---
title: Are SSRIs effective for treating severe PMS or PMDD? | Niyora
description: Yes. SSRIs significantly reduced PMS symptoms in 2,294 women. All six different SSRIs tested showed benefit for reducing physical, functional, and behavioral
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-for-premenstrual-syndrome-2009/
---

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- Are SSRIs effective for treating severe PMS or PMDD?

Systematic review, 2009

# Are SSRIs effective for treating severe PMS or PMDD?

Yes. SSRIs significantly reduced PMS symptoms in 2,294 women. All six different SSRIs tested showed benefit for reducing physical, functional, and behavioral symptoms.

 Strong study design

2,294 women of reproductive age with severe PMS, PMDD, or late luteal phase dysphoric disorder

## What they did

Systematic review of 40 randomized controlled trials comparing six SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, citalopram, clomipramine) versus placebo. Included women with prospective diagnosis of severe PMS, PMDD, or late luteal phase dysphoric disorder. Searched databases through March 2008. Analyzed data separately for change scores and absolute symptom scores.

## What they found

In 2,294 women, SSRIs were highly effective (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.68 to -0.39, P<0.00001). Effective for physical symptoms (SMD -0.34), functional symptoms (SMD -0.30), and behavioral symptoms (SMD -0.41). Both luteal phase only and continuous daily administration were effective. All six SSRIs tested were effective.

## What it means for you

SSRIs work for PMS symptoms. Whether taken only before your period or every day makes little difference. All the different SSRIs tested showed benefit. Some women stopped treatment due to side effects.

2,294

women in primary analysis

40

randomized trials

6

different SSRIs tested

## About the study

Original title Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome Authors Brown J, O' Brien PM, Marjoribanks J et al. Journal The Cochrane database of systematic reviews Year 2009 Study design Systematic review What was tested SSRIs: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, citalopram, clomipramine versus placebo Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001396.pub2](https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001396.pub2)

## 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/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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