Randomised trial, 2008
Does the antidepressant escitalopram taken only during the luteal phase reduce PMDD symptoms?
Yes. Escitalopram taken at 20 mg daily during the luteal phase only reduced core PMDD symptoms by 90%, much more than placebo. 80% of women had an 80% or greater reduction in irritability compared to 30% on placebo.
What they did
151 women with PMDD received treatment only during the luteal phase for 3 months. Three groups received either 10 mg daily escitalopram, 20 mg daily escitalopram, or placebo. Symptoms were tracked daily, and improvement was rated by both women and clinicians.
What they found
The 20 mg dose was clearly superior to the 10 mg dose. Core symptoms (irritability, depressed mood, tension, and mood swings) decreased by 90% with 20 mg daily. 80% of women on 20 mg had an 80% or greater reduction in irritability compared to 30% on placebo. Effects on breast tenderness, food craving, and lack of energy were more modest and not significantly different from placebo. Side effects were typical for antidepressants and not more common at the higher dose.
What it means for you
Taking escitalopram only during the luteal phase works well for mood and anxiety symptoms of PMDD but is less effective for physical symptoms. Different components of PMDD respond differently to treatment. The study shows clear benefit over placebo despite high placebo response.
151
women with PMDD
90%
reduction in core symptoms with 20 mg
80%
had 80%+ irritability reduction (20 mg) vs 30% placebo
About the study
- Original title
- Escitalopram administered in the luteal phase exerts a marked and dose-dependent effect in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Eriksson E, Ekman A, Sinclair S et al.
- Journal
- Journal of clinical psychopharmacology
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 151
- What was tested
- Escitalopram 10 mg or 20 mg daily, or placebo, taken only during the luteal phase for 3 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/jcp.0b013e3181678a28
Topics
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