title: Luteal phase and symptom-onset dosing of SSRIs/SNRIs in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria: clinical evidence and rationale.
abstract: Premenstrual dysphoria (PMD) affects 3-8 % of women in their reproductive years worldwide. This paper summarizes the studies establishing the efficacy of continuous, luteal phase, and symptom-onset dosing of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) in treating women with PMD. The evidence indicates that for some women, symptom-onset dosing with escitalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine controlled release (CR) is as effective as continuous or luteal phase dosing. The wide range of clinical efficacy of SSRIs/SNRIs suggests that they exert their therapeutic effect through multiple pathways. This paper offers a few alternative mechanisms of action to explain the rapid response to SSRIs/SNRIs in women with PMD.
authors.affiliation: Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, 301 James Street South, Hamilton, ON, L8P 3B6, Canada. mst@mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: Meir
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Steiner
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018759:Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors