Randomised trial, 1993
Does alprazolam help premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
No. Alprazolam did not reduce PMS symptoms compared to placebo on most measures, with only a small statistical improvement in depression that was not clinically meaningful.
What they did
22 women with confirmed PMS participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial lasting 8 menstrual cycles. Treatment began on cycle day 16 with doses escalating: 0.25 mg three times daily initially, 0.50 mg next, then 0.75 mg three times daily for approximately 6 weeks. Two women did not complete the study.
What they found
Alprazolam and placebo showed no significant differences in symptom ratings on most measures. Only the Beck Depression Inventory showed a statistically significant but not clinically meaningful improvement with alprazolam compared to placebo.
What it means for you
This medication did not effectively treat PMS in this group. Only 20 women completed the study, which is a small sample and limits confidence in the results.
22
women with confirmed PMS
8
menstrual cycles
0.75 mg
maximum dose (3x daily)
About the study
- Original title
- Alprazolam in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
- Authors
- Schmidt PJ, Grover GN, Rubinow DR
- Journal
- Archives of general psychiatry
- Year
- 1993
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Alprazolam (0.25-0.75 mg three times daily from day 16 of cycle) vs placebo over 8 cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820180069007
Topics
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