Randomised trial, 2002
Does taking fluoxetine only during the luteal phase help PMDD?
Taking fluoxetine 90 mg twice during the luteal phase significantly improved PMDD symptoms, mood, social functioning, and quality of life compared to placebo or taking it once. This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial with 257 women.
What they did
In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 257 women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: fluoxetine 90 mg given twice during the luteal phase (14 and 7 days before menses), fluoxetine 90 mg given once (7 days before menses), or placebo. Treatment lasted 3 menstrual cycles.
What they found
Among 257 women, those taking fluoxetine twice during the luteal phase had significantly greater improvements in symptom scores and mood compared to the other two groups. They also showed greater improvements in social functioning and quality of life for work and family. Only 5 women discontinued due to non-serious adverse events across all treatment groups.
What it means for you
Taking fluoxetine twice during the luteal phase helps PMDD more than placebo or taking it once weekly. It improves mood, social functioning, and quality of life. This is from a good-sized randomized trial, though other studies would help confirm the findings.
257
women randomized
3
menstrual cycles of treatment
90 mg
fluoxetine dose
About the study
- Original title
- Weekly luteal-phase dosing with enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
- Authors
- Miner C, Brown E, McCray S et al.
- Journal
- Clinical therapeutics
- Year
- 2002
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 5
- What was tested
- Enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg given once or twice during the luteal phase for 3 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0149-2918(02)85043-3
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