Drug lessens severity of premenstrual dysphoria.
Intermittent dosages of fluoxetine (Prozac/Lilly) given during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may help women suffering from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), studies suggest. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome, affects 3%-5% of women during their reproductive years, causing depression, anxiety, tension, lability, and irritability. A review of 12 clinical trials led researchers to conclude that, at 20 mg/day, fluoxetine reduces mood symptoms, physical symptoms, and social impairment in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder and is well-tolerated.