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Randomised trial, 2004

Does paroxetine controlled-release help PMDD symptoms?

Yes, paroxetine CR was more effective than placebo for PMDD symptoms and caused less nausea than regular paroxetine in the first week. This summary reviews multiple well-designed trials.

Moderate study design Patients with PMDD in multiple clinical trials

What they did

Reviews multiple placebo-controlled trials of paroxetine CR in patients with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PMDD. Treatment duration was 12 weeks for most conditions, or three menstrual cycles for PMDD given either continuously or intermittently.

What they found

In PMDD trials, paroxetine CR was superior to placebo on the Visual Analogue Scale-Mood score. Recipients experienced significantly less nausea than those on immediate-release paroxetine in the first week. The adverse-event profile was typical of SSRIs.

What it means for you

Paroxetine CR may reduce PMDD mood symptoms with fewer side effects like nausea. This is a review of multiple studies rather than one single trial, so specific sample sizes from individual studies are not detailed here.

12 weeks

Treatment duration for depression and anxiety

3 cycles

Treatment duration for PMDD (menstrual)

4-5 hours

Paroxetine CR release time in body

About the study

Original title
Paroxetine controlled release
Authors
Bang LM, Keating GM
Journal
CNS drugs
Year
2004
Study design
Randomised trial
What was tested
Paroxetine CR vs placebo

Topics