FDA Approved Drug for Postpartum Depression Offers New Hope for Women

The FDA has approved a new drug, Zuranolone, for the treatment of postpartum depression. This is a major breakthrough for women who suffer from PPD.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 5 August 2023 4:24 pm

FDA approves an oral drug for women suffering from postpartum depression is a major breakthrough

The Food Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a drug named Zuranolone for women suffering from postpartum depression following childbirth. The drug is an oral once-a-day pill that a woman needs to take for 14 to battle the PPD. The news comes as a huge relief for women suffering from PPD. As per the Washington Post, about 1 in 7, women are afflicted with PPD post childbirth.

With Zuranolone's approval, more women will likely have access to treatment for postpartum depression, a severe mental illness that may strike women after giving birth. During PPD, women may feel depressed, nervous, or hopeless and the symptoms may also even trigger suicidal thoughts.

Earlier, women who suffered from PPD often visited Psychiatrists for counselling. However, with the approval of this oral drug, it becomes easy for women to battle PPD without any hassle. Meanwhile, Zuranolone has been made by the drugmakers Sage Therapeutics and Biogen.

This is not the first time that drugmaker companies have come up with PPD drugs. Earlier, Zulresso, an IV injectable that could only be given in specific healthcare institutions, was the only FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. On the other hand, it's simple to take a tablet like Zuranolone at home.

It is essential to notice the significance of Zuranolone because of how rapidly it makes a change for women during the first crucial days after childbirth. Meanwhile, other antidepressants can take a while to kick in and make changes for a woman.

The common side effects a woman who is on Zuranolone can face are diarrhoea, common cold drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and urinary tract infection. Also, women who will be taking the drug will be advised not to operate machinery or drive by themselves for 12 hours after taking the pill.