Premenstrual Syndrome Medications are meant for reducing the symptoms and for ruling out the causes. The success of medications varies from woman to woman. The medications are prescribed depending upon the severity of symptoms. Some of the commonly prescribed medications are antidepressants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, oral contraceptives and medroxyprogesterone acetate.
Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including paroxetine (Paxil), fluoxetine (Sarafem, Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are one of the useful Premenstrual Syndrome Medications. They help to reduce the symptoms such as food cravings, fatigue and sleep problems. These drugs are usually taken daily. However, some women use the antidepressants two weeks before start of menstruation. The anti-anxiety drugs such as Benzodiazepines and Alprazolam reduce anxiety associated with PMS by depressing the central nervous system.
Diuretics/ water pills including spironolactone (Aldactone) and metolazone (Zaroxolyn, Mykrox) are useful to shed excess water through kidneys. They significantly reduce the symptoms of PMS such as breast swelling, weight gain and bloating.
The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), Ketoprofen (Orudis), Mefenamic acid (Ponstel) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are taken before or at the time of onset of menstrual period. They can ease breast discomfort and cramping.
The anti-inflammatory drugs prevent the production of prostaglandins in the body which is one of the causes of PMS. Reduced amount of prostaglandins can eliminate the inflammatory symptoms of PMS including breast pain, menstrual cramps, swelling, headache and other discomforts.
Oral contraceptives are among the important Premenstrual Syndrome Medications. They stop the ovulation and stabilize the hormonal swings. For severe PMS, medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) injection is applied to temporarily stop the ovulation.
