Randomised trial, 2003
Does fluoxetine help women with PMDD work better during their menstrual cycle?
Yes. In a study of 320 women, both 20 mg and 60 mg per day of fluoxetine significantly improved work capacity by the first treatment cycle. The 20 mg dose was well-tolerated and quickly reduced symptoms.
What they did
Randomized 320 women with PMDD to take fluoxetine 20 mg daily, fluoxetine 60 mg daily, or placebo for 6 menstrual cycles. Researchers measured 8 work-related symptoms before and during treatment.
What they found
All 8 work-related symptoms were more common before the period than after. Both fluoxetine doses significantly reduced these symptoms compared to placebo by the first cycle. The beneficial response was evident immediately.
What it means for you
Fluoxetine helps women with PMDD function better at work. The lower 20 mg dose was well-tolerated, which may make it preferable for many women. This is based on a large well-designed study.
320
Women studied
20 mg/day
Effective fluoxetine dose
6 cycles
Treatment duration
About the study
- Original title
- Fluoxetine improves functional work capacity in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Steiner M, Brown E, Trzepacz P et al.
- Journal
- Archives of women's mental health
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 320
- What was tested
- Fluoxetine 20 mg/day, fluoxetine 60 mg/day, or placebo for 6 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s00737-002-0162-2
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