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.
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
Topics
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