What should I know about zuranolone and postpartum depression?

Zuranolone is the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating postpartum depression in adults. It is taken by mouth for 14 days. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, cold-like symptoms, and urinary tract infections.

When taking zuranolone, you should use birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. It’s important to avoid pregnancy because this medication may cause harm to a fetus. In addition, you should avoid

• driving or other tasks that require you to be alert (avoid these tasks for 12 hours after each dose)

• alcohol, opioid medication, some antidepressants, and some medications for anxiety, seizures, and other problems with the nervous system

Talk with your ob-gyn about all the medications you take.

Also, zuranolone passes into breast milk. It’s not clear how the medication affects milk production or breastfed babies. If you are breastfeeding, talk with your ob-gyn about your options. You may be able to continue breastfeeding for the 14 days of treatment. Or you may decide to pause breastfeeding and go back to it after you are 1 week past your last dose of zuranolone. Together, you and your ob-gyn can discuss what’s best for you and your baby.

While zuranolone is the first pill approved for treating postpartum depression in adults, other antidepressants have long been used to treat depression after pregnancy and can be very effective. These other antidepressants take longer to start working and are usually taken for at least 6 months after symptoms improve. These medications also have side effects.

Talk with your ob-gyn about your symptoms, treatment options, and the benefits and risks of medications.

Resources

• Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support in English or Spanish.

• If you are in crisis or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, dial 988 to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away.

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This information is designed as an educational aid for the public. It offers current information and opinions related to health care. It is not intended as a statement of the standard of care. It does not explain all of the proper treatments or methods of care. It is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. Read ACOG’s complete disclaimer.