The transition from pregnancy to postpartum can be tough on mothers, with a wide range of emotions like joy, excitement, fear, and anxiety. The stigma around postpartum depression has kept it brushed under the carpet for many years, but growing conversation about the struggle of motherhood is bringing it to light. In a major step towards acknowledging the seriousness of postpartum depression, the US FDA has approved Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first oral medication indicated to treat PPD in adults. Common risk factors of postpartum depression include a previous psychiatric illness, discord with family, financial burden, and previous episodes of PPD. Immediate family members and close friends can play a key role in supporting the mother by taking her to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess her condition and seek treatment.
Postpartum depression (PPD) typically occurs after childbirth and is generally the first six weeks after the birth of a child. Women may experience a mish-mash of emotions – anxiety, sleep difficulties, mood fluctuations, and crying fits also called ‘baby blues’. The FDA recently announced the approval for the PPD pill Zurzuvae, a progress from the IV injection used by certain healthcare facilities for PPD treatment. However, the pill does come with side effects and it may lead to dizziness, drowsiness, suicidal thoughts, and fetal harm. While this may be a positive step, there is still a long way to go before the pill may be authorized for use in India.
FDA postpartum depression pill: A step towards maternal care – Detail Points
– Transition from pregnancy to postpartum can be emotionally tough on mothers
– Postpartum depression is a depressive episode occurring after childbirth
– Symptoms include anxiety, sleep difficulties, mood fluctuations, and crying fits
– Stigma around postpartum depression kept it hidden for years
– Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is the first oral medication approved by the FDA to treat PPD
– The FDA recommends a 50mg daily dose of Zurzuvae for 14 days, in the evening with a fatty meal
– The pill may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea
– Common risk factors for PPD include previous psychiatric illness, financial burden, and lack of family support
– Common signs of PPD include excessive crying, loss of appetite and sleep, and suicidal thoughts
– Support from family members and friends is crucial in helping women with postpartum depression.
FDA postpartum depression pill: A step towards maternal care – FAQ’s
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is typically a depressive episode that typically occurs after childbirth. The postpartum period is generally the first six weeks after the birth of a child. Women may experience a mish-mash of emotions – anxiety, sleep difficulties, mood fluctuations and crying fits – also called ‘baby blues’.
What are common risk factors of postpartum depression?
The risk factors for PPD are previous psychiatric illness, discord with a husband or other members of the family, financial burden, stillbirth, neonatal death and a previous episode of PPD. Studies have even observed how birth of a female baby, lack of family support, sick baby or death of the baby, preterm or low birth-weight baby, unwanted or unplanned pregnancy can also increase chances of postpartum depression.
Common signs of postpartum depression
A woman going through postpartum depression could typically go through the following: Excessive crying, loss of appetite and sleep, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming the baby.
How to help someone with postpartum depression?
Immediate family members and close friends can play a key role in supporting the mother by taking her to a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess her condition and seek treatment. If the symptoms of feeling low, not being a good enough mother and excessive crying continue beyond two weeks, a visit to a psychologist is recommended.
