Randomised trial, 2001
Does venlafaxine help treat PMDD?
Yes, venlafaxine was significantly more effective than placebo. 43% of women on venlafaxine had full symptom remission compared to 25% on placebo, with most benefit appearing in the first treatment cycle.
What they did
164 women with PMDD were randomly assigned to take venlafaxine (flexible dose 50-200 mg/day) or placebo for four menstrual cycles. Researchers measured symptoms daily using rating scales.
What they found
Venlafaxine reduced symptoms significantly more than placebo across mood, function, pain, and physical symptoms. 43% of venlafaxine users versus 25% of placebo users had symptom remission. Approximately 80% of symptom reduction happened in the first treatment cycle. Mean dose was 50 mg/day in cycle 1 and increased to 130 mg/day in cycle 4. Side effects like nausea, insomnia, and dizziness were mild and temporary.
What it means for you
Venlafaxine works well for PMDD and works quickly, with mild side effects. The main limitation is that we don't yet know if taking it only during the luteal phase works as well as daily dosing.
43% vs 25%
remission rates
80% reduction
symptom improvement cycle 1
130 mg/day
mean dose cycle 4
About the study
- Original title
- Venlafaxine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Rickels K, Yonkers KA et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 164
- What was tested
- Venlafaxine 50-200 mg/day (flexible dosing) versus placebo for 4 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(01)01530-7
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