by Tara E. l January 1, 2024
Hey there! Today, we’re talking about a super important topic: a new medication called Zurzuvae (also known as zuranolone) for treating postpartum depression. This is huge news because at least 1 in 7 moms experience this kind of depression. So, what’s Zurzuvae? It’s the first pill made just for postpartum depression. You take it once a day for 14 days, and it can start making you feel better as soon as three days after you begin. Pretty cool, right?
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues”, which is a temporary period of mood swings and emotional changes that many women experience after giving birth. Postpartum depression is a more serious condition, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and emptiness that can interfere with a woman’s ability to take care of herself and her new baby.
The exact cause of postpartum depression is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Changes in hormone levels after childbirth, lack of sleep, and a history of depression are all risk factors for developing postpartum depression.
Doctors are excited about Zurzuvae™. Dr. Kristina Deligiannidis, who was a big part of the research, thinks it could help moms with postpartum depression feel better faster. You might be wondering how Zurzuvae works. It’s based on a substance our bodies naturally make, called allopregnanolone, which changes a lot during and after pregnancy. This change can sometimes lead to postpartum depression. Zurzuvae helps by improving how certain receptors in the brain, called GABA-A receptors, work. These receptors are important for controlling mood and behavior.
What are the Side Effects of Zurzuvae?
Dr. Katrina Furey, a psychiatrist, explains that Zurzuvae helps these receptors do their job better, which can make someone feel less anxious and depressed. Now, what about side effects? Most medicines have some, and Zurzuvae is no exception. The most common ones are headaches, dizziness, and feeling sleepy. That’s why it’s recommended to take it in the evening.
How is Zurzuvae Different from Other Antidepressants?
Zurzuvae is different from other antidepressants like SSRIs, which you might have heard of. It works faster, in just a few days, and you only need to take it for two weeks. SSRIs, on the other hand, usually take longer to work and are often taken for a longer period. But what about the cost? Well, the full 14-day treatment costs around $16,000, but don’t worry – that’s not what people pay. The companies behind Zurzuvae, Sage Therapeutics, and Biogen, are working to make sure it’s affordable for everyone, even offering it with little or no co-pay in some cases.
Can moms breastfeed while taking Zurzuvae? This is a bit tricky. During the research, moms weren’t allowed to breastfeed, so there’s not much information on its effects on newborns. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says Zurzuvae does go into breast milk but at lower levels than other antidepressants. The key is to balance the need for the medication and the benefits of breastfeeding and to monitor the baby if the mom is breastfeeding while on Zurzuvae.
A big question is why there’s so little research on medicines for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Historically, they’ve often been left out of clinical trials, but groups like the Coalition to Advance Maternal Therapeutics (CAMT) are working to change that. They’re pushing for more research and better policies. In conclusion, Zurzuvae could help new moms and families, but there are two big issues: making it affordable and understanding more about its effects on breastfeeding. We’ll keep an eye on these topics and share more information as it comes out.
As for African American women and postpartum depression, it’s important to note that they can be more at risk due to factors like stress, lack of support, and racial disparities in healthcare. This makes access to new treatments like Zurzuvae even more crucial. Studies show that African American women often don’t receive the same level of care for postpartum depression, so raising awareness and improving healthcare access is key. Remember, everyone deserves the right support and treatment, especially new moms!
Sources:
Women’s Mental Health (November 13, 2023). New Oral PPD Treatment Zuranolone Will Soon Hit the Market as Zurzuvae. https://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/zuranolone-or-zurzuvae-will-soon-hit-the-market/
Yale Medicine (September 15, 2023). What to Know About ZurZuvae, the New Pill to Treat Postpartum Depression. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/postpartum-depression-pill-zurzuvae-zuranolone
Postpartum Depression Factsheet. (2021, March). [American Psychological Association](https://www.apa.org/research/action/postpartum-depression)
Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. (2020, December). [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376621)
Zurzuvae Receives FDA Approval for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression. (2020, December).
Postpartum Depression: Non-drug Treatments for Women with Postpartum Depression. (n.d.). FDA Continued Support for Zurzuvae Treatment and Research. (2021, March). [Postpartum Support International](https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/zurzuvae-tonica/)
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this article was written with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information on this topic. This content is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, or treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website or anywhere else.
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