News: SSRIs treat PMS/premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (i.e., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline) effectively treat premenstrual symptoms, particularly with continuous dosing, but perhaps not as effectively as previously reported, according to the findings of a recent meta-analysis.

Researchers included 29 published double-blind, randomized controlled studies involving almost 3,000 women in their analysis.

Overall, they found SSRIs significantly effective for treating both PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.31–0.51). While no particular SSRI was more effective than another, continuous dosing regimens were more effective (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.18–0.42) than intermittent ones (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45–0.68).

Shah NR, Jones JB, Aperi J, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111:1175-1182.