Zuranolone for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Objective: To review the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of zuranolone for the treatment of postpartum depression.

Data sources: A literature search was conducted through PubMed using the following terms: zuranolone, postpartum depression, perinatal depression, SAGE-217, and allopregnanolone analogue.

Study selection and data extraction: Articles describing the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and/or tolerability of zuranolone were included in this review.

Data synthesis: Zuranolone is an allopregnanolone analogue that works through modulation of the GABA_A receptor. Clinical trials have demonstrated that compared with placebo, zuranolone is effective in treating patients with postpartum depression. Common adverse events associated with zuranolone include fatigue, somnolence, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, sedation, upper respiratory tract infection, and nausea.

Conclusions: Pharmacotherapeutic options to treat postpartum depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, with the medication brexanolone (the first allopregnanolone analogue) reserved for severe postpartum depression. Zuranolone, the newest medication in its class, is without the same limitations as brexanolone, thus affording providers an additional easy-to-use option for treating postpartum depression.

Keywords: SAGE-217; allopregnanolone analogue; major depressive disorder; perinatal depression; postpartum depression; zuranolone.