US Approves First Pill For Postpartum Depression
Introduction
The US has approved the first pill for postpartum depression. The pill will be marketed under the brand name Zurzuvae.
Background
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill to treat postpartum depression, a condition that affects around half a million women in the country every year.
Details
The FDA has approved zuranolone as the first oral medication indicated to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. Previously, treatment for PPD was only available as an IV injection given by a healthcare provider in certain facilities.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Sadness
- Loss of energy
- Suicidal thoughts
- Decreased ability to feel pleasure
- Cognitive impairment
Statistics and Expert Opinion
According to Dr. Asima Ahmad, about one in eight women experience PPD symptoms after a recent live birth, and among those reporting symptoms, 75% go untreated. The numbers are even higher for minority populations, with 81% of Black women and 76% of Hispanic women expressing a desire to learn more about postpartum mental health before having children.
Benefits of the Pill
The pill, specifically designed for postpartum depression, works faster than other antidepressants and is taken over a short two-week period. It has shown fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants currently in use.
Expert Opinion
Tiffany Farchione, head of psychiatry in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, stated that postpartum depression is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Having access to an oral medication will be a beneficial option for many women coping with extreme feelings.
Market and Cost
The pill will be marketed under the brand name Zurzuvae and was developed by Massachusetts-based Sage Therapeutics. The price of the new oral pill has not yet been announced. The only other drug approved for postpartum depression, brexanolone, requires a 60-hour intravenous infusion in a hospital and costs $34,000.
Conclusion
The approval of the first pill for postpartum depression in the US is a significant development in the treatment of this condition. It provides a more accessible and convenient option for women experiencing postpartum depression, potentially improving compliance and reducing stigma.
