Systematic review, 2022
Is taking antidepressants only at certain times as effective as taking them every day for PMS?
Yes. Intermittent dosing works just as well as taking them every day, with effects starting within hours and peaking within 2 days.
What they did
Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing intermittent versus continuous dosing of SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) for premenstrual symptoms.
What they found
Eight studies were reviewed. Intermittent dosing was as effective as continuous dosing. Response begins within hours and peaks in 2 days. The studies used sertraline and citalopram at low to standard doses.
What it means for you
Women can take these antidepressants only when needed rather than every day, which may reduce side effects and the stigma of daily medication use.
8
randomized trials reviewed
2
days to peak effect
About the study
- Original title
- Intermittent Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Premenstrual Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
- Authors
- James Phelps
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Intermittent SSRI dosing versus continuous dosing
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.64239/pi-qt4605
Topics
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