--- title: Does fluoxetine help PMDD symptoms? | Niyora description: Yes, fluoxetine reduces emotional and physical PMDD symptoms and was the first SSRI antidepressant approved by the FDA for PMDD. It is generally well-tolerate url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/review-of-fluoxetine-and-its-clinical-applications-in-premenstrual-dysphoric-2002/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does fluoxetine help PMDD symptoms? Non-randomised trial, 2002 # Does fluoxetine help PMDD symptoms? Yes, fluoxetine reduces emotional and physical PMDD symptoms and was the first SSRI antidepressant approved by the FDA for PMDD. It is generally well-tolerated. Moderate study design Review of research on women with PMDD (not one study population) ## What they did This is a review article summarizing research on fluoxetine for PMDD. The authors reviewed multiple clinical trials with fluoxetine and similar antidepressants to understand what dosing schedules and doses work best. ## What they found Fluoxetine 20 mg taken daily throughout the cycle or just during the luteal phase (after ovulation) reduced emotional and physical symptoms and improved daily functioning. A 10 mg dose during the luteal phase helped emotional symptoms. A 90 mg dose given 2-1 weeks before the period also worked. Women taking fluoxetine only sometimes did not report serious stopping side effects. ## What it means for you Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for PMDD and women can take it only during the second half of the cycle instead of every day. The main limit is this is a review of other studies, not new research, so the strength depends on those underlying trials. 20 mg daily or luteal-phase dose 10 mg luteal-phase dose for emotional symptoms 90 mg dose in weeks 2-1 before period ## About the study Original title Review of fluoxetine and its clinical applications in premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Pearlstein T, Yonkers KA Journal Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy Year 2002 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested Fluoxetine at different doses and schedules Read the paper [doi.org/10.1517/14656566.3.7.979](https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.3.7.979) ## 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 ↗