First postpartum depression pill has only 60 per cent success: Why a pill may help but not heal everything
It had varied effects among thousands of users. For some, symptoms improved remarkably. Others described a modest benefit that didn't last or said their depression persisted. Yet others did not complete the two-week regimen because they said they felt sedated all the time, which interfered with their ability to care for their babies or to fulfil other responsibilities.
Manufacturers had claimed that the pill can ease symptoms for some women in as little as three days, while general antidepressants can take weeks. This had brought new hope to women struggling silently during one of the most emotionally and physically demanding periods of their lives.
'It's important to remember that postpartum depression is rarely a one-dimensional condition. In my experience as a clinician, I've seen that the causes of PPD are deeply multifactorial,' says Dr Manjula Anagani, Clinical Director, HOD, CARE Vatsalya, Women and Child Institute, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.
What is post-partum depression?
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that occurs in a woman after childbirth, impacting her emotional well-being and functionality. It's not a sign of weakness and is a treatable medical condition. It is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal fluctuations after childbirth, sleep deprivation and exhaustion, stressful life events or a history of mental health issues and a lack of social support.
What is zurzuvae?
It is a synthetic version of a steroid called allopregnanolone that originates in the brain. It is believed to offset the effects of a sudden dip in pregnancy hormones after childbirth. Some women react strongly to the plummeting of hormone levels, which even lower levels of the steroid. Zurzuvae can be taken with other antidepressants, and, since its use is confined to a 14-day course, some doctors recommend it as an adjunct or bridge to ease severe symptoms before longer-term use of antidepressants.
Why are the results limited?
A drop in hormones after childbirth plays a role. But so do other equally powerful contributors: chronic sleep deprivation, lack of emotional or physical support, identity shifts, feelings of inadequacy and unrealistic expectations about motherhood. The hormonal imbalance may be the spark but it's often the entire environment that fans the flame.
That's why I view this new pill not as a solution but as a possible support in the wider framework of care. For women whose depression is predominantly triggered by hormonal shifts, the drug may offer quicker relief than traditional antidepressants. But we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. No pill, however effective, can replace the tender loving care a new mother needs. Sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of postpartum recovery. When a mother is up every few hours nursing, soothing, or rocking a baby, her mental and emotional reserves are quickly depleted. Add to that the absence of help — whether from a partner, extended family, or a healthcare system not equipped to offer enough postnatal support — and the toll becomes profound.
Of course, this new pill has helped reduce stigma by legitimizing postpartum depression as a biological condition. If this drug can open the door to more awareness and acceptance — both by mothers and society at large — then it is a step in the right direction.
Why the pill is not a cure-all
That's because the pill is bio-chemical but the emotional wellbeing in the postpartum period is complex and deeply personal. What mothers need is a continuum of care: emotional validation, safe spaces to talk, professional mental health support, adequate rest and shared responsibilities at home.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
How a one-minute jolt from the SetPoint implant offers new hope for autoimmune disease patients
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a medical device that could bring new hope to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition often difficult to treat with conventional medications. Unlike standard therapies, the device harnesses the brain and nervous system to suppress the uncontrolled inflammation responsible for the disease. The SetPoint System is a small, inch-long implant surgically placed in the neck, wrapping around the vagus nerve, which is thought to be the longest nerve in the body. It delivers one minute of electrical stimulation per day, which research suggests can 'reset' the immune system and reduce crippling inflammation. Unlike most RA drugs that suppress the immune system and increase infection risk, this device works by re-educating the body's immune response. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Described on a recent episode of the American College of Rheumatology podcast as a 'true paradigm shift' in RA treatment, the SetPoint implant moves away from decades of reliance on pharmaceuticals, from gold salts to biologics. The FDA had granted it breakthrough designation last year to accelerate development and approval. The device represents an early example of bioelectronic medicine, which aims to control inflammation—a key factor in conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Clinical trials are already exploring vagus nerve stimulation for inflammatory bowel disease in children, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease. In a yearlong randomized controlled trial involving 242 patients with a sham-treatment group, over half of participants using the implant alone achieved remission or experienced disease improvement. Joint pain and swelling decreased by 60% and 63%, respectively. However, the device's long-term safety and effectiveness outside clinical trials remain unknown, and the FDA requires post-marketing monitoring. Experts warn that surgery for implants can carry a risk of serious infections resistant to antibiotics. For Dawn Steiner, a 58-year-old speech pathologist and clinical trial participant, the implant has been transformative. Diagnosed with RA 15 years ago, she tried eight biologic drugs with limited success. 'Before the implant, the doctor would ask where I was in terms of pain on a scale of one to 10, and I would say I was living a six or seven,' she said. 'Now I'm about a two.' Live Events The SetPoint device stems from decades of research led by Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon and president of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health. Tracey co-founded SetPoint Medical and now serves as an adviser. He describes the vagus nerve as an 'on-off switch' for an overactive immune system. 'The brain can turn off inflammation as long as the vagus nerve is intact,' he said. 'It's like a brake system in your car.' Dr. David Chernoff, chief medical officer of SetPoint Medical, explained, 'Drugs find a pathway that contributes to damaging joints in RA patients and try to block it. What we're doing is completely different. We're re-educating the immune system through the brain to behave differently.' He added, 'we're not blocking the ability to fight off infection.' Tracey noted that some inflammation is necessary for healing wounds, fighting infections, and tissue repair. The device's price has not been disclosed, but a spokeswoman said it is designed to last 10 years and could cost less than a year of certain RA medications. Dr. Lou Bridges, chief of rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, expressed cautious optimism. 'It's still early days. The proof will be in the pudding,' he said. 'I'm hoping they are correct, and this is a revolutionary new way to treat RA without drugs and without side effects. But I've heard this story before.' [With TOI inputs]
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares 10 daily foods that mimic Ozempic and make weight loss easier
Ozempic is not just a celebrity buzzword! It is a prescription drug originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, now widely talked about for its surprising weight loss effects. This buzz has sparked curiosity about whether there are natural alternatives to Ozempic. The answer is yes! Dr Adrian, a functional medicine doctor and MD specializing in thyroid, PCOS, and gut health, recently shared on Instagram a list of foods that may work in a similar way. These foods can help boost GLP-1, the hormone that curbs unnecessary hunger and helps control appetite, supporting a healthy weight loss. Try these foods to naturally boost GLP-1 levels! (Adobe Stock) What is Ozempic? Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication created by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning it imitates the effects of a hormone your body naturally produces, GLP-1. First approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic comes as a once-weekly injection, usually given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using a prefilled pen. How does GLP-1 support weight loss? GLP-1 is an incretin hormone released in your gut after you eat. Health Shots also got in touch with dietitian Vidhi Chawla to learn more about it. She says, 'It triggers more insulin, curbs glucagon (which raises blood sugar), and slows digestion, all of which help keep blood sugar stable and reduce appetite.' That is why Ozempic is effective for weight loss. Foods to boost GLP-1 Here are 10 foods that may help make weight loss feel easier and quicker with an Ozempic prescription: 1. Avocados Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and fibre, avocados keep hunger hormones in check. Dr Adrian notes that their slow-digesting fat content supports steady blood sugar, while the fibre helps keep you feeling full for longer. A study published in Nutrients revealed that eating a whole avocado can boost GLP-1 levels, along with reducing cravings and appetite. This food is also rich in potassium, which supports metabolism and slows down digestion. 2. Chia seeds These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of soluble fibre. When soaked, they form a gel in your stomach that slows digestion, much like Ozempic delays gastric emptying (the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the small intestine). Vidhi Chawla adds that chia seeds are also a good plant-based omega-3 source, supporting gut health and reducing inflammation linked to weight gain. 3. Potatoes Often misunderstood, potatoes (especially boiled or baked) are among the most satiating foods that can support weight loss. They provide slow-digesting carbs that keep energy stable. Dr Adrian points out that their resistant starch content feeds beneficial gut bacteria, which may indirectly support weight control. 4. Oats Oats, particularly rolled oats, are rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that triggers fullness hormones. They are a steady energy source that reduces the risk of unwanted hunger. Vidhi recommends starting your day with oatmeal paired with protein, like Greek yogurt, for even better hunger control. According to her, fibre rich foods help reduce your calorie intake by promoting the feeling of fullness. Oats can support weight loss!(Adobe Stock) 5. Eggs and egg whites Eggs are loaded with protein that lowers ghrelin, the "I'm hungry" hormone. Their amino acids also support muscle maintenance during weight loss. Having them at breakfast can help curb appetite for hours, making them a simple yet effective tool in any weight-loss-friendly diet. So, make sure you start your day with a protein and fibre-rich breakfast to support weight loss. 6. Greek Yogurt Thick, creamy, and protein-rich, Greek yogurt is digested slowly, keeping you satisfied for longer. Its probiotic content supports gut health, which is linked to better weight management. Dr Adrian advises choosing unsweetened versions to avoid unnecessary sugar spikes. 7. Lean meat From skinless chicken to turkey, lean meats deliver high-quality protein that boosts metabolism due to the thermic effect of food. This means you burn more calories even when digesting food. Vidhi notes that protein also helps prevent the muscle loss often seen in rapid weight loss, keeping metabolism healthy. 8. Fish Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines offer both protein and omega-3 fats. Dr Adrian says this combo reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and suppresses appetite. Eating fish 2–3 times a week can be a game-changer for promoting both satiety and metabolic health. 9. Berries Low in sugar but high in fibre, berries are ideal for controlling blood sugar spikes. Their antioxidants also help reduce inflammation, which can interfere with hunger and satiety signals. Vidhi suggests pairing berries with Greek yogurt for a balanced, filling snack. 10. Leafy greens Spinach, kale, broccoli, and other fibre-rich vegetables are filling yet low in calories. They fill your stomach, stimulate fullness hormones, and deliver vitamins that support overall metabolic function, explains Dr Adrian. One 2022 study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that eating vegetables before carbohydrates significantly improves glucose and GLP-1 levels in people with type 2 diabetes. What's more? Since they are also high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they can also help support healthy metabolism and the fat-burning process.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
How a one-minute jolt can offer hope to those with auto-immune disease
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medical device recently that offers new hope to patients incapacitated by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition often resistant to treatment and usually managed with medications. The device represents a radical departure from standard care, tapping the power of the brain and nervous system to tamp down the uncontrolled inflammation that leads to the debilitating autoimmune disease. The SetPoint System is an inch-long device surgically implanted into the neck, where it sits in a pod wrapped around the vagus nerve, which some scientists believe is the longest nerve in the body. The device electrically stimulates the nerve for one minute each day. The stimulation can turn off crippling inflammation and 'reset' the immune system, research has shown. Most drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis suppress the immune system, leaving patients vulnerable to serious infections. On a recent episode of the American College of Rheumatology podcast, the SetPoint implant was described as a 'true paradigm shift' in treatment of the disease, which until now has relied almost entirely on an evolving set of pharmaceutical interventions, from gold salts to biologics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The FDA designated the implant as a breakthrough last year to expedite its development and approval. It represents an early test of the promise of so-called bioelectronic medicine to modulate inflammation, which plays a key role in diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Clinical trials are already underway testing vagus nerve stimulation to manage inflammatory bowel disease in children, lupus and other conditions. Trials for patients with multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease are also planned. In a yearlong randomised controlled trial of 242 patients that included a sham-treatment arm, over half of the participants using the SetPoint implant alone achieved remission or saw their disease recede. Measures of joint pain and swelling fell by 60% and 63% respectively. The device's long-term effectiveness and safety outside a clinical trial are not yet known. The FDA required post-marketing monitoring of patients and adverse events as part of the approval. Surgery involving implants can lead to serious infections resistant to antibiotics, experts noted. For Dawn Steiner, 58, a speech pathologist, who participated in the clinical trial, the implant has been a game changer. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 15 years ago and has tried eight different biologic agents since then. 'Before the implant, the doctor would ask where I was in terms of pain on a scale of one to 10, and I would say I was living a six or seven,' she said. 'Now I'm about a two.' The SetPoint device is the product of decades of research spearheaded by Dr Kevin J Tracey, a neurosurgeon who is president and chief executive of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health. Tracey co-founded SetPoint Medical, but now serves as an adviser. He describes the vagus nerve, which originates in the brain and travels to virtually all the organs of the body, as an 'on-off switch' for an overactive immune system. 'The brain can turn off inflammation as long as the vagus nerve is intact,' he said. 'It's like a brake system in your car.' Dr David Chernoff, chief medical officer of SetPoint Medical, said, 'Drugs find a pathway that contributes to damaging joints in RA patients and try to block it. What we're doing is completely different. We're re-educating the immune system through the brain to behave differently,' he added. As a result, he said, 'we're not blocking the ability to fight off infection.' The body needs some level of inflammation, Tracey said, to help heal wounds, fight infections and promote tissue repair. The price has not been disclosed, but a spokeswoman said it was designed to last for 10 years and would be less expensive than a year's worth of some rheumatoid arthritis drugs, which can be quite costly. One key question is whether the implant's effectiveness will wane over time, said Dr Lou Bridges, chief of the division of rheumatology at the Hospital for Special Surgery and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. 'It's still early days. The proof will be in the pudding,' he said. 'I'm hoping they are correct, and this is a revolutionary new way to treat RA without drugs and without side effects. But I've heard this story before. ' nyt news service By: Dr David Chernoff, CMO, SetPoint Medical
