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Prozac PMS
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As Seen On Eyewitness News
Nov. 4, 99 -- A federal advisory panel says women with severe PMS may benefit from the antidepressant Prozac.
Doctors say up to 5- percent of women of child bearing age suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD
Women with the disorder who used prozac lowered their depression, tension, and irritability levels by almost two-thirds. If approved, prozac would be the first FDA backed drug to combat PMS
There's PMS, which can make you irritable and bloated...
And then there's severe PMS -- which psychiatrists call PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
PMDD Symptoms:
Anger
Anxiety
Bloating
Depression
Fatigue
Cravings
Mood Swings
Sleeplessness
Irritability
Low Self-Esteem
Headache
Women with PMDD usually have five or more of the above symptoms.
They include disruptions in eating and sleeping patterns, and especially in your moods. The good news is, there's treatment.
Doctors have known for years that Prozac can help patients with PMDD. But they say some patients don't like the idea of taking it.
Dr. Raymond Doucette/Obstetrician-Gynecologist: "A LOT OF PATIENTS, WHEN YOU MENTION THAT WE SHOULD GIVE YOU THIS MEDICATION FOR YOUR SYMPTOMS, THEY GO, "WELL, WAIT A MINUTE, I'M NOT DEPRESSED, I'M NOT A PSYCHIATRIC CASE."
Now, a federal advisory panel is recommending the Food and Drug Administration approve the use of Prozac to treat severe PMS.
Doctors at University Medical Center say patients might feel better about taking Prozac for PMDD if the FDA says it's okay.
Dr. Raymond Doucette/Obstetrician-Gynecologist: "FOR THOSE PEOPLE, IF THE FDA WERE TO SAY, THIS IS APPROVED FOR THIS CONDITION, THAT WOULD TAKE THAT STIGMA AWAY, AND IT MIGHT BE BENEFICIAL FOR SOME PATIENTS."
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