Clinical therapeutics
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Clinical therapeutics · Jan 2020
Brexanolone For Postpartum Depression: A Novel Approach and a Call for Comprehensive Postpartum Care.
Brexanolone recently became the first medication to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating postpartum depression. In contrast to traditional antidepressants, however, brexanolone is a neurosteroid that is believed to mimic allopregnanolone, a product of endogenous progesterone. ⋯ The efficacy data surrounding brexanolone are encouraging; there is also evidence, however, that postpartum depression may be mitigated by a number of social policies that provide support to new parents. We suggest a comprehensive approach to postpartum wellness that includes investing in evidence-based social interventions that may be much more accessible to the millions of Americans experiencing postpartum mood disturbance.