---
title: Is intermittent citalopram during the luteal phase more effective than continuous dosing?
description: Yes, taking citalopram only during the luteal phase was more effective than placebo and appeared more effective than continuous or semi-continuous dosing, wit
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/citalopram-in-premenstrual-dysphoria-is-intermittent-treatment-during-luteal-1998/
---

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- Is intermittent citalopram during the luteal phase more effective than continuous dosing?

Randomised trial, 1998

# Is intermittent citalopram during the luteal phase more effective than continuous dosing?

Yes, taking citalopram only during the luteal phase was more effective than placebo and appeared more effective than continuous or semi-continuous dosing, with mild side effects.

 Strong study design

Women with severe irritability and/or depressed mood during the luteal phase

## What they did

A double-blind trial with 4 groups over 3 menstrual cycles: continuous citalopram (20±10 mg daily), semi-intermittent (5 mg during follicular, 20±10 mg during luteal), intermittent (20±10 mg during luteal only), and placebo. Women with severe irritability and/or depressed mood in the luteal phase participated.

## What they found

Intermittent citalopram in the luteal phase was clearly more effective than placebo in reducing self-rated irritability and improving overall mood. Intermittent treatment was also more effective than continuous or semi-intermittent dosing. Side effects from active treatment were mild and temporary.

## What it means for you

Taking citalopram only during the luteal phase works better than taking it continuously, suggesting targeted treatment might be more effective. The main limitation is that the study only included women with severe irritability and/or depression symptoms.

20±10 mg

Citalopram dose in luteal phase

5 mg

Citalopram dose in follicular phase (semi-intermittent group)

3

Menstrual cycles of treatment

## About the study

Original title Citalopram in premenstrual dysphoria: is intermittent treatment during luteal phases more effective than continuous medication throughout the menstrual cycle? Authors Wikander I, Sundblad C, Andersch B et al. Journal Journal of clinical psychopharmacology Year 1998 Study design Randomised trial Participants 18 What was tested Citalopram at different doses and timing patterns during 3 menstrual cycles Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/00004714-199810000-00007](https://doi.org/10.1097/00004714-199810000-00007)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

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