Zurzuvae Effects and How to Manage Them
Zurzuvae is a brand-new oral capsule prescribed for postpartum depression. However, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects and precautions before starting treatment.
While Zurzuvae was not found to cause allergic reactions in clinical trials, it can trigger such reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, and swelling of the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Common side effects of Zurzuvae include sleepiness, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory infections, abdominal pain, skin rash, numbness, muscle aches, pain, or twitching, memory problems, anxiousness, tremor, and mild allergic reactions.
Moreover, Zurzuvae has a boxed warning for the risk of impairing the ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities. This is due to its potential to cause central nervous system depression, leading to extreme sleepiness or drowsiness. As a result, it's advised not to drive or perform tasks requiring alertness for 12 hours after each dose of Zurzuvae.
Zurzuvae may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, more common in people 24 years of age and younger, and those with major depressive disorder (MDD). If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, it's crucial to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment with Zurzuvae.
Additionally, if you have liver or kidney problems, it may be harder for your body to remove Zurzuvae from your system. In such cases, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage than usual.
It's also worth noting that, while not mentioned in the official prescribing information, real-world pharmacovigilance studies have reported additional side effects such as insomnia, vertigo, mild nausea, and headaches. These side effects may be relevant, especially in the context of postpartum depression treatment.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, Zurzuvae may not be safe for you to take. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about the safety of Zurzuvae during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
When taking Zurzuvae, it's important to avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness, or confusion. It may also increase your risk of falls.
In case of serious side effects or an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention. If symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of Zurzuvae after approval, and users can report side effects to MedWatch. If you have any questions or concerns about Zurzuvae, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Consider registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants if you take Zurzuvae while pregnant, as it collects information about the safety of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy.
Remember, it's crucial to discuss any medications, including Zurzuvae, with your doctor and to carefully follow their advice for a safe and effective treatment.
An allergist should be consulted if a drug allergy to Zurzuvae is suspected, as it can potentially trigger allergic reactions, especially in certain individuals. Zurzuvae capsules are not only used for health-and-wellness purposes, but their impact on mental-health issues such as postpartum depression is also significant. Despite potential side effects, it's recommended to practice science-based caution and follow the prescribed dosage and precautions when taking Zurzuvae.
