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Quiet Confessions: Psychiatric Hospitalization Part Seven (Zulresso)
Published 6 months, 1 week ago
Description
In this "Quiet Confession," I’m taking you back into the timeline of my perinatal psychiatric inpatient stays to focus on a specific event: my experience with the Zulresso (Brexanolone) infusion.
At the time, in 2022, this was the only FDA-approved treatment specifically for postpartum depression, and in my darkest moments, I had latched onto it as a "miracle drug" that would magically stop my intrusive thoughts and physical suffering.
Key Takeaways
- The Weight of "Magical Thinking": How we often latch onto a specific treatment as a "cure-all" when we are desperate for relief.
- The Science of Zulresso: It works with GABA receptors to counteract the sharp drop in hormones after birth, though it requires a 60-hour inpatient stay.
- Community in Crisis: The powerful support found among other "moms in the unit" who hyped each other up during treatment.
- Advocacy & Insurance: The logistical hurdles of accessing cutting-edge maternal mental health care.
- Evolution of Care: Why Zulresso was eventually withdrawn from the market in 2025 in favor of more accessible oral treatments like Zurzuvae.
Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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