Zurzuvae (zuranolone) is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed to treat postpartum depression. As with other drugs, Zurzuvae can cause side effects, such as sleepiness or fatigue.

Zurzuvae can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Zurzuvae in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Zurzuvae use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Zurzuvae’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Zurzuvae include:

  • sleepiness
  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • dizziness
  • respiratory infection, such as the common cold
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • abdominal pain
  • skin rash
  • numbness (reduced sense of touch)
  • muscle aches, pain, or twitching
  • memory problems
  • anxiousness
  • tremor
  • mild allergic reaction*

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Zurzuvae and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* An allergic reaction is possible after using Zurzuvae. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Zurzuvae may cause serious side effects, although they aren’t common. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Zurzuvae’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Zurzuvae, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Central nervous system depression (slowed brain and nerve activity). Symptoms can include:
    • confusion
    • slowed thinking
    • dizziness
    • severe sleepiness or drowsiness
    • unsteady gait or trouble walking
  • Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.*
  • Risk of impaired ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities.†
  • Severe allergic reaction.‡

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

† Zurzuvae has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Zurzuvae. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials. To learn more, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Zurzuvae may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Zurzuvae.

Risk of impaired ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities

Zurzuvae has a boxed warning for risk of impaired ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Zurzuvae can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, leading to extreme sleepiness or drowsiness. CNS depression was a common side effect of Zurzuvae in clinical trials. CNS depression affects how fast messages are sent between the brain and your nerves. This can impair your ability to drive a car or safely do other activities that require you to be alert.

Even if you don’t notice changes, such as slowed reaction time or feeling less alert, clinical trials still showed an impaired ability to drive a car in people who had taken Zurzuvae.

What you can do

Because Zurzuvae can slow down your reaction time and cause you to feel less alert, you should not drive or do other potentially dangerous activities, such as operating machinery, for 12 hours after each dose.

Be sure to tell your doctor about other medications you are currently taking. Some drugs can increase the risk of CNS depression side effects. You should also avoid alcohol while taking Zurzuvae.

Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about not driving or doing other potentially dangerous activities during the 12 hours after your dose of Zurzuvae.

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

It’s possible that taking Zurzuvae can increase your risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This was not a common side effect seen in clinical studies of the drug.

This happened more often in people 24 years of age and younger. You may be at an increased risk if you have major depressive disorder (MDD).

What you can do

Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • worsening depression
  • thoughts about dying or harming yourself
  • hopelessness
  • severe mood shifts
  • agitation or anxiousness

Your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Zurzuvae. They may suggest other treatment options for you.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Zurzuvae can cause an allergic reaction in some people. However, this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Zurzuvae. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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Below is important information you should consider before taking Zurzuvae.

Boxed warning: Risk of impaired ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities

This drug has a boxed warning for risk of impaired ability to drive or safely do other potentially dangerous activities. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Zurzuvae. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These include:

Kidney problems: If you have kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease, it will be harder for your body to remove Zurzuvae from your system. Tell your doctor if you have a history of kidney problems. They may recommend a lower dosage than usual for you.

Liver problems: Tell your doctor if you have any liver problems, such as severe liver disease. Liver disease makes it harder for the liver to remove the drug from your body. If you have severe liver disease, your doctor may recommend a lower dosage than usual for you.

Alcohol consumption: It may not be safe to drink alcohol during treatment with Zurzuvae. Drinking alcohol while taking the drug may increase your risk of certain side effects, such as dizziness, sleepiness, or confusion. It may also increase your risk of falls. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Zurzuvae.

Past history of drug misuse or dependence: Zurzuvae has the potential to lead to physical dependence if it is misused or abused. Tell your doctor if you have a history of drug misuse or dependence on prescription drugs, street drugs, or alcohol. They can decide whether Zurzuvae is the right treatment option for you.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Zurzuvae or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Zurzuvae. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding your child, Zurzuvae may not be safe for you to take. Talk with your doctor before taking Zurzuvae if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

There is a pregnancy registry available that collects information about the safety of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy. Consider registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants if you take Zurzuvae while pregnant. If you are interested in participating, you can call 844-405-6185 or talk with your doctor.

Like most medications, Zurzuvae can cause side effects. Although not common, some side effects caused by Zurzuvae can be serious. You should consider talking with your doctor if you have any side effects that last, are bothersome, or are serious.

If you’d like to learn more about Zurzuvae, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Zurzuvae: For details about other aspects of Zurzuvae, refer to this article.
  • Dosage: For information about the dosage of Zurzuvae, view this article.
  • A look at your condition: For details about postpartum depression, see our mental health hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.