Randomised trial, 2003
Do SSRIs (antidepressants) help PMDD?
Yes, multiple randomized trials show SSRIs significantly improve PMDD symptoms, especially mood and psychological symptoms. Intermittent dosing for 14 days per month works nearly as well as daily dosing.
What they did
Literature review of randomized controlled trials examining SSRIs for PMDD treatment. The authors reviewed efficacy, side effects, and different dosing schedules including both continuous daily dosing and intermittent dosing.
What they found
SSRIs significantly improved psychological and behavioral symptoms during the luteal phase and improved quality of life. Common side effects were headache, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Intermittent SSRI therapy (14 days per month) was effective with much less total medication exposure. PMDD affects approximately 3-8% of menstruating women.
What it means for you
SSRIs are an effective treatment for PMDD with manageable side effects. Intermittent therapy (taking the drug only 2 weeks per month) is recommended before daily dosing to reduce total medication exposure and costs. This is a review of multiple trials, so evidence is fairly strong.
3-8%
Percentage of women with PMDD
14 days
Effective intermittent dosing per month
Multiple RCTs
Reviewed in analysis
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Authors
- Luisi AF, Pawasauskas JE
- Journal
- Pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2003
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), including both daily and intermittent dosing schedules
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1592/phco.23.10.1131.32754
Topics
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