There is a new FDA approved oral antidepressant (zuranolone) specifically for postpartum depression. Remarkably, it shows significant benefit beginning within 3 days. This is in contrast to ordinary antidepressants that typically take a couple of weeks to start working and are taken for at least 9 months.
Zuranolone is the first oral medicine specifically produced to treat postpartum depression. Treatment involves taking one 50 mg pill at night for 2 weeks.
The FDA reported on their website that “postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness -even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child.”
Although the name of the disorder includes the word “postpartum” (meaning, “after birth”), the FDA states that it “can also begin during the later stages of pregnancy.”
The medicine is usually well-tolerated. However, it may cause drowsiness and/or dizziness so patients should not “drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 12 hours after a dose.”
Also, the FDA states that “women should use effective contraception while taking, and for one week after taking Zurzuvae.” This is because it “may cause fetal harm.”
This medicine is a wonderful addition to treatment options for women with postpartum depression.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
