WASHINGTON. The United States health officials have approved the first-ever pill designed specifically to treat severe postpartum depression. Known as Zurzuvae, the drug is intended for adults experiencing intense depression related to childbirth or pregnancy. Postpartum depression is a condition that affects thousands of new mothers in the U.S. each year, with an estimated 400,000 people affected annually. While this condition often resolves on its own within a few weeks, it can persist for months or even years in some cases. Existing treatment methods include counseling and antidepressants, but they may take weeks to show results and might not be effective for everyone.
The newly approved Zurzuvae pill, developed by Sage Therapeutics, is taken orally once a day for a 14-day period. According to two company studies, women who took Zurzuvae experienced reduced signs of depression over a four- to six-week period compared to those who received a placebo. The benefits were evident in many patients within just three days of starting the medication.
Dr. Tiffany Farchione, FDA’s director of psychiatric drugs, believes that having access to an oral medication like Zurzuvae will provide a valuable option for women struggling with severe postpartum depression, including those facing life-threatening emotions.
Sahar McMahon, one of the participants in the drug study, had never experienced depression until after giving birth to her second daughter in late 2021. She decided to enroll in the trial and noticed an improvement in her mood and outlook within days of taking the first pills. Other experts, such as Dr. Kimberly Yonkers of Yale University, also acknowledge the positive effects of Zurzuvae but suggest that more follow-up data should be obtained to understand its long-term efficacy.
Zurzuvae is a neurosteroid drug, which stimulates a different brain pathway compared to older antidepressants that target serotonin, the chemical associated with mood and emotions. The pill form of the drug is a more convenient alternative to the previously approved IV version, which is less commonly used due to its high cost and administration challenges.
As of now, the price of Zurzuvae has not been announced, and its affordability will likely play a significant role in how widely it will be prescribed. The drug’s side effects are milder than the IV version and include drowsiness and dizziness.
In summary, the approval of Zurzuvae marks a significant milestone in the treatment of postpartum depression, providing a promising option for those who have not responded well to other treatments. However, continued monitoring and research are needed to fully understand the drug’s long-term effects and ensure its safe and effective use for new mothers struggling with severe depression after childbirth.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
