Randomised trial, 2002
Does taking fluoxetine only before your period help PMDD?
Yes, at a dose of 20 mg per day. This dose reduced mood symptoms and physical symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating, starting 14 days before the period through the first day of bleeding.
What they did
260 women with PMDD were randomly assigned to fluoxetine 10 mg daily, fluoxetine 20 mg daily, or placebo. The medication was taken from 14 days before expected menses through the first full day of bleeding, for three menstrual cycles. Women tracked symptoms daily on a computerized form.
What they found
Fluoxetine 20 mg significantly improved luteal phase symptom scores compared to placebo; fluoxetine 10 mg did not. Both active doses helped mood symptoms. Only the 20 mg dose significantly helped physical symptoms including breast tenderness, bloating, and joint/muscle pain. Both doses were well tolerated, with similar rates of side effects.
What it means for you
Taking fluoxetine 20 mg only during the premenstrual period effectively treats mood and physical symptoms and is well tolerated. The 10 mg dose appears less effective.
260
women studied
20 mg
effective daily dose
14 days
days before menses to start
About the study
- Original title
- Premenstrual daily fluoxetine for premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a placebo-controlled, clinical trial using computerized diaries
- Authors
- Cohen LS, Miner C, Brown EW et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 260
- What was tested
- Fluoxetine 10 mg or 20 mg daily from 14 days before menses through first day of bleeding
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0029-7844(02)02166-x
Topics
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