Canada Approves First Medication for Postpartum Depression

Health Canada has approved zuranolone, a medication specifically designed to treat postpartum depression, marking a significant advancement in mental health treatment for new mothers. The drug, sold under the brand name Zurzuvae, is recommended for women experiencing moderate to severe postpartum depression and is to be taken once a day for 14 days.

According to Health Canada, this is the first drug authorized in Canada for this specific purpose. Biogen, the drug's developer, indicated zuranolone is expected to be available in Canada by early 2026, pending coverage decisions by governments and insurers.

Research indicates zuranolone can start relieving symptoms in as few as three days, with some participants in clinical trials reporting improvements as early as day three. Dr. Ryan Van Lieshout, a psychiatry professor at McMaster University, stated that about 27 percent of participants in the clinical trials showed no depressive symptoms by day 15.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which often require weeks to take effect, zuranolone provides a quicker response due to its unique mechanism of action as a neurosteroid that regulates mood through gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors.

Despite its promise, experts like Dr. Crystal Clark emphasize that treatment should be individualized, noting that while zuranolone can be effective, psychotherapy remains a critical first-line treatment for depression.

Notably, the medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and side effects may include significant sleepiness, affecting activities such as driving. Kara Fiscus, a user of zuranolone, reported a dramatic improvement in her suicidal thoughts within days of starting the medication, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments for postpartum depression, which affects approximately 23 percent of new mothers according to Statistics Canada.