---
title: What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD? | Niyora
description: Three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, a type of antidepressant) and a low-dose birth control pill containing drospirenone are FDA-approved for
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-pharmacologic-management-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-2008/
---

- [Niyora](https://niyora.com/)
- [Research](https://niyora.com/research/)
- [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/)
- What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?

Review, 2008

# What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?

Three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, a type of antidepressant) and a low-dose birth control pill containing drospirenone are FDA-approved for PMDD. SSRIs can be taken just during the two weeks before menstruation.

 Strong study design

Reproductive-aged women with PMDD

## What they did

This is a review article on medication options for treating PMDD.

## What they found

PMDD affects an estimated 6% of reproductive-aged women who meet strict criteria and almost 20% who nearly meet criteria. It is chronic and affects relationships and work productivity. FDA-approved treatments include three SSRIs and a low-dose oral contraceptive pill with drospirenone. SSRIs can be given intermittently, with dosing limited to the luteal phase (2 weeks prior to menses).

## What it means for you

Women with PMDD have proven medication options. SSRIs do not need to be taken every day. Future treatments may involve other hormonal approaches or novel medications.

6%

reproductive-aged women meeting strict PMDD criteria

20%

women nearly meeting PMDD criteria

2 weeks

luteal phase for intermittent SSRI dosing

## About the study

Original title The pharmacologic management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Rapkin AJ, Winer SA Journal Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy Year 2008 Study design Review What was tested SSRI antidepressants; low-dose oral contraceptive with drospirenone Read the paper [doi.org/10.1517/14656566.9.3.429](https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.9.3.429)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[GnRH agonists and ovarian suppression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-gnrh/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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

Review, 2015

What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated?

Systematic review, 2024

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Systematic review, 2022

What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS?

Survey study, 2026

What are the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for PMS and PMDD?

Study, 2026

What treatments work for PMDD?

Review, 2012

Is depression linked to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause?

Ask AI about this page

Copy prompt

ChatGPT

↗

Claude

↗

Perplexity

↗

Google AI Mode

↗

Grok

↗