Systematic review, 2013
Are SSRIs effective for treating PMS?
SSRIs reduced PMS symptoms significantly better than placebo across 31 randomized trials. This is good quality evidence that SSRIs help PMS.
What they did
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing five SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram) versus placebo. Included women with prospective diagnosis of PMS, PMDD, or late luteal phase dysphoric disorder confirmed over at least two cycles. Searched databases through February 2013.
What they found
SSRIs reduced overall self-rated PMS symptoms significantly more effectively than placebo. Thirty-one randomized controlled trials were included comparing five different SSRIs to placebo.
What it means for you
SSRIs are an effective treatment for PMS. They can be taken only in the two weeks before your period (luteal phase) or every day year-round. The review examined both effectiveness and safety.
31
randomized controlled trials
5
different SSRIs compared
About the study
- Original title
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Marjoribanks J, Brown J, O'Brien PM et al.
- Journal
- The Cochrane database of systematic reviews
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- SSRIs: fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram versus placebo
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001396.pub3
Topics
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