Better Beginnings to provide the first FDA-approved oral medication for Postpartum Depression
Press release from Better Beginnings
ALACHUA, Fla. – Better Beginnings, a leading private practice in Florida in the perinatal mental health field, is now offering a breakthrough oral medication for those experiencing Postpartum Depression. Zurzuvae (zuranolone) was recently FDA-approved on Friday, August 4, as the first medication in the form of a pill taken once daily for 14 days specifically for Postpartum Depression (PPD). Approximately 1 in 3 women in Florida are affected by Postpartum Depression; left untreated, the illness can affect all areas of life and daily functioning.
Better Beginnings is a private health care facility providing both counseling and psychiatry services with two physical locations in Florida as well as online services throughout both Florida and Georgia. Our counseling and psychiatry providers have received specialized training in the field of perinatal mental health care. The combination of psychotherapy and medication is known to be the fastest way for moms to return to optimal health; no mom needs to suffer alone–there is help and treatment.
“The development and approval of this medication is a tremendous benefit to moms struggling with Postpartum Depression. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here, and our team is thrilled to discuss this as an option of care for those we serve to get better, faster,” said Lauren DePaola, LCSW, Owner/CEO Better Beginnings.
To learn more about Zurzuvae/zuranolone and other services at Better Beginnings, providers, patients, and families are encouraged to call Better Beginnings at (352) 462-9484 and go to the following website: https://betterbeginningsfl.com/
Zurzuvae Side Effects
Zurzuvae may cause serious side effects, including
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Zurzuvae, along with other antidepressant medicines, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people that are 24 years of age and younger. This medicine is not for use in children. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions.
It is important to watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions.
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings, or if you develop suicidal thoughts or actions. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: attempts to commit suicide, panic attacks, thoughts about suicide or dying, new or worse irritability, new or worse depression, acting aggressive or being angry or violent, feeling very agitated or restless, an extreme increase in activity and talking, trouble sleeping, acting on dangerous impulses, new or worse anxiety, other unusual changes in behavior or mood.
Common Zurzuvae side effects may include:
Sleepiness or drowsiness
Tiredness
Dizziness
Common cold
Diarrhea
Urinary tract infection.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Decreased ability to drive or do other dangerous activities.
Zurzuvae may decrease your awareness and alertness, which can affect your ability to drive safely or operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities. You should not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until at least 12 hours after taking each capsule during your 14-day treatment with this medicine. You may not be able to tell on your own if you can drive safely or tell how much this medicine is affecting you.
Decreased awareness and alertness
Zurzuvae may cause sleepiness, drowsiness, slow thinking, dizziness, confusion, and trouble walking therefore, you may be at a higher risk for falls while taking this medicine.
Drinking alcohol, other medicines that cause CNS depressant effects, or opioids while taking this medicine can make these symptoms worse and may also cause trouble breathing.
Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
Your healthcare provider may lower your dose or stop treatment if you develop these symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
drink alcohol
have abused or been dependent on prescription medicines, street drugs, or alcohol
have kidney or liver problems.
Pregnancy
Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as this medicine may harm your unborn baby.
If you are able to become pregnant, then while taking this medicine and for one week afterward you should use effective contraception.
You should tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while on Zurzuvae.
There is a pregnancy registry for females who are take Zurzuvae during their pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to this medicine and their baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with Zurzuvae, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visit online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/ .
Breastfeeding
Zurzuvae passes into breast milk, and it is not known if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with this.
It is best to read all the information before taking it. I believe almost all mental health drugs can cause adverse effects and risks of harmful thoughts. Of course I am weary of any new drug that the FDA approves
Meant Leary of