--- title: Does fluoxetine reduce panic-like behavior during the premenstrual phase? description: In female rats, low-dose fluoxetine prevented an increase in panic-like behavior during late diestrus (the phase equivalent to the human premenstrual phase). url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/enhanced-responsiveness-to-hypoxic-panicogenic-challenge-in-female-rats-in-late-2021/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does fluoxetine reduce panic-like behavior during the premenstrual phase? Survey study, 2021 # Does fluoxetine reduce panic-like behavior during the premenstrual phase? In female rats, low-dose fluoxetine prevented an increase in panic-like behavior during late diestrus (the phase equivalent to the human premenstrual phase). A higher dose of fluoxetine did not have this effect. Early or limited evidence Male and female Sprague Dawley rats ## What they did Researchers exposed male and female Sprague Dawley rats to low oxygen to trigger panic-like escape behavior. Female rats were tested at different points in their cycle and also after receiving fluoxetine at two different doses. ## What they found Female rats responded more to low oxygen than males, and this response was strongest during late diestrus. Female rats in late diestrus also showed more activity in specific brain regions involved in panic. When given low-dose fluoxetine during late diestrus, the increase in panic-like response was prevented. The higher dose of fluoxetine did not prevent this increase. ## What it means for you This suggests that low-dose fluoxetine given during the premenstrual phase might help prevent panic attacks in women. However, this is an animal study in rats, so the findings may not directly apply to people. More research in humans is needed. 1.75 mg/kg Low-dose fluoxetine that prevented panic-like response increase 10 mg/kg Higher-dose fluoxetine that did not prevent response increase ## About the study Original title Enhanced responsiveness to hypoxic panicogenic challenge in female rats in late diestrus is suppressed by short-term, low-dose fluoxetine: Involvement of the dorsal raphe nucleus and the dorsal periaqueductal gray Authors Batistela MF, Vilela-Costa HH, Frias AT et al. Journal Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England) Year 2021 Study design Survey study What was tested Fluoxetine at two different doses Read the paper [doi.org/10.1177/02698811211058986](https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811211058986) ## Topics [Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/) 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. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 1999 Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms? Study, 2026 Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition? Cohort study, 2019 Do SSRIs help women who have both PMS and panic disorder? Cohort study, 2012 How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms? Guideline, 2006 What is the best treatment for PMDD and severe PMS? Review, 2004 How well does alprazolam work for anxiety and panic attacks? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗