Randomised trial, 1997
Does fluoxetine help premenstrual syndrome?
Yes, fluoxetine 20 mg daily was significantly better than placebo at relieving PMS symptoms. It did have some side effects: stomach problems, sleep problems, and sexual dysfunction in smaller numbers of women.
What they did
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 440 women recorded their symptoms daily for 2 menstrual cycles. Only 35 met strict PMS criteria. Those 35 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine 20 mg daily or placebo for 3 menstrual cycles.
What they found
Fluoxetine was significantly superior to placebo at reducing PMS symptoms. Common side effects were gastrointestinal irritability (15%), insomnia (11%), and sexual dysfunction (8.5%).
What it means for you
Fluoxetine works for PMS, but many women who think they have PMS may not actually meet strict criteria when tracked carefully. The side effects are important to discuss with a doctor. Overall it was well-tolerated.
35
women with confirmed PMS
20 mg
daily dose
11%
experienced insomnia
About the study
- Original title
- Fluoxetine in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Ozeren S, Corakçi A, Yücesoy I et al.
- Journal
- European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
- Year
- 1997
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 440
- What was tested
- Fluoxetine 20 mg daily for 3 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0301-2115(97)02741-3
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