Earlier this year, the FDA approved the first drug for postpartum depression, and I would like to share some information on it today. The brand name of the drug is called Zulresso, and the generic name is called brexanolone.
Zulresso has many interesting features. First of all, the drug has a unique mechanism of action, so it can target depression in a way that is different from all of the other current options. Also, Zulresso is given as a one-time infusion over 60 hours, which is pretty unique as well. Zulresso can cause excessive sedation, among other side effects, and requires administration and monitoring in a health care facility. In addition, the drug will be very expensive, running in the tens of thousands of dollars. One potential benefit from the drug is that depression symptoms can improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting the infusion.
Based on the limited overview I have provided here, I am personally hesitant about how this drug will be utilized. It is an infusion that requires hospitalization, and it is very expensive to administer. Also, since it is a newly approved drug, the evidence is limited. This means that we will probably see more side effects and get a better idea of its efficacy as it is used in a greater number of patients. Hopefully it will really help women struggling with postpartum depression, but I am a little skeptical at this point. While I applaud the fact that there is now something indicated for postpartum depression, I do not know how many women it will truly help based on some of the issues I already noted.
What do you think? Are you excited about the first treatment indicated for postpartum depression? Does its limitations concern you or should that be an issue at all? I plan to continue to watch to see what happens with this new treatment.