Non-randomised trial, 2004
Does taking venlafaxine only during the premenstrual phase help PMDD?
Nine out of 11 women showed good improvement in their PMDD symptoms, and the medication was well tolerated. This is a very small study, so we should be cautious about how much it proves.
What they did
Twelve women with PMDD who did not improve on placebo took venlafaxine for 2 cycles. They started the medication 14 days before their period and stopped on the second day of bleeding. Doses ranged from 75 to 112.5 mg per day and could be adjusted after the first cycle based on how well it worked.
What they found
Nine out of 11 women who completed treatment showed good response. Scores improved for depression, physical symptoms, and anger. The medication was well tolerated with no discontinuation symptoms.
What it means for you
Premenstrual venlafaxine may help PMDD symptoms. However, this is a very small study with no comparison group beyond the initial placebo phase, so we cannot be sure the medication caused the improvement rather than other factors.
12
Women enrolled
9 out of 11
Showed good response
81.8%
Response rate
About the study
- Original title
- Efficacy and tolerability of premenstrual use of venlafaxine (flexible dose) in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Cohen LS, Soares CN, Lyster A et al.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 12
- What was tested
- Venlafaxine 75 to 112.5 mg per day taken only during the 14 days before menstruation
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/01.jcp.0000138767.53976.10
Topics
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