Randomised trial, 1999
Is sertraline taken only during the luteal phase effective for PMDD?
Yes, sertraline taken during the luteal phase significantly reduced PMDD symptoms including mood and physical symptoms, and was well tolerated with insomnia as the main side effect in 14% of women.
What they did
A double-blind crossover study with 57 women with moderate-to-severe PMDD. Each woman had 2 months baseline, 2 months of sertraline (50 mg in cycle 1, 100 mg in cycle 2), 2 months of placebo, with a 2-cycle drug-free period between sertraline and placebo. Women completed daily symptom calendars.
What they found
Sertraline significantly improved total symptoms (P < .01), behavioral factor symptoms (P < .01), and physical factor symptoms (P < .04) compared to placebo. Most women improved on 50 mg, and about 25% improved further on 100 mg. Insomnia occurred in 14% (8 women).
What it means for you
Sertraline is safe and effective for moderate-to-severe PMDD when taken only during the luteal phase. The main limitation is that this was a preliminary study and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
50-100 mg
Sertraline dose during luteal phase
14%
Women who reported insomnia
25%
Women who improved further when dose increased to 100 mg
About the study
- Original title
- Luteal phase sertraline treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study
- Authors
- Jermain DM, Preece CK, Sykes RL et al.
- Journal
- Archives of family medicine
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Sertraline 50-100 mg daily during luteal phase
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1001/archfami.8.4.328
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