[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Neurosteroid antidepressants](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/neurosteroid-antidepressants/) › Zuranolone

# Zuranolone

## Neurosteroid antidepressants?

Neurosteroid antidepressants

An oral neurosteroid antidepressant taken as a short course for postpartum depression. It impairs alertness, so no driving for 12 hours after each dose.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Neurosteroid antidepressants](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/neurosteroid-antidepressants/)

**Target**
GABA-A receptor (neurosteroid site)

**Used for**
Postpartum depression in adult women

**Key effects**
Drowsiness · Diarrhoea · Cold-like symptoms

**Monitor**
Drowsiness and confusion · Mood and suicidal thoughts

**ATC**
N06AX31

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

◎**GABA-A receptor (neurosteroid site)**Zuranolone

ⓘ No zuranolone-bound structure is available. The figure shows allopregnanolone (brexanolone), the natural neurosteroid of the same class, in the human GABA-A receptor.

**Target in 3D:** GABA-A receptor (neurosteroid site). PDB structure 8SI9 (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/8SI9) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

Zuranolone belongs to the neurosteroid antidepressants, the class of brexanolone. These neuroactive steroids enhance GABA-A receptor function, increasing inhibitory chloride currents. Unlike brexanolone it is taken by mouth, which allows a short course at home, but the same action causes drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.

- Zuranolone is an oral neurosteroid
- It enhances GABA-A receptor function
- Restores inhibitory tone: relief of postpartum depression
- Same action impairs alertness and driving

## Indications

- Postpartum depression in adult women [Perinatal depression and postpartum psychosis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/perinatal-depression-and-postpartum-psychosis/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Drowsiness, dizziness and lack of energy
- Diarrhoea, dry mouth
- Cold-like symptoms (stuffy nose, sore throat)
- Muscle pain or twitching

### Serious (rare, important)

- Impaired ability to drive and decreased alertness (boxed warning)
- Confusion, trouble walking and falls
- Suicidal thoughts in young adults
- Potential for misuse

## Contraindications

- Hypersensitivity to zuranolone

## Key interactions

**Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids and other CNS depressants**
More sedation, dizziness and confusion

**St John's wort**
Interaction; avoided unless discussed with the treating team

**Grapefruit or grapefruit juice**
May change zuranolone levels; discussed with the treating team

## What is monitored

- Drowsiness and confusion
- Mood and suicidal thoughts
- Use of alcohol or other sedatives

## Administration and safety

- Taken in the evening with a fat-containing meal
- No driving or dangerous activities for at least 12 hours after each dose

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for one week after the last dose; data on breastfeeding are limited.

## Nursing care

- Teaches that driving is not safe for at least 12 hours after each dose, even if the patient feels alert
- Asks about alcohol and other sedating medicines
- Advises effective contraception during treatment and for one week after
- Asks about mood, suicidal thoughts and falls

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
By mouth in the evening, with food that contains fat

## Memory aid

«ZZZuranolone»: a GABA-A boost by mouth for postpartum depression, and the Zs mean no driving for 12 hours.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## How does zuranolone differ from brexanolone in administration?

Zuranolone is taken by mouth as a short course; brexanolone is a continuous IV infusion in a facility.

## What does the boxed warning of zuranolone say about driving?

No driving or other dangerous activities for at least 12 hours after each dose.

## For which condition is zuranolone used?

Postpartum depression in adult women.

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[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 1

- [Brexanolone](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/brexanolone/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Perinatal depression and postpartum psychosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/perinatal-depression-and-postpartum-psychosis/)

[← Back to the class: Neurosteroid antidepressants](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/neurosteroid-antidepressants/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Zuranolone: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a623048.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N06AX31) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zuranolone/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zuranolone/