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FLUOXETINE FOR PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIA.

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is one of the latest in the line of proposed treatments for premenstrual dysphoria. This multicenter Canadian trial, sponsored by the manufacturer, randomized 313 women with premenstrual dysphoria to receive either fluoxetine or placebo daily for six menstrual cycles. Women taking fluoxetine at either dose tested (20 or 60 mg) recorded significantly less premenstrual tension, irritability, and dysphoria than those taking placebo, as measured by visual analogue scales. The proportion of women who withdrew from the study because of side effects was greater in the 60-mg fluoxetine group (33 percent) than in the 20-mg and placebo groups (11 and 8 percent). The most common side effects reported in the 60-mg group were insomnia, nausea, tremor, and fatigue. Comment: A daily 20-mg dose of fluoxetine appears to diminish symptoms of premenstrual dysphoria with minimal side effects. The authors note that fluoxetine may also be beneficial when given during the premenstrual period only, based on preliminary data from other studies.

— AS Brett

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine June 20, 1995

Citation(s):

Steiner M, et al. Fluoxetine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. N Engl J Med 1995 Jun 8 332 1529-1534.

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