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NEUROACTIVE STEROID GABA-A RECEPTOR POSITIVE MODULATOR
Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat postpartum depression (PPD) in adults.
Zurzuvae is a type of medication called a neuroactive steroid. It works on gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors in the brain, which help control brain activity. In postpartum depression, this may help regulate brain signaling linked to low mood and other symptoms.
The exact way it works is not fully understood.
Doctors prescribe Zurzuvae to treat postpartum depression. By targeting this pathway, the medication may help manage symptoms.
Zurzuvae is given as a capsule by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening for 14 days. It should be taken with food that contains fat.
The recommended dose of Zurzuvae for postpartum depression is 50 milligrams once daily in the evening for 14 days. If an individual experiences sleepiness or confusion (central nervous system depressant effects) during treatment, a doctor may reduce the dose to 40 milligrams once daily for the remainder of the 14-day course.
Doctors may also reduce the dose to 30 milligrams once daily for 14 days when Zurzuvae is taken with certain other medicines, or in individuals with severe liver impairment or moderate to severe kidney impairment.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies of Zurzuvae for postpartum depression in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 36 percent of individuals. These side effects were:
Zurzuvae can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
The Zurzuvae website offers the Zurzuvae Savings Card Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may be able to receive financial assistance. The program is not available for prescriptions reimbursed under Medicaid, a Medicare drug benefit plan, TRICARE, or other federal or state health programs.
The Zurzuvae Savings Card Program also provides a support line for questions about the program. In addition, Zurzuvae For You is a patient support program that helps people navigate their treatment journey. It offers Support Coordinators who can provide information about Zurzuvae, financial assistance programs if eligible, and support with accessing prescribed medication.
To learn more, visit the Zurzuvae cost and support page or call 844-987-9882.
Before taking Zurzuvae, tell your doctor about your health history. This includes if you:
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to zuranolone or any ingredients in Zurzuvae.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you take other medicines, such as antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs that cause sleepiness and may interact with Zurzuvae.
Zurzuvae can affect how alert you feel. Do not drive or do dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after each dose. You may not be able to tell how much the medicine affects you.
Zurzuvae can also cause sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking. These effects may increase your risk of falling.
If you miss a dose, take the next dose at your regular time the following evening. Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose. Keep taking Zurzuvae once daily until you finish the 14-day treatment.
There is a pregnancy registry for people who take Zurzuvae during pregnancy. To learn more, visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants or call 844-405-6185.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Zurzuvae, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Zurzuvae may harm your baby if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for one week after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Zurzuvae?
In two studies of adults with postpartum depression, people took Zurzuvae once a day for 14 days. By day 15, people taking Zurzuvae had greater improvement in their depression scores than those taking a placebo (an inactive treatment).
In one study, scores improved by 15.6 points with Zurzuvae compared to 11.6 points with placebo. This was a 4-point greater improvement.
In another study using a similar form of the medicine zuranolone, scores improved by 17.8 points compared to 13.6 points with placebo. This was a 4.2-point greater improvement.
How long does Zurzuvae take to work for postpartum depression?
In clinical studies, people took Zurzuvae for 14 days. Their depression symptoms were checked on day 15. By day 15, people taking Zurzuvae had greater improvement in their symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.
This shows that Zurzuvae can improve symptoms by about two weeks for some people.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Zurzuvae for postpartum depression?
There are no specific lab tests or routine monitoring listed for Zurzuvae. People taking Zurzuvae should watch for side effects that affect the brain. These include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and feeling less alert.
Doctors should also watch for any new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behavior. If these occur, the treatment plan may need to be changed.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with postpartum depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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