Antidepressants and anxiolytic drugs have not been shown to be consistently effective in true PMS. They may have a place in secondary PMS where there are underlying psychological problems which become worse premenstrually.
Abnormality in neurotransmitters (chemicals within the brain) has been demonstrated in PMS. Psychotherapeutic agents, including fluoxetine (Prozac Dista) and paroxetine (Seroxat SmithKline Beecham), that selectively inhibit re-uptake of serotonin are under investigation in the management of PMS. Serotonin is one of these neurotransmitters.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Controlled trial comparing intermittent and continuous paroxetine in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2007-01)
- Expert guidelines for the treatment of severe PMS, PMDD, and comorbidities: the role of SSRIs. (2006-01)
- Early onset of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant action: systematic review and meta-analysis. (2006-02)
- Luteal phase treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder improves symptoms that continue into the postmenstrual phase. (2005-01)
- Fluoxetine improves functional work capacity in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2005-02)
- Luteal phase treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder improves symptoms that continue into the postmenstrual phase. (2005-03)
- Continuous or intermittent dosing with sertraline for patients with severe premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2004-01)
- Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. (2003-01)
- Review of fluoxetine and its clinical applications in premenstrual dysphoric disorder. (2002-01)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for premenstrual syndrome. (2002-02)
Please click on the required question.
- Premenstrual Syndrome - PMS What is The Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- 2 How prevalent is PMS?
- 3 How can we tell if I have PMS?
- 4 How can my PMS be evaluated?
- 5 How can cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) be treated?
- 6 How can my PMS be treated?
- 7 What is the place of progestogens and progesterone in the management of PMS?
- 8 Could suppressing my menstrual cycle reduce my PMS problems?
- 9 Could a diuretic help my PMS?
- 10 Is there a place for anti-depressants or anxiolytic drugs in the management of PMS?
- 11 Is there a place for removing my ovaries in the management of PMS?
- 12 What can be done about my decreased libido (sex drive)
- 12A What is the place of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) in sexual dysfunction in women?
- 13 How is PMS treatment monitored?
- 14 How long should PMS treatment be taken?
- 15 What is the chronic fatigue syndrome?
- 16 What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- 17 Where can I obtain more information?
- 18 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
