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.
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
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