The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given approval for the first-ever pill designed specifically to treat postpartum depression. This pill, called zuranolone and marketed as Zurzuvae, is taken once a day for two weeks and can effectively relieve symptoms of postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a mental health condition that affects up to 17% of individuals who have recently given birth. According to Jennifer Payne, director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, this new medication will be a game changer.
Postpartum depression can be caused by various factors, including chemical changes in the brain during pregnancy and childbirth that make it more susceptible to stress and depression. Other contributing factors include pregnancy complications, social isolation, underlying illness, and more. Symptoms of postpartum depression commonly include mood swings, anxiety, extreme fatigue, aches or pains, and difficulty sleeping.
Until now, the standard treatments for postpartum depression have been antidepressants, psychotherapy, and an injection called brexanolone. However, these treatments take time to take effect. There has been a significant need for an oral pill that can rapidly improve depressive symptoms in new mothers. The approvals process for Zurzuvae was prioritized and fast-tracked by the FDA.
Zuranolone works by restoring chemicals and neuronal networks in the brain that may have become depleted during pregnancy and childbirth. This helps reset brain functions related to mood, arousal, behavior, and cognition, allowing the brain to cope with stress again. Dr. Jennifer McMahon, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, stated that this new medication is exciting because of its rapid onset and oral administration.
Clinical trials of zuranolone showed promising results. In a study involving 196 women who had given birth within the past year and had experienced a major depressive episode, those who took zuranolone reported significant improvements in their depressive symptoms. By the 45th day, nearly 62% of the women who took zuranolone reported a 50% improvement in their symptoms. The pill was well-tolerated, with the main side effects being drowsiness, dizziness, and sedation.
Zurzuvae may be a game-changer for the treatment of postpartum depression. It addresses a significant gap in current treatment options and has the potential to quickly alleviate depressive symptoms so that women can regain functioning. However, it’s important to note that other contributing factors to postpartum depression, such as a history of trauma or domestic violence and life stressors, cannot be ignored.
The availability and cost of zuranolone have not been disclosed by Sage Therapeutics, the manufacturer of the drug. It is expected to be commercially available in late 2023. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for mental health support.