Things to Know About the New Drug for Postpartum Depression
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an oral medication called Zurzuvae to treat postpartum depression and here are things you need to know about the drug.
The US Food and Drug Administration announced on August 4 they’ve approved an oral medication that can help mothers combat postpartum depression. Zuranolone, which will be sold as Zurzuvae, is the first drug the FDA approved after the results of trials.
“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. And, because postpartum depression can disrupt the maternal-infant bond, it can also have consequences for the child’s physical and emotional development,” Doctor Tiffany R. Farchione, director of the Division of Psychiatry in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research said in a statement.
“Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many of these women coping with extreme, and sometimes life-threatening, feelings.”
Here’s what you need to know about Zurzuvae.

Zurzuvae should be taken daily
Zurzuvae’s dosage must be 50 mg. It should be taken once daily for 14 days in the evening after a heavy meal.
Zurzuvae will be available in the US within the year
Zurzuvae is an oral medication that can affect the nervous system. Following its protocol, it will undergo a 90-day review by the Drug Enforcement Administration. After that, it should be available to consumers within the year.
Sage Therapeutics and Biogen, makers of Zurzuvae, have yet to announce a date for its availability.
There is only one FDA-approved drug for postpartum depression before Zurzuvae
Aside from Zurzuvae, only one other drug has been approved by the FDA. The drug called Zulresso however is very expensive and may cause side effects just like Zurzuvae. Side effects according to the website include dizziness and sleepiness.
Driving is discouraged when Zurzuvae has been taken
In its recommendation, the FDA highly discourages adults who have taken the oral medication from driving as well as doing heavy work.
“Patients also may not be able to assess their degree of impairment. To reduce the risk of harm, patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 12 hours after taking Zurzuvae,” the FDA said.
It has yet to be announced if the drug will also be distributed worldwide.
More stories on postpartum depression:
Postpartum Depression: Yes, It’s Real
Where to Get Help if You’re Dealing with Postpartum Depression
7 Ways Partners Can Support Moms with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety