Review, 2008
What medications are FDA-approved for treating PMDD?
Three selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, a type of antidepressant) and a low-dose birth control pill containing drospirenone are FDA-approved for PMDD. SSRIs can be taken just during the two weeks before menstruation.
What they did
This is a review article on medication options for treating PMDD.
What they found
PMDD affects an estimated 6% of reproductive-aged women who meet strict criteria and almost 20% who nearly meet criteria. It is chronic and affects relationships and work productivity. FDA-approved treatments include three SSRIs and a low-dose oral contraceptive pill with drospirenone. SSRIs can be given intermittently, with dosing limited to the luteal phase (2 weeks prior to menses).
What it means for you
Women with PMDD have proven medication options. SSRIs do not need to be taken every day. Future treatments may involve other hormonal approaches or novel medications.
6%
reproductive-aged women meeting strict PMDD criteria
20%
women nearly meeting PMDD criteria
2 weeks
luteal phase for intermittent SSRI dosing
About the study
- Original title
- The pharmacologic management of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Rapkin AJ, Winer SA
- Journal
- Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- SSRI antidepressants; low-dose oral contraceptive with drospirenone
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1517/14656566.9.3.429
Topics
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