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Review, 2003

Are SSRIs safe and effective for treating PMDD?

Yes. SSRIs taken daily or intermittently are considered the first-line effective treatment for PMDD and are well tolerated.

Strong study design Women with PMDD (review of multiple studies)

What they did

Review of studies examining the effectiveness and tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for PMDD treatment.

What they found

SSRIs are effective and considered first-line therapy for PMDD, taken either continuously or intermittently. Approximately 3 to 8% of women have PMDD severe enough to significantly affect work, family, and social functioning. Most women with PMDD do not respond well to non-medication treatments.

What it means for you

SSRIs are a proven, well-tolerated treatment for PMDD when other approaches do not work. However, the abstract does not provide specific safety data or side effects despite focusing on safety.

3-8%

Proportion of women with PMDD severe enough to affect functioning

About the study

Original title
Treatment of premenstrual dysphoria with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors: focus on safety
Authors
Macdougall M, Steiner M
Journal
Expert opinion on drug safety
Year
2003
Study design
Review
What was tested
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), taken daily or intermittently

Topics