what is the best medication for premenstrual disphoric disorder?
Hi Jade Cat:
I'm not a physician but most physicians prescribe antidepressants for PMDD. Back in the mid 1980's I worked with patients at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine who were given Zoloft, (generic: sertraline), during the week of menses only and it worked. Only years latter did we learn why. Without going into the chemical details, it appears that the brain is "ready" to accept the SSRI during that time and most effectively uses it to manage the mood swings for PMDD. Prozac is another SSRI that is prescribed with the name Serafem specifically for PMDD, or Late Luteal Phase Dysphoric Disorder.
If you are in counseling, that is great. If not, consider getting some professional help outside of medications. You can find a therapist at Psychology Today.
Hope this helps,
Dr. Diana Walcutt
*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications. Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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