Intermittent Zoloft for PMDD
Zoloft, a type of antidepressant, is can offer help for women battling Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a condition that commonly causes severe anxiety, depression and mood changes.
By targeting symptoms during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, this approach shows promise in alleviating PMDD's impact with fewer side effects, potentially transforming treatment options for those affected.
By targeting symptoms during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, this approach shows promise in alleviating PMDD's impact with fewer side effects, potentially transforming treatment options for those affected.
Zoloft
Zoloft is the brand name for generic medication known as Sertraline. The medication is classified as an selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). As the name implies, this class of medications works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain's nerve cell synapses, which consequently increases serotonin's effect on the brain.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
PMDD stands for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and represents a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is estimated that 2 to 9% of menstruating women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
The symptoms of PMDD include feeling anxious, sad, angry, experiencing mood swings, as well as being lethargic and tired. Complaints of a bloated stomach, headaches, joint-pain, and breast tenderness are also common. The disorder is characterized by the symptoms occurring in a cyclic pattern during the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Using Zoloft For PMDD
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved treatment with Zoloft for PMDD. Both Zoloft and Prozac are considered first-line treatment of PMDD and are proven to be very well-tolerated.Taking Sertraline for PMDD has been shown to reduce all symptoms of PMDD, including depression, anger, irritability, appetite and food cravings, concentration and memory effects, and physical symptoms.
Research indicate that PMDD may increase the risk of perinatal depression. Zoloft is one of the most commonly used antidepressants during pregnancy and it is also a frequently prescribed for the treatment of post partum depression.
Continuous vs Intermittent Dosing
The dosage of Zoloft when treating PMDD is commonly 50-150 mg daily and the medication is usually taken in the morning. The dosage is the same whether the treatment is continuous or intermittent.
Studies indicate that intermittent administration with Zoloft for PMDD, known as luteal phase dosing, may be beneficial with fewer side effects than continuously taking the drug.
Studies indicate that intermittent administration with Zoloft for PMDD, known as luteal phase dosing, may be beneficial with fewer side effects than continuously taking the drug.
How It Intermittent Dosing Works
Luteal phase dosing is also known as premenstrual dosing, in which case Zoloft is taken only between the onset of premenstrual symptoms (commonly 14 days before anticipated bleeding) and stopped with the onset of menses.Intermittent Zoloft for PMDD does not increase the risk of withdrawal or discontinuation symptoms.
Side Effects
Common side effects that might occur when taking Zoloft include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhea, insomnia, skin reactions and increased sweating. It may also cause sexual dysfunction. In women, this commonly presents as decreased sexual drive and difficulties in achieving orgasm.
Severe symptoms include significant weight loss, a higher risk of bleeding, seizures, and serious allergic reactions.
Zoloft has been issued an FDA black box warning because of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teenagers, and young adults during the first weeks of treatment.
Severe symptoms include significant weight loss, a higher risk of bleeding, seizures, and serious allergic reactions.
Zoloft has been issued an FDA black box warning because of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teenagers, and young adults during the first weeks of treatment.
Absolute Contraindications
1) Allergy to Sertraline (Zoloft) or any other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.2) Moderate to severe liver problems.
3) Usage of MAOI type of medications during the previous 14 days.
Other Useful Information
The most common side effects of Zoloft can often be avoided by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Gastrointestinal side effects commonly disappear by themselves within the first couple of weeks of starting treatment.
It is recommended to avoid eating grapefruit while taking Zoloft, as it contains an enzyme that might affect the potency of the drug, thus making it less effective.
Cover image by katemangostar on Freepik
Author: J. Martin, M.D.
Last updated: March 1, 2024
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of the disease seek immediate medical attention.
Last updated: March 1, 2024
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of the disease seek immediate medical attention.