Overview
- Health Canada authorized zuranolone (Zurzuvae) after reviewing Biogen data and concluded the benefits outweigh the risks for its intended use.
- Taken once daily for 14 days, the pill showed significant improvement by day 14 in a randomized trial of 196 women, with some relief reported by day 3 and reductions maintained at a 45‑day follow‑up.
- Common side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation and headache, and clinicians advise against breastfeeding during treatment pending safety data for infants.
- The manufacturer says Canadian availability is expected in early 2026, with government and insurer coverage decisions and domestic pricing still to come.
- Zuranolone has prior authorizations in the U.S., U.K. and EU, and U.S. clinicians report rapid benefits in practice over the past year.