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Medication

Zuranolone (Zurzuvae)

Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is the first oral medication FDA-approved specifically for postpartum depression (August 2023). It is a neuroactive steroid taken once daily for 14 days that can improve symptoms within days.
Generic
Zuranolone
Brand
Zurzuvae
Class
Neuroactive steroid (oral)
Educational information, not medical advice. This page summarizes published research and public-health guidance for learning purposes. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified clinician. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor or midwife. In a crisis, call or text 988 or the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262.

Evidence snapshot — computed from live data

125
Studies indexed (PubMed)
moderate evidence
Strength score 54/100

Overview

  • Class: neuroactive steroid (oral)
  • Typical use: postpartum depression specifically
  • Course: 14 days, taken in the evening with food
  • Onset: rapid—often within ~3 days

Breastfeeding considerations

First oral drug FDA-approved specifically for PPD (Aug 2023); 14-day course.

Breastfeeding decisions are always individual — make them with your prescriber.

What the FDA data shows

Across 1,326 adverse-event reports for zuranolone in the U.S. FDA FAERS database (all uses, all ages — not postpartum-specific), the most frequently reported reactions are:

Reported reactionReports
Somnolence442
Dizziness266
Fatigue211
Anxiety104
Sedation103
Feeling Abnormal96
Suicidal Ideation83
Tremor83

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish that the drug caused the event. Data pulled live from openFDA.

Compare SSRI options in our breastfeeding-safety comparison.

Sources & further reading

Selected recent peer-reviewed studies, pulled live from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Counts and citations update automatically.

  1. Dargan TL et al. “Potential of Neurosteroids for Precision Medicine in Psychiatry.” Biological psychiatry (2026). PubMed →
  2. Xie G et al. “Real-world adverse event profiles of Zuranolone and Brexanolone based on FAERS and VigiAccess databases: An observational study.” Medicine (2026). PubMed →
  3. Sheffler ZM et al. “Antidepressants.” (2026). PubMed →
  4. Xiao Y et al. “Comparative efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological interventions for postpartum depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.” Psychiatry research (2026). PubMed →
  5. Ok HI et al. “First Reported Case of Dissociative Symptoms Associated With Zuranolone Use in Peripartum Depression.” Cureus (2026). PubMed →
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