---
title: Does fluoxetine help symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
description: Fluoxetine reduced PMDD symptoms in reviewed trials and was well-tolerated at 20 mg daily. Side effects were usually temporary and rarely caused women to stop
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-role-of-fluoxetine-in-the-treatment-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-1999/
---

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- Does fluoxetine help symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Non-randomised trial, 1999

# Does fluoxetine help symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Fluoxetine reduced PMDD symptoms in reviewed trials and was well-tolerated at 20 mg daily. Side effects were usually temporary and rarely caused women to stop treatment.

 Moderate study design

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (across multiple trials)

## What they did

The authors reviewed published clinical trials of fluoxetine, an antidepressant that increases serotonin levels, used to treat PMDD. They identified 7 controlled trials and 4 open-label trials (where patients and doctors knew they were receiving fluoxetine).

## What they found

PMDD symptoms decreased during fluoxetine treatment across the trials reviewed. Preliminary findings suggested that intermittent luteal-phase fluoxetine dosing (taking medication only during the second half of the cycle) may work for some women. At 20 mg daily, side effects were usually temporary, rarely led to discontinuation, and matched fluoxetine's known safety profile.

## What it means for you

Fluoxetine 20 mg daily is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for PMDD. Intermittent dosing during the luteal phase may be an option for selected women, which could reduce medication burden. Because this is a review of existing trials rather than a new study, the strength of evidence depends on the quality of the reviewed trials.

20

mg daily fluoxetine dose

7

controlled trials reviewed

4

open-label trials reviewed

## About the study

Original title The role of fluoxetine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Romano S, Judge R, Dillon J et al. Journal Clinical therapeutics Year 1999 Study design Non-randomised trial What was tested fluoxetine 20 mg daily or intermittent luteal-phase dosing Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(00)88315-0](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(00)88315-0)

## Topics

[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)

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