---
title: Which SSRI medication costs the least to treat PMDD? | Niyora
description: Sertraline costs less than other SSRIs for treating PMDD. Paroxetine and citalopram were more expensive; fluoxetine was also more expensive but the difference
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/comparison-of-managed-care-charges-among-patients-treated-with-selective-2003/
---

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- Which SSRI medication costs the least to treat PMDD?

Study, 2003

# Which SSRI medication costs the least to treat PMDD?

Sertraline costs less than other SSRIs for treating PMDD. Paroxetine and citalopram were more expensive; fluoxetine was also more expensive but the difference was less clear.

 Moderate study design

1,413 women in the US newly diagnosed with PMDD, age 18 or older.

## What they did

Researchers examined insurance claims from 14 managed care plans in the US from 1998 to 1999. They studied 1,413 women newly diagnosed with PMDD who started SSRI medication. They tracked treatment costs over 6 months.

## What they found

Fluoxetine and sertraline were the most commonly chosen medications. When adjusting for age, insurance plan, and other factors, women taking paroxetine had higher treatment costs than sertraline users. Women on citalopram also had higher costs. Fluoxetine was more expensive but the difference was not as clear.

## What it means for you

If cost is a concern, sertraline may be a good first choice for PMDD medication. This study looked only at insurance claims and costs, not how well the medications worked or their side effects. Results are from 1998-1999 and may not reflect current prices or practices.

1,413

women studied

6 months

duration of cost tracking

14

managed care insurance plans

## About the study

Original title Comparison of managed care charges among patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Endicott J, McLaughlin TP, Grudzinski AN Journal The Journal of clinical psychiatry Year 2003 Study design Study Participants 1,413 What was tested Four SSRI medications: citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline. Read the paper [doi.org/10.4088/jcp.v64n1216](https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.v64n1216)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

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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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