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Using Brexanolone for Postpartum Depression Must Account for Lactation
Casey Rosen-Carole1,2, Shinya Ito3,4
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 651, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA. casey_rosen-carole@urmc.rochester.edu.
Maternal and Child Health Journal
|May 21, 2021
Summary
Brexanolone is the first FDA-approved drug for postpartum depression, but its use in breastfeeding mothers is restricted. This review addresses concerns about its effects on breastfed infants and lactation to support maternal mental health and breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Brexanolone (Zulresso™) is the first FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression (PPD).
- Current guidelines restrict Brexanolone use in breastfeeding mothers due to lack of safety data.
- This restriction poses ethical dilemmas and public health challenges for PPD treatment.
Discussion:
- Examines potential risks of Brexanolone exposure to breastfed infants via breast milk.
- Assesses the impact of Brexanolone on lactation maintenance and supply.
- Highlights the need for evidence-based guidance for breastfeeding mothers with PPD.
Key Insights:
- Limited data exists on Brexanolone's effects on infants and lactation.
- Ethical considerations support exploring safe use in lactating mothers.
- Public health goals include supporting breastfeeding and maternal mental health concurrently.
Outlook:
- Further research is crucial to evaluate Brexanolone's safety and efficacy in breastfeeding mothers.
- Development of clinical guidelines is needed to inform treatment decisions.
- Balancing PPD treatment with breastfeeding support is a key public health objective.
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