FDA Releases First Drug For Postpartum Depression

You’ve waited nine months, and your new baby finally has arrived. But a few weeks later, instead of feeling joy and contentment, you experience anxiety, sadness, episodes of crying and guilt. You may be suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is defined as mood symptoms or anxiety that presents in women from 3 weeks to up to a year after having your baby. Postpartum depression is different than the “baby blues”, which only last about 2 weeks.

Postpartum depression is considered normal, happens to a lot of women and can have a varying degree of severity. In order to cope, women should get as much rest as possible, accept help from family and friends, connect with other new moms, carve out time for herself, and avoid alcohol. And recently the first drug ever for postpartum has been released and has been approved by the FDA. The drug, which is administered via an intravenous drip, repeatedly works within 48 hours.

The newly-approved drug, Brexanolone, will be marketed as Zulresso. It might cost up to $34,000 per patient and will be offered only as an in-patient option at certified medical centers.