Randomised trial, 1999
Does alprazolam (an anti-anxiety medicine) affect how much women with PMDD eat?
Yes. Alprazolam increased food intake during the premenstrual phase, especially fatty foods. Women who restrict eating were most affected, eating 26% more calories on the highest dose than on placebo.
What they did
Studied 19 women with PMDD. Each woman received different doses of alprazolam (0, 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mg) once during the premenstrual phase and once during the postmenstrual phase. They rated food desires and ate lunch 3.5 hours after the medication.
What they found
Women wanted fatty foods more before their period than after. Alprazolam increased overall food intake during the premenstrual phase. Women who restrict eating ate 26% more calories on 0.75 mg alprazolam compared to placebo. Women who do not restrict eating ate 9% more calories.
What it means for you
Alprazolam may not be a good choice for women with PMDD who are concerned about weight, especially those who limit their eating. This is a small study of acute single doses, so results may not apply to long-term use.
19
Women studied
0.75 mg
Highest alprazolam dose tested
26%
More calories in restrained eaters on highest dose
About the study
- Original title
- Food "cravings" and the acute effects of alprazolam on food intake in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Evans SM, Foltin RW, Fischman MW
- Journal
- Appetite
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 19
- What was tested
- Alprazolam doses of 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, and 0.75 mg vs placebo, tested during premenstrual and postmenstrual phases
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1006/appe.1998.0222
Topics
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