Review, 2003
Does taking sertraline only during the luteal phase work for PMDD?
Yes. The FDA has approved sertraline taken only during the luteal phase for PMDD. It works within days and produces no significant discontinuation side effects when stopped each cycle.
What they did
Expert review article. The authors reviewed evidence for sertraline, an SSRI antidepressant, as a treatment for PMDD when dosed only in the luteal phase. PMDD is a severe form of PMS affecting 5-8% of women of reproductive age.
What they found
Sertraline is effective for PMDD at luteal-phase dosing with clinical response within several days. No significant discontinuation side effects were reported despite repeated stopping and restarting cycles. Luteal-phase dosing minimizes side effects while reducing the burden of continuous medication.
What it means for you
If you have PMDD, taking an antidepressant only during the week before your period can work well. You avoid daily medication and ongoing side effects. This is an established FDA-approved treatment. This is a review article summarizing existing evidence, not a new research study.
5-8%
Women with PMDD
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with luteal phase dosing of sertraline
- Authors
- Halbreich U, Kahn LS
- Journal
- Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Sertraline at luteal phase dosing
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1517/14656566.4.11.2065
Topics
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