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.
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
Topics
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