PMS /prozac ???

M

merrybaker

Cathlete
Have any of you used prozac for your PMS ?. I'm 43 and have never suffered from PMS ,until about my last 10-12 cycles . I have a friend that suggested I try it . Ummm Midol doesn't really help and I'm a differant person these days from the time I ovulate til I start.Then I'm good til it happens the next month . Its really driving me nuts and my family too !! Stuff like St Johns wart ,b-12 b-6 dont really help anymore .Help any ideas . Today I'm so sad too !!!
 
As far as I know, Prozac or any anti-depressant, takes several weeks to take effect, so you can't use it on an as-needed basis. I take Clonezapam for my PMS and it helps a LOT. However, as with most of the -pam drugs, it's quite addictive and you're not supposed to take it all the time unless directed by your doctor.

Are you taking the Midol PMS formula or just regular Midol? The Tylenol PMS formula works quite well.

I also found that upping my calcium/magnesium/D intake helped a lot. And eating plays a huge part. The more crap I eat, the worse my PMS is.
 
Hey Mary -

I'm a 15 year veteran of taking prozac for PMS, and I can tell you that it is effective - BUT - I just learned that it can affect your thyroid function and metabolism, causing weight gain and an inability to lose it - so I'm not sure I'd recommend it.

When I first started taking it, I lost weight, but after a few years it stopped working, so I switched to another similar medication and gained a LOT of weight over the course of a year. When I switched back to prozac I lost most of it - but I have not been able to lose the last 20 pounds no matter how hard I try.

Based on people on this forum who said they had luck controlling their PMS with birth control (specifically, Nuvaring), I stopped taking prozac in August and decided to see if Nuvaring works. Like Shelley, I also supplement with calcium (ok, cheese!) and magnesium. Two cycles later and my PMS still seems to be under control - at least in terms of the moods. I can never seem to get rid of the cravings!

I still haven't lost any weight, but I read that it takes a while for your metabolism to get back in gear after stopping antidepressants, and I've suffered terribly this season with allergies so my workouts haven't been very intense.

Oh - I've read that supplementing with evening primrose oil is effective for PMS. I also take fish oil supplements which are supposed to help as well.

I'd try these alternatives before trying prozac if you're weight conscious. If you're one of those lucky people who don't gain weight easily though, it might be worth trying. Especially if your PMS is like mine and you become alternately homicidal and suicidal! }((Not literally of course - but close!)

Hope this helps -

Joni
 
Hi Mary!

Have you ever tried GLA (gamma linolenic acid)? It is an Omega-6 fatty acid which our bodies use to form prostaglandins - a hormone-like substance that helps regulate the body. I know Sunflower Seed Oil is another source of Omega-6 fatty acid. It just seems to help keep that normal feeling throughout your monthly cycle.
 
Mary, I find that cutting back on caffeine makes a big difference, when I'm able to do it succesfully. And yes, anti-depressants do help if it's really that bad. Lexapro, unlike some of the others, has a short half-life, so you can start taking it a day or two before the PMS begins, and then take it for a few days. It makes a difference.

But if I were you, I would try to find out why your body changed suddenly. See if your gyn has any ideas.
 
Hi Mary,
I tried everything from Primrose Oil to whatever else someone would recommend. Did the B's, cut back on caffeine, everything. The ONLY thing that worked for me is Prozac. My only regret, I wasted years trying other things because well-meaning friends always downed anti-depressants. If you don't need it, it won't work. As for myself, I'm using it until I hit the other side of menopause. Good luck.
Blessings,
Denise
 
Hi, Mary
I am a pharmacist and I can tell you that Prozac has indication for PMS. It is marketed under different name of Sarafem.
You can take 20 mg Sarafem daily continously ot 20 mg /day starting 14 days prior to menstruation and thru first full day of menses( repeat each cycle).
As above thread indicated you may experience some side effects as with any medicine, I suggest you talk to your doctor about it especially if your PMS is very severe and not relieved by other medication.
I hope this helps.

Christie
 
I have taken a lite prozac called Sarafim (SP), specifically made for PMS. I didn't have very good results with it. It think it made me more nuts. My doctor told me I could take it 10 days before my period, or all months. I chose all month. It didn't help me much. For whatever reason, my body doesn't like synthetic hormones. I have had bad reactions on birthcontrol pills. I think the third week of pills would make me so nuts!! I would be depressed, yelling at everyone, etc. I tried several different brands, in different dosages, and had the same results. I just gave up, I feel much better now. To manage my PMS, I don't do much, just stay away from sugar, salt, drink alot of water, and do alot of yoga to remain calm. Alicia
 
Good morning Ladies Thanks so much for your responses .I will Get an appt with my Dr soon ,Like before I ovulate again LOL .
 
Try it. I wish I had. I am 51 now and learned too late, from other people's expeiences, how much anti depressants can help.

Life could have been a lot easier. I say go ahead and try it.
 
I personally don't like the idea of using anti-depressants to control symptoms tied to hormonal problems. I solved my peri-menopause issues by controlling my hormones which are root of the problem as I believe they are with PMS. Yes, taking hormones has risks but I would rather deal with them than trying several anti-depressant medications to see which one works and then the sexual and other side affects and then weaning off of them.

This is just MHO based on my feelings and experiences.
 
Mary, this is a silly question since you are on the Cathe forums--but are you doing plenty of cardio?

I have PMS bad. I think I have PMDD--Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Generally, I am a depressed mess for a week or two before my period. During really bad months I promise myself that I will see a doctor and stop this craziness, but of course the symptoms go away, and I feel that I don't need help.

http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/pmdd.htm

There have been studies that suggest that plenty of cardio can combat symptoms of PMDD. I find when I am running and doing plenty of Cathe cardio--nothing crazy, just an hour or less a day, 5 days a week---my symptoms are so much better. I feel like a "normal" person.

I don't know what your cardio schedule is like, but if it has been lean I would try to up your cardio and see if that helps.

Lori
 
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