"For most cases of mild to moderate postpartum depression, standard treatment with psychotherapy with or without an antidepressant works well. Treating severe PPD is more challenging. Fortunately, there is a new category of medication for PPD that is intended for severe PPD. The newest one is zuranolone (trade name is Zurzuvae). Currently, "existing efficacy data are limited to individuals with severe postpartum depression, where long-term outcomes need further study" (Miller, 2025). It has a different mode of action than older antidepressants."
"Multiple factors affect GABAa, a nerve receptor in the brain. This receptor is involved in the development of PPD and is a major target for treatment (Sharma, 2024). GABAa is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays a significant role in maintaining balance in the activity of the brain. Hormonal fluctuations in the brain play a role in the development of PPD."
"Zuranolone is a novel, rapidly acting, oral medication for the treatment of postpartum depression. Zuranolone has a different mechanism of action than other antidepressants. Zuranolone is generally well-tolerated and is considered safe for breastfeeding but does have side effects. Postpartum depression (PPD) is depression that occurs after giving birth for up to 12 months. It is a serious disorder affecting 10-20% of mothers (Khadka, 2024)."
Postpartum depression (PPD) is depression occurring up to 12 months after childbirth, affecting 10–20% of mothers. Mild to moderate PPD often responds to psychotherapy with or without antidepressants, while severe PPD poses greater treatment challenges. Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is a novel, rapidly acting oral medication targeting GABAa receptors, differing from SSRIs and SNRIs. Existing efficacy data focus on individuals with severe PPD, and long-term outcomes require further study. GABAa modulation addresses hormone-related disruptions after delivery, including rapid declines in estrogen and progesterone and neuroactive progesterone derivatives. Zuranolone is generally well-tolerated and considered compatible with breastfeeding, though side effects occur.
Read at Psychology Today
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