Intermittent, luteal phase nefazodone treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Three outpatients who fulfilled full DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD) were successfully treated with intermittent (luteal phase) nefazodone. They received the medication at low doses of up to 100 mg/day (50 mg b.i.d.), for 2 weeks through the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle only. All the patients reported a marked symptomatic improvement, including full remission of their emotional symptoms, and two achieved in addition full remission of their somatic symptoms. Side-effects reported during the treatment were mild. The use of luteal phase nefazodone seems to be a promising treatment strategy for the management of PDD. It offers advantages over daily dosing throughout the menstrual cycle, such as reduced incidence and severity of side-effects, and avoids the stigma that may accompany the continuous use of psychopharmacological treatment, with the advantage that compliance may be improved.
Lev Hasharon Mental Health Centre, Pardessiya, Israel. piza@netvision.net.il
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Kodesh
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Katz
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Lerner
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Finkel
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Sigal
D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000523:psychology*; D010879:Piperazines; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014230:Triazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D010879:Piperazines; D014230:Triazoles; C051752:nefazodone