Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is called the first oral drug for the treatment of postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is a major depressive episode that usually occurs after childbirth, but can also begin during the later stages. Until now, treatment for PPD was only available as an intravenous injection.
"Postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. A condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness – even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child. And, because postpartum depression can impair the mother-child bond, it can also have consequences for the child's physical and emotional development," said Tiffany R. Farchione, MD, director of the Division of Psychiatry at the Center for Evaluation and Research. of FDA Drugs.
As with other forms of depression, PPD (Post Partum Depression) is characterized by sadness or loss of interest in activities that once gave pleasure and a diminished ability to feel pleasure. It can present with symptoms such as cognitive impairment, feelings of sadness or inadequacy, loss of energy, or suicidal ideation.
According to trials that were conducted with two groups of women, those who received the medication and others where the placebo effect was applied, the medication was effective. The treatment effect even lasted up to four weeks after the last dose.
Of course, the drug also has side effects and limitations. It can affect the ability to drive and perform other potentially dangerous activities. Patients may also be unable to assess the extent of their impairment. To reduce the risk of injury, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 12 hours after taking the drug.
The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, fatigue, nasopharyngitis (the common cold), and urinary tract infection.
The recommended daily dose for Zurzuvae is 50 mg. It should be taken once a day, for 14 days, in the evening, with a fatty meal.
