Non-randomised trial, 1996
Does fluvoxamine help premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
In this open-label study, fluvoxamine at 100 mg per day improved PMDD symptoms in 60% of women, with the biggest improvements in irritability, anxiety, and feeling out of control. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary.
What they did
Researchers conducted an open-label trial where women took fluvoxamine (an antidepressant medication) daily for 2 menstrual cycles. The dose was gradually increased to 100 mg per day. Women tracked their symptoms daily.
What they found
At 4 weeks, mean premenstrual symptom scores improved significantly, and improvement continued at 8 weeks. The biggest improvements were in irritability, anxiety, feeling out of control, and decreased interest in activities. 60% (6 of 10) of women had at least 50% reduction in symptoms. Side effects included insomnia (6 women), fatigue (4), dry mouth (4), and nausea (3), and were generally mild and temporary.
What it means for you
Fluvoxamine may help PMDD symptoms, with most benefits for mood and anxiety. This is an open-label pilot study with only 10 women and no control group, so we cannot be certain of the effect without a larger controlled trial. The side effects were generally mild.
10
Women completing treatment
60%
With 50% or greater symptom improvement
100 mg/day
Final dose
About the study
- Original title
- Fluvoxamine for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a pilot study
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Rickels K, Sondheimer SJ
- Journal
- The Journal of clinical psychiatry
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 6
- What was tested
- Fluvoxamine (antidepressant) at 85-100 mg per day for 2 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8698682/
Topics
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