics, and regulatory bodies across several states.

How do I refer a patient to Dr. Shaikh or a CleanSlate center he oversees?

Call 833-505-4673 or use CleanSlate’s online scheduling portal to refer patients or coordinate care across any of the states under his leadership.