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Overview: Zurzuvae is used to treat postpartum depression. Common side effects include tiredness, dizziness, and diarrhea. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 12 hours after each dose of Zurzuvae. Before taking Zurzuvae, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking. Tell your health care provider right away if you have trouble staying awake, confusion, or new or increased thoughts of suicide or dying. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing.

Uses

What is Zurzuvae used for?

Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is commonly used to treat postpartum depression (PPD). PPD is a type of depression that typically develops within four weeks after childbirth. It can lead to physical, emotional, and behavioral changes, such as frequent crying, feeling hopeless, and thoughts of suicide.

Zurzuvae may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zurzuvae work (mechanism of action)?

Zurzuvae may work by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that helps to regulate mood and behavior.

How is Zurzuvae supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zurzuvae

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 20 mg oral capsules
  • 25 mg oral capsules
  • 30 mg oral capsules

How should I store Zurzuvae?

Zurzuvae should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zurzuvae?

The most common side effects of Zurzuvae are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Weakness, tiredness, or lack of energy
  • Drowsiness or sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of Zurzuvae that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zurzuvae?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zurzuvae are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zurzuvae may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Zurzuvae and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Zurzuvae may slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which controls many vital functions throughout the body. CNS depression can increase your risk for falls. Taking certain medicines or drinking alcohol can make CNS depression worse and cause breathing problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CNS depression.

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
  • Memory or thinking problems
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Slowed response or reaction time
  • Slurred speech
  • Trouble walking
  • Dizziness

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Zurzuvae can affect your alertness or coordination. You may not realize that you cannot drive or operate machinery safely after taking Zurzuvae. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination for at least 12 hours after each Zurzuvae dose.

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Zurzuvae or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zurzuvae?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zurzuvae.

  • Zuranolone
  • Zurzuvae
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zurzuvae.

What should I know about Zurzuvae before using it?

Do not take Zurzuvae unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Zurzuvae with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

eep Zurzuvae out of the reach of children. Zurzuvae is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store Zurzuvae in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

If you can become pregnant, you should use an effective form of birth control while taking Zurzuvae and for one week after the last dose. You can talk to your health care provider about the best type of birth control for you. 

Zurzuvae can affect your alertness or coordination, and you may not be able to tell how Zurzuvae affects you. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination for at least 12 hours after taking each dose of Zurzuvae. 

Take Zurzuvae with food that contains fat (400 to 1,000 calories, containing 25% to 50% fat). You can ask your health care provider for examples of foods to eat with Zurzuvae.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zurzuvae?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zurzuvae is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health conditions

Alcohol Use. Tell your health care provider if you drink alcohol.

Substance Use Disorder. Tell your health care provider if you currently or previously have abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Zurzuvae may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Zurzuvae, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Zurzuvae may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control while taking Zurzuvae and for one week after the last dose. You can talk to your health care provider about the best type of birth control for you. If you become pregnant while taking Zurzuvae, you can sign up for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or at www.womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Zurzuvae passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Zurzuvae while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zurzuvae?

For more information about Zurzuvae, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zurzuvae.com or call them at 844-987-9882.

Interactions

Does Zurzuvae interact with foods or drinks?

Zurzuvae may interact with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can raise the levels of Zurzuvae in your blood, which may increase the risk and severity of side effects. Check with your health care provider before eating or drinking grapefruit products with Zurzuvae.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Zurzuvae. The risk of serious problems such as severe dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, coma, and death may be higher if you drink alcohol while taking Zurzuvae.

Does Zurzuvae interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Zurzuvae.

  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which are medicines used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • A barbiturate, such as butalbital, phenobarbital, or primidone,which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Zurzuvae. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Zurzuvae. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zurzuvae?

If you or someone else has used too much Zurzuvae, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zurzuvae?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.