FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Postpartum Depression

​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first drug specifically for treating postpartum depression. Brexanolone (Zulresso) must be administered intravenously by a healthcare provider at a certified facility over a period of 60 hours. Because of the risk for serious harm, including excessive sedation or sudden loss of consciousness, patients receiving the drug must have continuous pulse oximetry monitoring while undergoing the treatment.