Randomised trial, 1990
Does d-fenfluramine reduce premenstrual depression and excessive eating?
Yes. D-fenfluramine reduced depression scores by 62% compared to placebo's 28%, and it stopped the excessive eating and carbohydrate cravings that occur before the period.
What they did
17 women received either d-fenfluramine (15 mg twice daily) or placebo pills during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. They had three control cycles and three treatment cycles. Depression was measured using a depression rating scale, and eating behavior was measured by giving women unlimited access to different foods.
What they found
Without treatment, women's depression scores jumped from 2.0 during the first half of the cycle to 21.2 during the second half. D-fenfluramine decreased these scores by 62% and completely stopped the increase in calories, carbohydrates, and fats they normally ate before their period. Placebo only reduced depression scores by 28%.
What it means for you
D-fenfluramine works significantly better than placebo for premenstrual depression and food cravings. The study was very small and from 1990, so we do not know if this drug is still used or what side effects it might cause.
17
women studied
62%
reduction in depression with drug vs 28% with placebo
15mg twice daily
d-fenfluramine dose
About the study
- Original title
- d-Fenfluramine suppresses the increased calorie and carbohydrate intakes and improves the mood of women with premenstrual depression
- Authors
- Brzezinski AA, Wurtman JJ, Wurtman RJ et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1990
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 17
- What was tested
- d-fenfluramine (15 mg twice daily) or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(91)90645-l
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Review, 2001
What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated?
Review, 1997
Does appetite and food cravings change during the menstrual cycle, especially in women with PMS?
Survey study, 2026
What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women?
Survey study, 2023
What factors make some women more likely to have PMS or PMDD?
Randomised trial, 2022
Does PMS50 supplementation reduce psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome?