Pms,Pmdd,Pms Symptoms,Pms Treatment,Premenstrual Dysphoric,Relieve Pms Symptoms,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Pmdd,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder,Premenstrual,Pms Pmdd,Pmdd Depression,Pms Treatments - Why Doctors Prescribe Celexa For PMS

Why Doctors Prescribe Celexa For PMS

Some doctors may prescribe Celexa for PMS, because Celexa is a Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitor (SSRI). In this article, we look at why Celexa may relieve some PMS symptoms and the side effects associated with its use, hopefully answering your questions about Celexa and PMS treatment.

The cause or causes of PMS are unknown and a combination of factors may be involved. Doctors sometimes prescribe an SSRI like Celexa for PMS based on the observation that serotonin levels were lower in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a condition in which the emotional symptoms of PMS, including mood swings and depression are more severe. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep cycles and appetite, among other things. It is known that people suffering from depression have low levels of serotonin. An SSRI improves the body's ability to use serotonin more effectively by reducing how quickly it is broken down.

Estrogen is believed to have a similar effect on serotonin, slowing its breakdown in laboratory tests. Low levels of estrogen during PMS could be responsible for low levels of serotonin. Currently there is no FDA approved hormone therapy for PMS, thus efforts to treat the condition have focused on increasing serotonin production or decreasing its breakdown.

In the seventies, Professor Richard Wurtman of MIT showed that eating carbohydrates raises serotonin levels. Years later, after the introduction of SSRI antidepressants, Judith Wurtman, a research scientist, made the observation that during PMS, women crave carbohydrates, overeat and gain weight. She theorized that overeating reduced feelings of depression and anger by increasing levels of serotonin. The Wurtmans tested the theory on a group of women with emotional symptoms related to PMS by giving them either an SSRI or a special mixture of dietary carbs. Both improved symptoms.

In 1997, the SSRI Prozac was approved by the FDA to treat PMDD. Other SSRI medications were later approved based on the same research. The FDA has never approved the use of an SSRI including Celexa for PMS treatment. Celexa has never applied for approval to treat PMDD. It is approved for treatment of depression and because it is an SSRI, it is sometimes prescribed to relieve depression and other emotional issues that accompany PMS. It will not relieve bloating, breast tenderness, headaches or other physical PMS symptoms and there is a possibility of interactions between Celexa and PMS treatments of other types.

Premenstrual migraines are fairly common among women who suffer from migraines. The majority of people who have migraines are women and most have noted that changing hormonal levels that precede menstruation trigger attacks. In some cases doctors prescribe triptans to treat migraines. Women who take triptans for migraine relief and Celexa for PMS, PMDD or depression risk a life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. It is also possible that dietary supplements that increase production of serotonin could cause the same effect, when used by persons taking Celexa.

The relationship between Celexa and PMS symptoms has never been evaluated. However, during clinical trials to evaluate the safety of Celexa for depressed patients the following side effects were noted. Frequently, the drug impaired concentration, caused amnesia, apathy, depression, increased appetite, aggravated depression, led to suicide attempts and confusion. Frequently the drug caused women to stop having their monthly periods. 18% of the test group was drowsy, but 15% were unable to sleep. Other side effects include headache and difficulty achieving orgasm.

There are numerous options for relieving the symptoms of PMS, including lifestyle and dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, herbs and other dietary supplements. To learn more about them, please visit the Menopause and PMS Guide. If you are currently taking Celexa for PMS, you must consult your doctor about reducing the dosage and discontinuing use, before trying other treatment options. Although not considered an addictive substance, most people experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the drug suddenly.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a freelance writer. Currently she writes informational articles related to women's health. Read more at http://www.menopause-and-pms-guide.com.

Learn More about Resveratrol

A Natural Way to Combat PMS

Premenstrual syndrome (known as PMS) involves a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms tied to a woman's menstrual cycle. By definition, symptoms occur during the days before a woman's period starts. They usually go away after the first day or two of flow. PMS has been seen since the times of ancient Greece. It has been reported in Eastern (Asian) cultures as well as...

Using PMS/GPS - The Productivity Management System??? for Goal Planning and Setting

When I am willing to take a chance on me, do whatever it takes, thank those who have helped me along the way, and remember to pat myself on the back once the goal has been reached, I am fulfilled" - Heidi Richards In 1979, Harvard Business School did a study of its MBA graduates. They interviewed the graduates and asked them if they had clear written goals with plans for their career...

Treat PMS with new Birth Control Pill, Lybrel

Srigayathri Normal Srigayathri 2 0 2008-01-29T18:23:00Z 2008-01-29T18:23:00Z 1 398 2269 Hewlett-Packard 18 5 2662 10.2625 Clean Clean MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; ...

Nutrition - How to Use Herbs to Manage PMS

One of the most common ailments of women in their reproductive years is pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Depression, bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and mood swings are common symptoms of PMS. One of the food supplements that alleviate symptoms of PMS is Suma, also known as Brazilian ginseng. Some women can take PMS in stride. In most cases, the symptoms are so severe that these...

PMS Pregnancy

Many women experience PMS-like symptoms during pregnancy, particularly during the early weeks of pregnancy. Fatigue is extremely common during early pregnancy, and energy levels may remain low until the second trimester. Pregnant women often feel bloated and may have mild pelvic cramps. Headaches are also common. Breast tenderness or pain may also be experienced as hormones act on the breasts...

(c) 2008 www.premenstrualdysphoricdisorderpmdd.info | | RSS Feed | Pms,Pmdd,Pms Symptoms,Pms Treatment,Premenstrual Dysphoric,Relieve Pms Symptoms,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Pmdd,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder,Premenstrual,Pms Pmdd,Pmdd Depression,Pms Treatments | Pms,Pmdd,Pms Symptoms,Pms Treatment,Premenstrual Dysphoric,Relieve Pms Symptoms,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Pmdd,Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder,Premenstrual,Pms Pmdd,Pmdd Depression,Pms Treatments