From the FDA Drug Label
Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets may also be taken to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) if you choose to use the Pill for birth control. Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets in treating the symptoms of PMDD. In both trials, women who received drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets had statistically significantly greater improvement in their Daily Record of Severity of Problems scores.
The treatment for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets.
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From the Research
Treatment Options for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
The treatment for PMDD can be categorized into several options, including:
- Psychiatric medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been established as the first-line treatment for PMDD 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Anovulatory-related treatments: Various treatments have demonstrated efficacy, but their use may be limited due to potential side effects or the availability of cheaper alternatives 2
- Supplements: Calcium supplementation has been shown to have a consistent therapeutic benefit 2, 3
- Herbal treatments: Agnus castus (chasteberry) and Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) may be useful adjuncts in the treatment of PMDD, but more research is needed 3
- Nonpharmacological treatments: Cognitive/behavioral/relaxation therapies may be useful in reducing the functional impact of PMDD 3, 5
- Contraceptive treatments: Combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) pills, specifically the 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol/3mg drospirenone in a 24/4 extended cycle regimen, have been shown to significantly improve the emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD 4, 5
Medication-Specific Treatments
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, and paroxetine have been identified as effective treatments for PMDD 5, 6
- Dosage and administration: SSRIs can be effective when used cyclically, only in the luteal phase, or even limited to the duration of the monthly symptoms 3, 6
- Alternative treatments: Venlafaxine, duloxetine, alprazolam, and buspirone have also been found to be useful treatments for PMDD 2
Considerations for Treatment
- Patient-specific factors: Treatment choices should be adapted to the patient's symptoms, severity, history, plans for procreation, contraindications, and preferences 5
- Differentiation from other disorders: PMDD should be differentiated from other clinically related disorders, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 5