Treatment
The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the patient's suffering and the disruption to her social relationships.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have emerged as first-line therapy. Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials in women with PMDD have clearly demonstrated that the SSRIs have excellent efficacy and minimal side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four SSRIs for the treatment of PMDD: Fluoxetine (available as generic or as Prozac or Sarafem), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) and escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro).
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a well balanced diet may ameliorate some of the effects of PMDD. L-tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, was found in two studies to provide significant relief when supplemented daily in a large dose. There is some evidence that vitamin B6 can alleviate symptoms.
Read more about this topic: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
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