Systematic review, 2008
Do SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) help PMS and PMDD symptoms?
Yes. SSRIs reduce symptoms of PMS and PMDD, and continuous daily dosing works better than taking the medication only during certain cycle phases.
What they did
Meta-analysis combining results from 29 double-blind randomized controlled trials comparing SSRIs to placebo in women with severe PMS or PMDD. Trials followed women for at least one menstrual cycle. Total of 2,964 women analyzed.
What they found
SSRIs were effective at reducing symptoms (odds ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.31-0.51). Continuous daily dosing was more effective (odds ratio 0.28) than intermittent dosing taken only during certain cycle phases (odds ratio 0.55). Different SSRIs performed similarly to each other.
What it means for you
SSRIs work for PMS and PMDD. Taking them every day works better than taking them only part of the month. This finding comes from a large, high-quality analysis combining many studies. The effect is real but smaller than some earlier studies had suggested.
2,964
women analyzed
29
studies combined
0.40
odds ratio for effectiveness
About the study
- Original title
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a meta-analysis
- Authors
- Shah NR, Jones JB, Aperi J et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) versus placebo
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1097/aog.0b013e31816fd73b
Topics
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