Here’s What You Need to Know About the Latest FDA-Approved Postpartum Depression Pill, Zurzuvae™ (Zuranolone)

The only other drug approved for postpartum depression is brexanolone, marketed as Zulresso. But brexanolone, approved in 2019, requires a 60-hour intravenous infusion in a hospital or a clinic. Although the average out of pocket cost for a patient with health insurance is often less than $100, the cost of care is significant, the medication alone costs an average of $34,000, making it inaccessible to any woman without insurance coverage. Zulresso is only available at a REMS-certified facility. REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies Trusted Source) is a program created by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It helps make sure that drugs are used safely and provided by specially trained healthcare professionals.

Zulresso can cause serious side effects, such as sedation and loss of consciousness. These transient side effects necessitate monitoring and thoughtful education of patients and their families regarding safety.  Patients should avoid making big decisions, driving a car or operating heavy machinery and unassisted caretaking of their baby or young children during treatment. Because of how severe these side effects can be, Zulresso is only given in certain healthcare facilities. These facilities have doctors who are specially trained to monitor and treat the possible side effects of Zulresso. Beginning at day 3, 45% of women had remission of their symptoms and 72% of women had responded (with at least a 50% reduction in symptoms). By the end of the study, 53% of patients achieved remission from their symptoms and 75% had responded (with at least a 50% reduction in symptoms). This is a very rapid and high rate of response when compared with other traditional pharmacotherapies for depression.

However, the fast-acting pill Zurzuvae can improve symptoms in as little as three days. In addition, taking a pill for two weeks is much easier, not requiring a mother to leave her baby for several days. Zurzuvae is a neuroactive steroid that works as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors. Lower levels of GABA in the body have been linked to depression.

Drugmakers Sage Therapeutics and Biogen haven’t released the Zurzuvae price tag, but most analysts expect it to be lower than Zulresso pricing.

As a part of PDD treatment, clinicians have prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Compared to SSRIs, this newly approved drug works faster and with fewer doses than existing treatments. For example, SSRIs typically take 4 to 6 weeks to demonstrate improvement in mothers’ symptoms. Zuranolone is only a 2-week daily oral dose.

The majority of trial participants reported improvements in just three days of use. The mechanism of intervention is different as SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain while Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is a synthetic hormone replacement of allopregnanolone that helps calm down stress responses. Allopregnanolone is a naturally occurring neurosteroid that is produced in the brain from the hormone progesterone. Low levels of allopregnanolone have been associated with depressed mood. As allopregnanolone production is associated with progesterone, the dramatic drop of progesterone post-delivery leads to a correlating drop in allopregnanolone.

Zuranolone can offer relief by addressing this known hormone imbalance. For so many people affected by postpartum depression, this new drug is hope. Its specific intended use, or indication, for PPD could also reduce stigma and increase willingness to take the drug.

The breakthrough of Zurzuvae in the world of Mental Health care is an unprecedented stride toward treating Postpartum Depression. A recent FDA announcement praises the medication’s distinctively swift action and efficacy.

Unlike existing treatments, Zurzuvae’s action is not only rapid but also sustained, offering lasting relief. Its approval represents a monumental advancement in Mental Health care and provides a hopeful path to recovery for many women.

Additionally, as an acute therapy administered for just two weeks, Zurzuvae will be particularly attractive for patients who don’t want to be locked into taking long-term antidepressant maintenance therapy, especially mothers who may be concerned about any medication they take entering their breast milk.

Zurzuvae’s approval doesn’t eclipse other treatment avenues for Postpartum Depression. Every individual is unique, and the treatment must be tailored to personal needs and preferences. Options range from Individual or Group Therapy to Cognitive Behavioral approaches, Family Therapy, or alternative treatments. LifeStance offers an array of services catering to individual needs, ensuring that every woman has access to the Mental Health care that suits her best.

Some of these additional services include:

• Anti-Anxiety or antidepressant medications
• Psychotherapy
• Participation in a group setting for emotional support and education

Postpartum Depression is a complex and sensitive issue. Beyond medications like Zurzuvae, recognizing the symptoms, understanding the available treatment options, and approaching the condition with compassion and empathy is vital.

Those interested in managing or supporting Depression might find healthy habits to support Depression treatment helpful. Additionally, general tips for managing Depression may also complement PPD treatment.

Zurzuvae stands as a beacon of hope for many and shows great promise for revolutionizing treatment for PPD.

Its unique properties, quick action, and lasting formula make it a promising option. However, a full spectrum of treatment choices, from therapy to medications, must be considered. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of Postpartum Depression, the expert providers at LifeStance can guide you on the journey to recovery.

If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, dial 988 to reach someone with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. They’re available 24 hours a day and provide services in multiple languages.