The landscape of mental health care is ever-evolving. Every day, teams of researchers, psychiatrists, pharmacologists, and other mental healthcare professionals work to find new ways to treat major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, but the latest research has revealed that depression may not be a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, as previously thought. As experts’ understanding of emotions, mood, and the brain evolve, scientists are discovering new ways to treat depression. The development of new antidepressant drugs offers hope for individuals struggling with major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression.
This article explores the newest antidepressants introduced in recent years: gepirone (Exxua), esketamine (Spravato), brexanolone (Zulresso), zuranolone (Zurzuvae), and dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity). These medications, backed by rigorous clinical trials and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), mark significant advancements in the treatment of depression, providing alternative options for patients experiencing persistent depression symptoms.
Gepirone (Exxua) FDA Approved in 2023 – An Antidepressant Breakthrough
After a long journey on its way to approval, gepirone ER has finally gained FDA approval under the brand name Exxua, for the treatment of MDD. Exxua was approved in 2023 and will be available to the public in 2024. This new antidepressant introduces a unique mechanism of action in contrast to most antidepressants. Instead of blocking the reuptake of serotonin, gepirone acts as a serotonin receptor agonist, specifically stimulating serotonin receptors. This mechanism of action offers hope for individuals who may have tried other treatments yet failed to experience their antidepressant effects. Much like ketamine and Auvelity, Exxua targets the glutamate pathway, providing rapid relief of depression symptoms. Additionally, common adverse effects from other antidepressants such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction are not listed as possible side effects when taking Exxua. This breakthrough in mental health treatment offers a new alternative for the millions of people struggling with depression.
Esketamine (Spravato) FDA Approved in 2019 – A Revolutionary Nasal Spray Medication
One of the breakthrough antidepressants of this century is esketamine, a derivative of ketamine. Traditionally used as an anesthetic, ketamine’s potential to rapidly alleviate depression symptoms has garnered attention in recent years. Esketamine, administered as a nasal spray, offers a more accessible route for patients and healthcare professionals. This new nasal spray medication utilizes a unique mechanism of action that involves targeting the brain’s glutamate system. This differs from traditional antidepressants and other oral antidepressant medications that focus on serotonin. The FDA approved esketamine in 2019, providing a promising alternative for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, allowing them to experience relief when other treatments have failed. Contact Neuro Wellness Spa to learn more about Spravato and to find out you are a good candidate for esketamine treatment.
Brexanolone (Zulresso) FDA Approved in 2019 – Addressing Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression, a severe form of MDD affecting new mothers, has long been a challenging condition to treat. In 2019, a novel antidepressant called brexanolone, sold under the brand name Zulresso, emerged as a potential game-changer for postpartum depression. Administered intravenously, this new drug acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor, helping to regulate mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. The FDA’s approval of brexanolone marks a significant milestone in supporting new mothers during a vulnerable period, providing them with a specialized depression treatment option.
Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) FDA Approved in 2023 – More Options for Postpartum Depression
Much like brexanolone (Zulresso), Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) is a neuroactive steroid containing antidepressant qualities. It is now the second drug that is FDA approved to treat postpartum depression. The main difference between these two medications is that Zulresso requires inpatient hospitalization for the drug to be administered intravenously over a sixty hour period while Zurzuvae is administered with once daily dosing of an oral medication over a period of fourteen days. Zurzuvae is Sage Therapeutics newest antidepressant and is recognized as an improvement to Zulresso, making postpartum depression treatment more accessible to women who may be suffering from its effects. These new treatments have changed the landscape of perinatal mental health, offering much needed relief for a long underserved mental health condition.
Dextromethorphan-Bupropion (Auvelity) FDA Approved in 2022 – Dual Action for Enhanced Efficacy
Combining the cough suppressant dextromethorphan with the antidepressant bupropion, Auvelity offers a unique approach to treating MDD. Dextromethorphan works by modulating the NMDA receptors involved in depression, while bupropion acts on norepinephrine and dopamine receptors. This combination targets multiple pathways associated with depression, potentially enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects. While bupropion has been indicated as an antidepressant drug for some time now, its use alongside dextromethorphan expands our understanding of atypical antidepressants. Clinical trials have shown promising results, demonstrating Auvelity’s effectiveness in treating depression symptoms. With the FDA’s approval, this dual-action medication expands the range of options available to individuals seeking relief from MDD.
Treat Clinical Depression
The introduction of new antidepressants in recent years, gepirone (Exxua), esketamine (Spravato), brexanolone (Zulresso), zuranolone (Zurzuvae), and dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity), showcases the remarkable progress made in depression treatment. These medications offer hope for patients with depressive disorders such as major depressive disorder, particularly those with treatment-resistant depression, by providing innovative approaches to targeting depression symptoms. As research and development continue, it is essential to expand our arsenal of effective antidepressants to improve the lives of those struggling with this debilitating condition.
Treatment and Support
If you find yourself unsatisfied with your current depression treatment or have not achieved the desired results with other antidepressants or medications, consider reaching out to a psychiatrist and learning more about these new medications. By seeking guidance from professionals like those at Neuro Wellness Spa, you can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your mental health journey. Remember, the road to recovery begins with curiosity, empowerment, and the willingness to ask questions.
