FDA Approves First Medication Specifically for Postpartum Depression

Yesterday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)approved Zulresso (brexanolone) for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). It is the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for PPD. PPD is believed to be caused by the rapid change in hormones immediately after giving birth and is estimated to affect 400,000 women annually.“Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life threatening. Women may experience thoughts about harming themselves or harming their child. Postpartum depression can also interfere with the maternal-infant bond,” said Tiffany Farchione, M.D., acting director of the Division of Psychiatry Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in apress announcement.Zulresso will be available only through a restricted program called the Zulresso REMS Program. Patients must be enrolled in the program prior to treatment with the medication. Only health care professionals in a certified health care facility may administer Zulresso.Zulresso is given as a continuous intravenous infusion over a total of 60 hours (2.5 days). Patients must be monitored for potential side effects including excessive sedation or sudden loss of consciousness. They also must be accompanied by a caregiver or family member to assist them with child care during the infusion. Patients should not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until feelings of sleepiness from the treatment have completely gone away. Thes...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: brexanolone FDA approval GABA neurotransmitter postpartum depression Zulresso Source Type: research