---
title: Can serotonin drugs treat PMS? | Niyora
description: The abstract mentions that tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, has been used to self-treat PMS, but doesn't provide evidence that serotonin drugs work for PMS
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/role-of-serotonin-in-therapy-of-depression-and-related-disorders-1991/
---

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- Can serotonin drugs treat PMS?

Review, 1991

# Can serotonin drugs treat PMS?

The abstract mentions that tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, has been used to self-treat PMS, but doesn't provide evidence that serotonin drugs work for PMS specifically.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article on serotonin and psychiatric disorders

## What they did

The authors reviewed developments in serotonin neuropharmacology and how serotonin relates to psychiatric treatment.

## What they found

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors enhance serotonergic function and have been introduced for depression. Tryptophan, available in health food and drug stores, has been used for self-medication of depression, insomnia, and premenstrual syndrome. At least seven serotonin receptor subtypes have been identified in the brain.

## What it means for you

Women have used tryptophan for PMS self-treatment, but the review notes it also increases potentially harmful tryptophan metabolites. This is a technical review of psychiatric drugs, not direct research on PMS treatment. The evidence for serotonin drugs in PMS isn't presented.

## About the study

Original title Role of serotonin in therapy of depression and related disorders Authors Fuller RW Journal The Journal of clinical psychiatry Year 1991 Study design Review Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1674251/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1674251/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[Sleep and insomnia](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-sleep/)[Cognition, concentration and memory](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-cognition/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)[Schizophrenia and psychosis](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-psychosis/)

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