Postpartum depression is very common problem as it affects 1 in 5 women. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness and even suicide. It needs more attention and treatment as it is very difficult to treat. But researchers have found a drug known as Zuranolone to treat women with postpartum depression. It is the first pill that can cure symptoms of postpartum depression– sadness, hopelessness and anxiousness.
One of the reputed psychiatrists has treated a woman who struggled to eat or take care of herself. The woman’s husband needed to take leave from his office to take care of her and their child. He has treated many such patients and sent them to rehab programs. But the chances of suicide remain higher for some of them. It also increases the risk of slow development, emotional and behavioral problems in their babies.
Researchers have developed the zuranolone pill after doing extensive research. The FDA approved it in August. But it was not available in the market for a few months after its approval. The reason behind its delay was it did not work effectively in the first round of tests. But psychiatrists have started prescribing it recently.
Psychiatrists used to give an intravenous injection to women with postpartum depression before this drug. But those women faced some side effects such as sleepiness and loss of consciousness. So, this treatment was only allowed in a few places.
Psychiatrists usually prescribe zuranolone drug for 14 days. Some of them start feeling better before the fourth day of this course. Some of them can sleep peacefully at night. On the other hand, most of them feel better in the morning. It is the first and only drug that effectively treated women who had long-term depression before their pregnancy that got worse after the delivery of baby.
Women who have used zuranolone pills have said that they worked effectively for them. But it is still not clear if the benefits will last for a long time. This drug can save many lives as it works effectively.
