--- title: Does paroxetine work better if taken daily or just during your luteal phase for PMDD? description: Daily paroxetine had an 85% response rate and was most effective overall, while luteal-phase-only paroxetine worked equally well for irritability and mood swi url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/placebo-controlled-trial-comparing-intermittent-and-continuous-paroxetine-in-2007/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does paroxetine work better if taken daily or just during your luteal phase for PMDD? Randomised trial, 2007 # Does paroxetine work better if taken daily or just during your luteal phase for PMDD? Daily paroxetine had an 85% response rate and was most effective overall, while luteal-phase-only paroxetine worked equally well for irritability and mood swings but was weaker for depression and physical symptoms. This well-designed study provides reliable results. Strong study design 55-56 women per group (mean age 37 years) with PMDD ## What they did 55-56 women per group were randomly assigned to take paroxetine continuously, paroxetine only during the luteal phase, or placebo for three menstrual cycles. Their premenstrual symptoms were measured regularly. ## What they found Continuous paroxetine had an 85% response rate. Irritability showed the strongest improvement with an effect size of 1.4, while lack of energy showed the weakest improvement with an effect size of 0.5. Intermittent paroxetine worked equally well for irritability, mood swings, and affect lability, but was somewhat weaker for depressed mood and physical symptoms. Both active treatments beat placebo. ## What it means for you Paroxetine is effective for PMDD. Women whose main symptoms are irritability and mood instability can consider luteal-phase-only dosing as a practical option. Women with depression or physical symptoms may benefit more from daily dosing. This was a high-quality study with a large sample and placebo control, so the results are reliable. 85% Response rate with continuous paroxetine 55-56 Women per treatment group 1.4 Effect size for irritability (strongest) ## About the study Original title Placebo-controlled trial comparing intermittent and continuous paroxetine in premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Landén M, Nissbrandt H, Allgulander C et al. Journal Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Year 2007 Study design Randomised trial Participants 56 What was tested Paroxetine 20 mg continuously, during luteal phase, or placebo Read the paper [doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301216](https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301216) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Case report, 2024 How is PMDD diagnosed and treated in teenagers? Randomised trial, 2023 Does taking sertraline when PMDD symptoms start improve how well women function? Randomised trial, 2015 Does taking sertraline only when PMDD symptoms start, instead of every day, help? Randomised trial, 2008 Does the antidepressant escitalopram taken only during the luteal phase reduce PMDD symptoms? Randomised trial, 2003 Are SSRI antidepressants effective for PMDD? Review, 2001 What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗