Zuranolone: A Breakthrough in Postnatal Depression Treatment
- Schoen Clinic UK
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Dr James Woolley, Consultant Psychiatrist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
The UK has just approved the first-ever oral medicine for postnatal depression (PND). Zuranolone (brand name Zurzuvae) is a 14-day capsule course designed to provide faster relief for adults with moderate to severe PND after childbirth. Its approval offers new hope for women and families navigating the challenges of postnatal depression, under the care of specialist perinatal teams.
MHRA Approval: A First for Postnatal Depression in the UK
On 27 August 2025, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised zuranolone as the first oral treatment for postnatal depression in the UK. Approval was granted through the International Recognition Procedure, a regulatory milestone that expands treatment options beyond traditional antidepressants and psychological therapies.
The MHRA emphasised that the decision was driven by the need to provide patients with effective, safe medicines that can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
How Zuranolone Works for PND
Unlike SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), zuranolone is a GABA-A receptor positive modulator. It was developed specifically for postpartum depressive syndromes, positioning it as a complementary option to psychological therapy and existing medications.
Dosage: One capsule at night with a fat-containing meal
Course length: 14 days
Supervision: To be prescribed within specialist perinatal services, with appropriate monitoring of benefits and side effects
Who Zuranolone Can Help
Postnatal depression affects more than 1 in 10 women within a year of giving birth. Symptoms often include:
Persistent low mood
Anxiety and irritability
Fatigue and sleep disruption
Difficulties bonding with the baby
Zuranolone is indicated for adults following childbirth with moderate to severe PND. The MHRA recommends it be prescribed only by specialist perinatal teams, alongside psychological support and wider care services, ensuring safety and holistic treatment planning.
Zuranolone Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Like all medicines, zuranolone carries risks and requires careful monitoring.
Common side effects include:
Drowsiness and sedation
Dizziness or confusion
Memory problems
Tremor
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
⚠️ Important cautions:
As with any new medication, there are additional safety considerations, including potential effects on mood, daily activities, and suitability during or after pregnancy. It is important that patients discuss these risks fully with their specialist perinatal team, follow medical advice closely, and always check the patient information leaflet for the most up-to-date safety guidance.
Impact on Perinatal Mental Health Care
For perinatal mental health teams, zuranolone represents a time-limited oral option that may deliver rapid symptom improvement. This could be especially valuable for women with severe symptoms where traditional treatments have been slow to take effect.
Care planning should include:
Prescriber training
Counselling on driving and safety risks
Sleep and caregiving contingency planning
Contraception advice
This integration ensures zuranolone complements, rather than replaces, existing talking therapies and practical supports.
Access and Next Steps
While MHRA approval marks a significant step, local adoption will depend on commissioning and service readiness across NHS perinatal networks. Guidance from NICE and further details on rollout will follow in the coming months.
Clinicians and service leaders can track updates via MHRA communications and NICE guidance, as well as plan ahead for safe implementation and ongoing pharmacovigilance.
FAQs About Zuranolone
What is zuranolone used for? Zuranolone is approved in the UK as the first oral medicine for treating moderate to severe postnatal depression (PND) in adults after childbirth.
Is zuranolone available in the UK? Yes. The MHRA approved zuranolone in August 2025, though availability will depend on commissioning decisions and service rollout.
What are the side effects of zuranolone? Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, diarrhoea, fatigue, and memory problems. Safety monitoring is essential.
How long does zuranolone take to work? Clinical trials suggest some patients may experience improvement within days, but specialist monitoring is required.
References for Further Reading
Support for Postnatal Depression at Schoen Clinic
At Schoen Clinic Chelsea, our specialist psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists provide expert support for women experiencing postnatal depression. We offer a range of treatments tailored to each individual, from psychological therapies to integrated psychiatric care.
👉 If you or someone you love is struggling with postnatal depression, please contact our team today for confidential support and treatment options.
About the Author: Dr James Woolley is a Consultant Psychiatrist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea with a special interest in complex trauma, anxiety disorders and emerging treatments for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.