Postpartum Depression Medication: Best Options, Side Effects, and Online Care

At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

Postpartum depression isn’t something you can simply push through—it’s a real and treatable mood disorder. With the right support, which often includes a combination of medication and therapy, many people start to feel like themselves again. Here’s what to know about the medications a psychiatrist may prescribe for this mental health condition.

Best medication options to treat postpartum depression 

There are a variety of medication options for postpartum depression symptoms, including antidepressants that are traditionally used to treat major depression as well as medications developed for postpartum depression specifically. If you have concerns or questions about postpartum depression medication, your provider will be there to help you make an informed choice that’s best for your needs. You can learn more about Talkiatry’s approach to postpartum depression treatment here. 

Antidepressants  

PPD symptoms are often treated with antidepressants. These medications adjust the levels of chemicals in your brain—neurotransmitters—that play a key role in mood regulation. When these chemicals are imbalanced, you may experience postpartum depression symptoms like sadness, low energy, and hopelessness. The goal of an antidepressant medication is to stabilize your mood so you can function and feel more like yourself. 

‍

These are some of the most common antidepressants used to treat PPD: 

SSRIs

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are typically the first-line treatment for postpartum depression. These medications increase your levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain that helps you feel more focused, happier, and calmer. They block the brain's natural reabsorption and recycling of serotonin so that it remains in your system in higher amounts. 

Common SSRIs include: 

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Sertraline (Zoloft) 

SNRIs

SNRIs help raise the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that play a key role in regulating your mood and energy. 

Commonly prescribed SNRIs include: 

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) 

TCAs

Like SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants target both serotonin and norepinephrine. They are older medications that aren't prescribed for PPD symptoms as often as first-line treatments like SSRIs and SNRIs. 

Commonly prescribed TCAs include: 

• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Nortriptyline (Pamelor) 

Atypical antidepressants 

This is a wide-ranging category of medications that treat depressive symptoms but don’t fall into any of the traditional antidepressant classes above. It includes: 

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which targets norepinephrine and dopamine
• Mirtazapine (Remeron), which targets norepinephrine and serotonin
• Serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitors (SPARIs) like vilazodone and trintellix, which increase serotonin levels but act on serotonin receptors in a more targeted way than SSRIs
• Atypical antipsychotics like Abilify and Rexulti, which balance a person’s levels of both dopamine and serotonin 

Medications FDA-approved for postpartum depression 

Zurzuvae is a postpartum depression medication that works differently from a traditional antidepressant medication. It’s a synthetic version of allopregnanolone, a natural neurosteroid that helps regulate mood by supporting balanced levels of progesterone and GABA-A receptors in the brain. It’s the first oral medication developed specifically for postpartum depression and offers an alternative to taking a traditional antidepressant like an SSRI for postpartum depression. (There is another medication that’s FDA-approved for postpartum depression, brexanolone, which is given as an infusion in a hospital.) 

Postpartum depression medication and breastfeeding 

Many antidepressants transfer into breast milk at such low levels that they are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, but some medications have been studied more than others. For example, there is less information about Zurzuvae and breastfeeding since it is a much newer medication. If you’re exploring your treatment options, it's crucial to talk to your psychiatrist about the potential risks and benefits of specific medications. There may be other options to consider, like taking an alternative medication or adjusting your dosing schedule. Based on your goals and health history, your doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan you’re comfortable with.

Side effects of postpartum depression medication 

It’s completely natural to have questions about side effects when starting a new medication. The good news is that many side effects of both traditional antidepressants and Zurzuvae are mild and temporary, often improving as your body adjusts during the first few weeks of treatment. 

Antidepressants 

These are some of the more common side effects of antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs: 

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Changes in sleep
• Changes in sexual function or desire 

These effects tend to appear early in treatment, and not everyone will experience them. Often, there are simple strategies that can help:

• Taking your medication with food may ease nausea
• Adjusting the dosage can reduce fatigue or drowsiness
• Taking medication in the morning may improve sleep quality 

Zurzuvae 

Like antidepressants, Zurzuvae may cause mild side effects. One additional consideration is that it can slow reaction time and make you feel less alert. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid driving or activities that require full attention for at least 12 hours after each dose. 

How to navigate side effects 

Always let your provider know if you’re experiencing any side effects. They can offer strategies to manage them, adjust your treatment, or help you explore alternative options if needed. At Talkiatry, you’ll continue working with the same provider during follow-up appointments, so you can openly discuss how you're feeling and make modifications together. Your psychiatrist may adjust your dosage to ensure you get the most benefit with the least discomfort. 

If you’re thinking about making changes to your treatment, it’s important to check in with your provider. Abruptly stopping a medication can cause withdrawal symptoms and other risks for your health. Your provider can help you make a plan to gradually taper off your medication in a safe and supportive way. 

How postpartum depression medication works at Talkiatry 

At Talkiatry, we’ve made it easy to access expert care for postpartum depression from the comfort of home, without waiting weeks or months for an appointment. Here’s what to expect. 

Online mental health screening 

The first step is a brief online form so we can learn more about you and what you’re experiencing. This helps us match you with a psychiatrist who has specialized training in postpartum depression. 

60-minute evaluation 

You’ll meet virtually with your psychiatrist to have an in-depth conversation about what brings you to treatment. They’ll ask questions about your symptoms, goals, medical history, and family mental health history. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask any questions. Your provider will make sure online care is the best fit for your needs. 

Personalized medication plan and follow-up care 

You’ll work with your clinician to create a care plan that feels right for you. If they’re recommending medication, they’ll walk you through your options and answer any questions you may have. You’ll continue to check in at regular 30-minute follow-up appointments. 

Psychiatrists who understand postpartum depression 

Our clinical team includes over 300 licensed psychiatrists, many with deep experience in treating new parents for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. We’ll match you with a mental health professional who understands what you’re going through.