Positive allosteric modulators of γ-
aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) receptors, or GABAkines, play important roles in the treatment of depression,
epilepsy,
insomnia, and other disorders. Recently, some new GABAkines (
zuranolone and
brexanolone) have been administrated to patients with
major depressive disorder (MDD) or
postpartum depression (
PPD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This study aims to systematically review and examine the efficacy and safety of
zuranolone or
brexanolone for treatment of depression. A systematic literature retrieval was conducted through August 20, 2023. RCTs evaluating the efficacy and safety of
zuranolone or
brexanolone for treatment of depression were included. Eight studies (nine reports) were identified in the study. The percentages of patients with
PPD achieving Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) response and remission were significantly higher after
brexanolone or
zuranolone administration compared with placebo at different points. The percentages of patients with MDD achieving HAM-D response and remission were significantly increased during the
zuranolone treatment period compared with placebo. In addition,
zuranolone caused more adverse events in patients with MDD compared with placebo. Our findings support the effects of
brexanolone on improving the core symptoms of depression in patients with
PPD, and the potential of
zuranolone in treating patients with MDD or
PPD.