This medication is used to treat a certain type of
depression (postpartum depression). Zuranolone is thought to work by
affecting the balance of certain natural substances in the
brain.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking zuranolone. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with fat-containing food
as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the evening for 14 days.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and
other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and
pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs,
nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Though it helps many people, this medication may
sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance
use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this
medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get
worse.
See also Warning section.
Drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, or tiredness may occur.
If any of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- confusion
- trouble walking
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety
of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These
medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other
important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of
people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any
condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms,
or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor
about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for
people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood
condition.
Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening
depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes
(including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood
changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping,
irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe
restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms
when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is
changed.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
See also Warning section.
Before using zuranolone, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such
as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using zuranolone. Zuranolone
may harm an unborn baby. Ask about the use of reliable forms of birth
control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication.
This medication passes into breast milk in small
amounts. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow
breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication
is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing
problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products
such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone),
alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as
alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol,
cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
drowsiness/dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is
against the law.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.