---
title: Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms? | Niyora
description: Yes. SSRIs work significantly better than placebo and faster than when used for depression or anxiety. Intermittent dosing (taking medication only before the
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-for-the-treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoria-1999/
---

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- Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms?

Randomised trial, 1999

# Do SSRIs reduce premenstrual dysphoria symptoms?

Yes. SSRIs work significantly better than placebo and faster than when used for depression or anxiety. Intermittent dosing (taking medication only before the period) may work even better than daily dosing.

 Strong study design

Women with premenstrual dysphoria (approximately 5% of fertile-age women)

## What they did

This is a review summarizing findings from multiple recent controlled trials of serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual dysphoria.

## What they found

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (clomipramine, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) reduced symptoms significantly better than placebo. Non-serotonergic antidepressants (maprotiline, bupropion) were ineffective. SSRIs work faster for PMDD than for depression, panic disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Intermittent citalopram reduced symptoms more effectively than continuous daily dosing.

## What it means for you

SSRIs are now available and effective for PMDD, which previously had no effective treatment apart from those disrupting ovarian function. This review summarizes the overall evidence. The findings suggest serotonin dampens irritability and anger, supporting a biological understanding of PMDD.

5%

Percentage of fertile-age women with premenstrual dysphoria

## About the study

Original title Serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria Authors Eriksson E Journal International clinical psychopharmacology Year 1999 Study design Randomised trial What was tested SSRIs (clomipramine, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline) versus placebo and non-serotonergic antidepressants Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10471170/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10471170/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[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/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Anxiety disorders and OCD](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-anxiety-disorders/)

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

Cohort study, 2012

How quickly does fluoxetine start working for PMDD symptoms?

Review, 1999

Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a distinct clinical disorder?

Survey study, 2001

How common is premenstrual dysphoric disorder and how is it related to other psychiatric conditions?

Randomised trial, 2003

Are SSRI antidepressants effective for PMDD?

Randomised trial, 1995

Does fluoxetine help premenstrual dysphoria?

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

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