The joy of welcoming a new baby home is indescribable. But sometimes, along with this joy, a new mother can feel a lot of sadness, pressure, and helplessness. We call this condition postpartum depression, or ``Postpartum Depression - PPD``. So today we are going to talk about a special drug used to treat this condition, namely the injection ``Brexanolone``.
Simply put, what is Brexanolone?
Brexanolone is a medication used to treat postpartum depression (PPD). It is commonly marketed under the brand name ZULRESSO.
Think about it, to keep our mood good, various chemicals in the brain need to be in balance. After having a child, with other hormonal changes, sometimes these chemicals can become out of balance. That's when those stressful feelings like I mentioned before come in. So, what this Brexanolone injection does is rebalance those chemicals in the brain and improve your mood.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this treatment
This is very important. It is essential for your safety that your medical team is fully aware of your health condition. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor before starting treatment.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Mixing alcohol and this medicine can cause excessive drowsiness and other problems. |
| If you have kidney disease | If kidney function is reduced, the drug may take longer to leave the body, which may lead to increased side effects. |
| If you or a family member has had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts | This medication can sometimes affect mental status, so your doctor should be especially careful about this. |
| If you have allergies to brexanolone or other medicines, foods, or dyes. | This is essential to determine if there is a risk of an allergic reaction to the drug. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant or are currently breastfeeding | The doctor needs this information to determine whether the medication may affect the baby and to weigh the benefits and risks of treatment. |
How will this medicine be given to you?
This is not a home remedy. Brexanolone is an intravenous infusion given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic. This treatment is given continuously for 60 hours, or two and a half days.
Before starting treatment, you will be given a special leaflet (MedGuide) with details about this medicine. It is very important to read and understand it carefully.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What is the dosage of kelin wadi unoth? (Overdosage)
Since this treatment is given in a hospital, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you think you have been exposed to something, inform the medical team immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In an emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
Your medical team will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine. Tell them right away if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
The main side effect of this treatment is that it can cause severe drowsiness or dizziness . This can be so severe that you may suddenly fall asleep or even lose consciousness.
- Every two hours while you are awake, the nursing staff will come and check if you are too sleepy.
- If you feel like you're having trouble staying awake or are losing consciousness, you should tell the medical team immediately .
- Of course, you should have your husband, family member, or other caregiver stay with you in the hospital to take care of your baby during this treatment, as it is not safe for you to take care of your baby alone with this drowsiness.
After your treatment, your doctors will monitor you until you are well enough to go home. Even after you go home, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness until you are completely free of drowsiness and dizziness.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, brexanolone can cause some side effects. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Side effects that should be reported to your medical team immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Breathing that is very slow or shallow, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, feeling faint, confusion, inability to stay awake. |
| Deterioration of mental state | Suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming oneself, worsening mood. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the medical team if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dizziness | Drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Flushing |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other things you are taking may interact with this medicine. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed by a doctor, bought at a pharmacy), herbal products, and vitamins, as well as whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Brexanolone may interact with these things in particular:
- Alcohol
- Some medications for anxiety or sleep
- Opioids painkillers
- Other antidepressants
Take-Home Message
- Brexanolone is a special medication given intravenously in a hospital to treat postpartum depression (PPD).
- The main side effect is extreme drowsiness, so it is essential that someone else is available to take care of the child during treatment.
- Avoid activities that require concentration, such as driving, until the treatment is complete and the drowsiness has completely subsided.
- Be sure to inform your doctor about all medications you take, alcohol use, and other health conditions.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive sleepiness, or suicidal thoughts.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts here.
Add Your Comment