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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

The Emerging Gold Standard?

Drugs volume 62, pages 1869–1885 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

There have been a large number of studies conducted investigating the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The 12 randomised, controlled trials with continuous dose administration of SSRIs and the eight randomised, controlled trials with luteal phase dose administration (from ovulation to menses) are reviewed.

All the treatment studies on fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and citalopram have reported positive efficacy. Fluoxetine and sertraline have the largest literature, with a smaller number of studies endorsing paroxetine and citalopram. Mixed efficacy results have been reported with fluvoxamine.

In general, adverse effects from the use of SSRIs in women with PMDD are the usual mild and transient adverse effects from SSRIs including anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sedation, nausea and headache. Sexual dysfunction and weight gain can be problematic long-term adverse effects of SSRIs, but these effects have not been systematically evaluated with long-term SSRI use in women with PMDD.

Serotonergic antidepressants have differential superiority over nonserotonergic antidepressants in the treatment of PMDD. Treatments that enhance serotonergic action improve premenstrual irritability and dysphoria with a rapid onset of action, suggesting a different mechanism of action than in the treatment of depression. It is possible that neurosteroids, such as progesterone metabolites, are involved in the rapid action of serotonergic antidepressants in PMDD.

Future research needs to address less frequent dose administration regimens, such as ‘symptom-onset’ dose administration, and the recommended length of treatment.

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Acknowledgements

Dr Pearlstein has received research support, has been a consultant and/or member of speakers bureau for Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Wyeth-Ayerst.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Teri Pearlstein

  2. Women’s Behavioral Health Program, Women and Infants Hospital, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, Rhode Island, 02905-2499, USA

    Teri Pearlstein

  3. Women’s Treatment Program, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    Teri Pearlstein

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Pearlstein, T. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Drugs 62, 1869–1885 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200262130-00004

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