Novel Antidepressant Appears Rapidly Effective for Postpartum Depression

Several studies suggest that functional alterations in the GABA_A receptor and its allosteric modulator, allopregnanolone, are linked to postpartum depression. In two manufacturer-supported studies, researchers testing the efficacy of brexanolone (an allopregnanolone analogue that is non-FDA approved but under priority review) administered intravenously over 60 hours in a hospital setting to 246 women with postpartum depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D], >20; onset during the third trimester or within the first 6 months postpartum). In the first trial, brexanolone doses of 60 µg/kg/hour and 90 µg/kg/hour were compared with placebo; in the second trial, the 90-µg/kg/hour dose was evaluated relative to placebo.

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