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Pharmacy and Wellness Review

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious medical condition that increases the risk of postpartum mortality and affects the ability of a postpartum individual to take care of their newborn. Until 2023, intravenously-administered brexanolone was the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for PPD. Brexanolone’s route of administration poses significant barriers to accessibility and convenience. Other treatment options, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, often require long-term commitment and may not provide rapid relief for severe symptoms. In August 2023, the FDA approved zuranolone as an oral medication for PPD, which enhances treatment accessibility and offers patients a more flexible, outpatient option. Findings from multiple clinical trials demonstrate zuranolone’s effectiveness in rapidly reducing PPD symptoms and producing significant improvements in mood and functionality within days. As a result, zuranolone represents a major advancement in PPD treatment and a promising alternative to traditional therapies for PPD patients. This review will discuss the pathophysiology of PPD, the current treatment options, challenges with the current treatment of PPD, the mechanism of action of zuranolone, pivotal clinical trials that played a role in zuranolone’s approval, the benefits and adverse effects associated with zuranolone, and future directions concerning the use of zuranolone in treating PPD.

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