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Case report, 2001

Does sertraline, an antidepressant for PMDD, also prevent yeast infections?

In this case report, three women with PMDD and recurrent yeast infections took sertraline and had no yeast infections during treatment. Lab tests also showed sertraline had antifungal activity against yeast.

Early or limited evidence Three women with PMDD and recurrent yeast infections

What they did

Three women who had both premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and recurrent yeast infections were treated with sertraline, a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor.

What they found

During sertraline treatment, the patients had no recurrent episodes of yeast infections. Antifungal activity was observed for sertraline against various yeast isolates in the laboratory.

What it means for you

This notes an unexpected possible benefit: sertraline may help prevent yeast infections in women taking it for PMDD. However, this involves only three women, so more research is needed. We cannot yet say whether this benefit happens regularly or if there are other explanations.

3

Number of women

About the study

Original title
Antifungal activity against Candida species of the selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, sertraline
Authors
Lass-Flörl C, Dierich MP, Fuchs D et al.
Journal
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Year
2001
Study design
Case report
What was tested
Sertraline (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressant)

Topics