The Effects of Daily Fluoxetine in Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) which is accompanied by
Psychological and Physical Symptoms regularly occurs during the second half of the
menstrual cycle and is estimated to affect up to 95% of women to some degree. Only
3-8% of these women have Premenstrual Symptoms that meet the criteria for
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which significantly interferes with social
activities or relationships with others. In this case there are medications one of which
is serotonin reuptake inhibitors, including Fluoxetine.
The aim of this study is To evaluate premenstrual daily dosing of fluoxetine for
treatment of Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind clinical trial study. After a two
cycle Screening 260 women were randomly prescribed fluoxetine 10mg capsules,
fluoxetine 20mg capsules and placebo capsules (dosed daily from the 14th day before
next expected menses through the first fall day of bleeding) for three cycles, and they
had a follow-up visit without taking drugs. After this time data was gathered with
questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics.
Results: Baseline demographics and severity of illness and length of menstrual cycle
measures showed that the treatment groups were balanced. Premenstrual daily
fluoxetine 20mg demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms compared with
placebo (P = 0.005) and Premenstrual daily fluoxetine 10mg groups. Both active
treatment groups significantly improved by the first treatment cycle. Both fluoxetine
groups showed significant improvement.
All 20 symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disorder, irritability, depression, appetite
changes, and physical symptoms such as body dimorphic, breast tenderness, acnea,
headache, arthralgia, low back pain, and weight increase had significant reduction or
completely disappeared with Fluoxetine 20mg capsules.
Discontinuation due to adverse side effects did not differ among the three groups.
Conclusion: Premenstrual daily dosing with Fluoxetine effectively treats mood, physical
and social function and symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphonic disorder.
Fluoxetine 20mg appears to have comparably better efficacy than floxetine 10mg. 

Keywords

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 9, Issue 2 - Serial Number 2
September 2007
Pages 39-46

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