Randomised trial, 2007
Does paroxetine work better if taken daily or just during your luteal phase for PMDD?
Daily paroxetine had an 85% response rate and was most effective overall, while luteal-phase-only paroxetine worked equally well for irritability and mood swings but was weaker for depression and physical symptoms. This well-designed study provides reliable results.
What they did
55-56 women per group were randomly assigned to take paroxetine continuously, paroxetine only during the luteal phase, or placebo for three menstrual cycles. Their premenstrual symptoms were measured regularly.
What they found
Continuous paroxetine had an 85% response rate. Irritability showed the strongest improvement with an effect size of 1.4, while lack of energy showed the weakest improvement with an effect size of 0.5. Intermittent paroxetine worked equally well for irritability, mood swings, and affect lability, but was somewhat weaker for depressed mood and physical symptoms. Both active treatments beat placebo.
What it means for you
Paroxetine is effective for PMDD. Women whose main symptoms are irritability and mood instability can consider luteal-phase-only dosing as a practical option. Women with depression or physical symptoms may benefit more from daily dosing. This was a high-quality study with a large sample and placebo control, so the results are reliable.
85%
Response rate with continuous paroxetine
55-56
Women per treatment group
1.4
Effect size for irritability (strongest)
About the study
- Original title
- Placebo-controlled trial comparing intermittent and continuous paroxetine in premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Landén M, Nissbrandt H, Allgulander C et al.
- Journal
- Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 56
- What was tested
- Paroxetine 20 mg continuously, during luteal phase, or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1038/sj.npp.1301216
Topics
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