---
title: Does alprazolam help premenstrual syndrome? | Niyora
description: Yes, according to this study, alprazolam was significantly more effective than placebo at relieving many PMS symptoms including mood and physical symptoms. Si
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/treatment-of-premenstrual-syndrome-with-alprazolam-results-of-a-double-blind-1987/
---

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- Does alprazolam help premenstrual syndrome?

Randomised trial, 1987

# Does alprazolam help premenstrual syndrome?

Yes, according to this study, alprazolam was significantly more effective than placebo at relieving many PMS symptoms including mood and physical symptoms. Side effects were uncommon, making it potentially acceptable for women who don't respond to other treatments.

 Moderate study design

Women with premenstrual syndrome (specific number not stated in abstract).

## What they did

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multiple crossover study where women tracked 22 premenstrual symptoms daily for one control cycle and four treatment cycles. They took alprazolam 0.25 mg three times daily from cycle day 20 until the second day of menstruation, then tapered the dose to avoid withdrawal effects.

## What they found

Alprazolam was significantly more effective than placebo for relieving nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, forgetfulness, crying, cravings for sweets, abdominal bloating, cramps, and headache. Side effects were uncommon.

## What it means for you

Alprazolam may help PMS, especially for women unresponsive to other therapies. The main limitation is that the abstract does not specify the number of women studied or provide statistical details about effect sizes. Earlier research (Paper 3) found alprazolam ineffective, showing disagreement in the literature.

22

premenstrual symptoms tracked

4

treatment cycles

0.25

mg dose of alprazolam

## About the study

Original title Treatment of premenstrual syndrome with alprazolam: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover clinical trial Authors Smith S, Rinehart JS, Ruddock VE et al. Journal Obstetrics and gynecology Year 1987 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Alprazolam 0.25 mg three times daily from cycle day 20 until second day of menstruation, then tapered by one tablet per day. Read the paper [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3299178/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3299178/)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Anxiety and tension](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-anxiety/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Anxiolytics and other psychotropics](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-anxiolytics/)

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