Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by a range of both physical and emotional conditions related to a menstrual period of a woman. A number of women experience severe symptoms that should be managed.
There are a range of prescription medications that are indicated to control the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Among them are such as:
-Contraceptive pills that are used to smooth the physical symptoms of PMS in some females, but the effects of these pills vary from woman to woman: such treatment can be effective for some females, while for others these pills might induce these symptoms because of the high levels of the hormones similar to estrogen and progesterone in these pills.
-Progesterone treatment is sometimes used to manage PMS symptoms, but according to the latest studies using progesterone treatment fails to bring significant benefit to manage the condition.
-Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant medications that control the level of serotonin –the neurotransmitter found in the brain. Such SSRI medications as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can be successfully used in reducing depression, irritability, and anxiety caused by PMS as well as they help to manage physical symptoms of this condition. Certain other SSRIs can also be used in managing PMS symptoms.
Though, these medications can cause a number of side effects such as somnolence and nausea in some women. The discontinuation of these antidepressant medications should not be done abruptly but gradually decreasing the dosages in order to avoid possible adverse reactions. According to statistics, the majority of women using SSRIs experience good results in dealing with severe PMS symptoms. These drugs can be recommended to use during the entire menstrual cycle of the woman or only during the premenstrual period.
-Anti-anxiety medications. In case SSRIs fail to manage the condition, anti-anxiety medications can be taken to manage anxiety related to PMS. One of the most widely used medications is alprazolam (Xanax) which is a member of benzodiazepine medications. This drug works on the particular neurotransmitter to manage the condition. This drug should be used with a caution as it can develop the addiction. It is recommended to use this medication during several days when symptoms are the most severe. Among the side reactions are somnolence and problems in operating motor vehicles.
Buspirone (BuSpar) is one more anti-anxiety medication that is taken to decrease anxiety and depression caused by PMS. This drug doesn’t cause addiction and severe adverse reactions in comparison with benzodiazepine medications.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) agonistsare the medications that inhibit the hormones that are responsible for cause ovulation, provoking a menopause – like state. These medications are highly effective in managing the symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness, fatigue and irritability. Nevertheless, GnRH agonists can cause menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Moreover, long-term treatment with these drugs can lead to bone loss. In some cases it might be recommended to use low dosages of estrogen and progesterone hormones along with GnRH agonists in order to reduce possible adverse effects.