Zuranolone at a glance
Medicine class
Neuroactive-steroid antidepressant and positive modulator of GABA-A receptors
Licensed use
Moderate or severe postnatal depression in adults following childbirth
Administration
Swallow capsules whole with fat-containing food
Driving
Do not drive or undertake hazardous activities for at least 12 hours after taking it
Prescribing
Prescription-only treatment initiated under specialist supervision
What is Zuranolone used for?
Zuranolone is licensed for:
Moderate or severe postnatal depression in adults following childbirth.
How does Zuranolone work?
Zuranolone is a synthetic neuroactive steroid that positively modulates GABA-A receptors. This strengthens inhibitory GABA signalling and may help stabilise brain networks affected in postnatal depression.
Zuranolone preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg
How to take Zuranolone
Follow the specialist prescriber's instructions.
Swallow the hard capsules whole; do not chew or open them.
Take with food containing fat, such as eggs, cheese, avocado or nuts.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
Do not drive or undertake hazardous activities for at least 12 hours after taking zuranolone.
Zuranolone side effects
Common or expected effects
- Drowsiness or excessive sleepiness
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Sedation
- Memory difficulty
- Confusion
- Tremor
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue or lack of energy
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening suicidal thoughts, self-harm thoughts or unusual behavioural changes
- Severe confusion or substantially reduced awareness
- Excessive central nervous system depression, including being difficult to wake
Zuranolone in pregnancy
Zuranolone is contraindicated during pregnancy because animal findings indicate potential fetal harm. Effective contraception is required while taking it and for seven days after stopping. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs or is suspected.
Zuranolone while breastfeeding
Zuranolone passes into breast milk at low measured levels, but its effects on breastfed infants and milk production remain uncertain. Discuss the benefits of breastfeeding, the mother's clinical need and possible infant effects with the specialist team.
Zuranolone interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products before treatment.
Alcohol
May increase drowsiness, sedation and impairment of coordination or judgement.
Opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets, gabapentin, pregabalin and sedating antidepressants
Additive central nervous system depression may worsen sleepiness and psychomotor impairment.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin and ritonavir
Can increase zuranolone exposure and adverse effects, requiring specialist review.
Common questions about Zuranolone
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is zuranolone an SSRI?
No. It is a neuroactive-steroid antidepressant that enhances GABA-A receptor activity rather than acting primarily on serotonin reuptake.
Why must zuranolone be taken with fat-containing food?
Food containing fat substantially increases and stabilises absorption compared with taking it while fasting.
Can zuranolone capsules be opened or chewed?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.