---
title: Do SSRIs work for severe premenstrual syndrome? | Niyora
description: Yes, strongly. SSRIs are about 7 times more likely to improve symptoms than placebo. However, side effects cause about 2.5 times more people to stop taking th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/efficacy-of-selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-in-premenstrual-syndrome-a-2000/
---

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- Do SSRIs work for severe premenstrual syndrome?

Systematic review, 2000

# Do SSRIs work for severe premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, strongly. SSRIs are about 7 times more likely to improve symptoms than placebo. However, side effects cause about 2.5 times more people to stop taking them.

 Strong study design

904 women with severe premenstrual syndrome

## What they did

Meta-analysis combining 15 randomised placebo-controlled trials of SSRIs for severe PMS. The primary analysis included 904 women (570 given active SSRI treatment, 435 given placebo, including 101 in crossover trials).

## What they found

SSRIs were very effective. The odds ratio was 6.91, meaning SSRIs were about 7 times more likely to improve overall symptoms than placebo. They worked equally well for physical symptoms and behavioural symptoms. Continuous daily dosing worked as well as intermittent dosing. Withdrawal due to side effects was 2.5 times more likely in the SSRI group than the placebo group. There was no significant difference between company-funded and independently funded trials.

## What it means for you

SSRIs are a proven first-line treatment for severe PMS. At low doses the side effects are generally acceptable. This combines data from many good-quality trials, making the evidence very strong.

904

Women in primary analysis

6.91

Odds ratio (SSRIs 7 times better than placebo)

2.5

Times more likely to withdraw due to side effects

## About the study

Original title Efficacy of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors in premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review Authors Dimmock PW, Wyatt KM, Jones PW et al. Journal Lancet (London, England) Year 2000 Study design Systematic review What was tested SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) vs placebo Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02754-9](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(00)02754-9)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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