The new pill that is supposed to treat postpartum depression has finally received its approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to reports, this pill will help relieve symptoms of depression in only three days. This is the first oral pill designed to treat this health issue faced by women. Earlier, PPD was treated through IV injections given by health care experts only. The manufacturers of this new drug stated that the pill will be made available this year itself.
PPD is a condition that is experienced by almost half a million women in the US each year. According to the data, one in seven women experience severe symptoms in the country. This condition is similar to symptoms of depression but it may also be more severe for some women. According to the FDA, the main symptoms of PPD are: sadness, loss of energy, suicidal thoughts, decreased ability to feel pleasure, or cognitive impairment.
All About The Pill
Experts say that this medicine will help women cope with extreme and complicated emotions which may also become life threatening. Clinical trials showed the pill helped to significantly reduce depressive symptoms within three days. The FDA said that the effect of the medication was maintained at four weeks after the last dose. Here is what you need to know about the pill:
- This pill is a synthetic version of allopregnanolone, which is a naturally occurring by-product of the hormone progesterone.
- The pill acts on GABA receptors in the brain. GABA receptors are a major signalling pathway that helps regulate stress and mood in a person.
- GABA is known to calm the nervous system.
- People who experience major symptoms of stress and depression may have low levels of this chemical in their body.
Side Effects Of The Pill
Experts state that this pill has been proven to be effective but it also comes with certain side effects such as:
- Drowsiness,
- Dizziness,
- Diarrhoea,
- Fatigue,
- Common cold, and
- Urinary Tract Infection.
