A new treatment for postpartum depression was approved. Zurzuvae™ or zuranolone is the first FDA-approved pill in the United States. Postpartum depression is a mental illness affecting 1 in 7 mothers. Before now, minimal treatment options were available. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this new postpartum pill.
What Is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a serious form of depression that occurs after a baby is born. Postpartum depression often occurs within a few weeks of a baby’s birth but can happen up to a year after. Anyone with a history of postpartum depression has a significant risk of reoccurrence because the risk increases by 30% with each pregnancy.
Postpartum depression should be taken very seriously. Mental illness is one of the causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the first year after birth.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can have devastating effects on a mother and the family around her. Some mothers might not recognize symptoms or even know what they’re going through so it’s important for everyone to know the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression.
Signs of postpartum depression are:
- Feeling sad, worthless
- Extreme worry or anxiety
- Feeling “on edge”
- Feeling hopeless or guilty
- Loss of appetite, not eating as much
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Losing interest in the baby
- Excessive crying or crying for “no reason”
- Thoughts of hurting your baby
- Thoughts of suicide
Postpartum depression is usually screened at postpartum visits. Being honest about depression symptoms is important so you can discuss different treatment options with your doctor. If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, it’s important to seek emergency treatment.
What Happens If Postpartum Depression Isn’t Treated?
Postpartum depression can interfere with mother-baby bonding, and it can even affect the child’s learning and development.
Research suggests that untreated postpartum depression can cause:
- Difficulty connecting and bonding with the baby
- Trouble recognizing the baby’s needs
- Difficulty caring for the baby properly
This can impact on children and cause:
- Learning or behavioral problems
- Poor social skills
When postpartum depression isn’t treated, symptoms can go from mild to severe, with an increased risk of a mother thinking about harming herself or others. Diagnosing and treating postpartum depression early can prevent it from getting worse.
The New Postpartum Pill
Recently, a new postpartum pill was approved by the FDA. Zurzuvae is the first oral medication approved to help treat postpartum depression. Until now, medication treatment for postpartum depression hasn’t been widely available. This new medication is the beginning of new treatment options for postpartum depression for mothers.
How is Zurzuvae™ Different From Other Postpartum Depression Treatments?
Zurzuvae™ is different from other postpartum depression treatments because it’s the first pill available. Until now the only medication treatment has been given in a hospital via IV for 60 hours.
Zurzuvae™ is a pill that can be taken at home and can be started after you leave the hospital. So if you show symptoms a few weeks after the birth of your baby, your medication can be taken at home under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
What Are The Benefits of Zurzuvae™?
One benefit is that it’s a pill that only needs to be taken once a day for 14 days –– a short treatment making it easier for people to complete.
Symptom improvement might be the most significant benefit of this medication. In the studies done so far, people have shown improvements very quickly. Some women reported symptom improvement within three days of starting it.
What Are The Common Side Effects of Zurzuvae™?
With most medications, there are risks of side effects and Zurzuvae™ is no different. Because the medication slows down the central nervous system, the most significant side effects include:
- Feeling tired, drowsy
- Confusion or slow thinking
- Dizziness
- Increased risk of falling
Avoiding alcohol is important when taking this medication because it can make side effects worse. Anyone taking this medication should be careful driving a car until they know how it affects them. It’s recommended that you don’t drive a vehicle for 12 hours after taking it.
You should talk to your doctor about how this medication should be taken, any restrictions you might have and any side effects you might experience.
When will Zurzuvae™ Be Available?
Zurzuvae™ is expected to be available in the late fall and could be available as early as this month. It’s important to know about this new postpartum pill, and if you’re at risk of postpartum depression or have postpartum depression, you can ask your doctor about this medication.
Sources
FDA Approves First Oral Treatment For Postpartum Depression
What We Know (And Don’t Know) About the FDA Approved Postpartum Depression Pill
