Randomised trial, 2002
Does fluoxetine work for premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Yes. Fluoxetine 20 mg daily appears effective for PMDD based on multiple studies. However, the evidence comes from mostly small studies and researchers need larger trials, especially testing whether taking it only during the second half of the cycle works.
What they did
Researchers reviewed all published studies on fluoxetine for PMDD through February 2002. They searched multiple databases and included 8 prospective trials, 1 case series, and 1 meta-analysis, evaluating studies by quality of evidence.
What they found
All 8 prospective trials found fluoxetine effective for PMDD. Six of the 8 trials involved small sample sizes with fewer than 50 women. Common side effects were headaches and sexual dysfunction.
What it means for you
There is good evidence that fluoxetine 20 mg daily helps PMDD. The limitation is that evidence comes from small studies. Researchers need larger, better-designed trials testing whether taking it only for 1 week or a few doses works, since PMDD is short-lived each cycle.
20 mg
daily dose
8 trials
reviewed
6 of 8
had small samples
About the study
- Original title
- Fluoxetine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Carr RR, Ensom MH
- Journal
- The Annals of pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Fluoxetine 20 mg daily
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1345/aph.1a265
Topics
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