--- title: Does the antidepressant paroxetine CR reduce PMDD mood symptoms? description: Yes. In this large trial, both a lower and a higher dose of paroxetine CR significantly improved mood symptoms compared with placebo, with the higher dose wor url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/paroxetine-controlled-release-for-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-a-double-blind-2004/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does the antidepressant paroxetine CR reduce PMDD mood symptoms? Randomised trial, 2004 # Does the antidepressant paroxetine CR reduce PMDD mood symptoms? Yes. In this large trial, both a lower and a higher dose of paroxetine CR significantly improved mood symptoms compared with placebo, with the higher dose working somewhat better. Strong study design 327 women aged 18 to 45 with PMDD, across 43 U.S. sites. ## What they did A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial at 43 U.S. outpatient sites randomly assigned 327 women aged 18 to 45 with PMDD to paroxetine CR 12.5 mg, paroxetine CR 25 mg, or placebo, taken once daily for up to 3 menstrual cycles. The main measure was change in luteal-phase mood symptoms (irritability, tension, mood swings, depressed mood) on a visual rating scale. ## What they found Both doses improved mood scores significantly more than placebo (12.5 mg: difference of -8.7 mm, 95% CI -15.7 to -1.7, p = .015; 25 mg: difference of -12.1 mm, 95% CI -18.9 to -5.3, p < .001). Physical symptoms and social functioning also improved. 9.5% on 12.5 mg and 13.5% on 25 mg dropped out due to side effects, versus 6.5% on placebo. ## What it means for you Paroxetine CR, at either dose, appears to be an effective, well-tolerated option for PMDD, giving doctors flexibility in dosing. Side effects led more people to quit treatment than with placebo, which is worth weighing against the benefits. 327 Women studied -8.7 mm Mood improvement, 12.5 mg vs placebo -12.1 mm Mood improvement, 25 mg vs placebo ## About the study Original title Paroxetine controlled release for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Authors Cohen LS, Soares CN, Yonkers KA et al. Journal Psychosomatic medicine Year 2004 Study design Randomised trial Participants 327 What was tested Paroxetine controlled-release 12.5 mg or 25 mg daily versus placebo, for up to 3 cycles. Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000140005.94790.9c](https://doi.org/10.1097/01.psy.0000140005.94790.9c) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2024 What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? Systematic review, 2022 What are the best treatments for PMDD and PMS? Review, 2015 What do we know about PMS and PMDD and how are they treated? Systematic review, 2012 What medications work best for PMDD? Review, 2009 What causes PMDD and what are the treatment options? Review, 2008 What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗