FDA approves first pill specifically designed to treat postpartum depression

A clinical trial on Zuranolone has proven the medication to be an effective treatment for the condition.

Gillian Neff and Lauren Pena

Aug 6, 2023, 3:32 PM

Updated 496 days ago

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The FDA has approved the first pill specifically aimed to treat mothers with postpartum depression.
Doctors say postpartum depression is a condition that can start during pregnancy with symptoms such as feelings of sadness, guilt, loss of energy and difficulty sleeping. In severe cases it can also cause suicidal thoughts or attempts at suicide.
A clinical trial on Zuranolone has proven the medication to be an effective treatment for the condition.
The study found that when taken twice daily for two weeks, women with severe postpartum depression experienced “significant improvements in depressive symptoms” compared to those who were given a placebo.
Researchers say that the women who took the medication saw relief in as early as three days. The study also stated that those improvements were still reported 28 and 45 days later.
Some of the side effects reported for Zuranolone include drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.