A new study suggests that the antidepressant drug sertraline (Zoloft), from Pfizer Inc., may be effective in controlling symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

* Researchers at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, randomized 57 women diagnosed with moderate-to-severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to treatment with Zoloft or a placebo at 14 days prior to the expected onset of menses to collect data; participants were switched to the other therapy after two months.

* Found that Zoloft-treated women showed significant improvement in PMS-related symptoms, compared to placebo recipients, and that while most women improved in their first cyle of Zoloft therapy, the benefits were greater after the second cycle of treatment.

* There were no serious side effects among Zoloft users, but about 10% of women complained of insomnia.

* Researchers say that since Zoloft is eliminated from the body in about 26 hours it is suitable for short-term use. – authors note that further study is needed to confirm the findings and to assess the long-term effects of Zoloft therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).