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Review, 1999

Do SSRI antidepressants work for PMDD?

Yes, SSRIs are the treatment of choice for PMDD because they are effective, have acceptable side effects, and are well tolerated.

Early or limited evidence Women with psychiatric disorders including PMDD

What they did

Literature review using Medline to search for studies on SSRI medications published in English in the previous 15 years.

What they found

SSRIs, including fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, and citalopram, are effective for PMDD and many other psychiatric conditions. Fluoxetine is safe in pregnancy. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, headache, sedation, insomnia, activation, weight gain, impaired memory, excessive perspiration, tingling sensations, and sexual dysfunction.

What it means for you

SSRIs are an established and well-studied treatment for PMDD. Sexual dysfunction can be a side effect that may matter to some women. This is a review of existing research rather than new research.

About the study

Original title
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors: an update
Authors
Masand PS, Gupta S
Journal
Harvard review of psychiatry
Year
1999
Study design
Review
What was tested
SSRI medications

Topics