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.
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/
Topics
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