On August 4, 2023, the FDA approved the first oral pill to treat postpartum depression (PPD). Postpartum depression is a medical condition where a woman feels sad, anxious, and tired after giving birth. It can make it difficult for mothers to take care of themselves or the baby and in severe cases can even be life threatening. The new pill is called Zurzuvae (zuranolone). Before now, treatment for PPD was only available as an IV injection.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a medical condition that causes women to experience severe and persistent depression symptoms after giving birth. It is unlikely to resolve on its own (unlike the “baby blues”) and can affect the long-term well-being of the mother and baby.

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PPD symptoms can include persistent and severe mood swings, sadness, anxiety, guilt, and worthlessness.

1 out of 8 women experience postpartum depression in the United States.

Researchers are still learning about the long-term effects of Zuranolone as the clinical trial did not collect data on the participants after 45 days.