Review, 2002
What drugs work for PMDD?
Serotonin-based antidepressants, especially SSRIs taken only during the luteal phase, are the first-line treatment for PMDD. Progesterone is not effective.
What they did
Review of medical literature from 2001 to 2002 on PMDD diagnosis and treatment.
What they found
Serotonergic antidepressants are effective first-line treatment for PMDD. SSRIs taken only during the luteal phase are effective. One study reported efficacy for slow-release fluoxetine taken twice during the menstrual cycle. Oral contraceptives lack definitive evidence of efficacy, though a new formulation showed promise for mood and behavioral symptoms. A meta-analysis showed progesterone and progestins are not effective.
What it means for you
If you have PMDD, serotonin antidepressants taken just during your luteal phase are a proven treatment. Progesterone and birth control pills have not been shown to work. This review synthesizes published studies, so the strength depends on the quality of those studies.
About the study
- Original title
- Current update of hormonal and psychotropic drug treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Freeman EW
- Journal
- Current psychiatry reports
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- SSRIs, fluoxetine, oral contraceptives, progesterone, progestins
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s11920-002-0071-0
Topics
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