Premenstrual Disorders

Medications Other Than Antidepressants

Anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen and aspirin, which can be purchased over-the-counter or given in higher doses that re- quire a prescription. Other prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are also available. Used for pain and inflammation, the drugs work bet- ter if begun the day before symptoms appear. If a woman tries several different types of these drugs and finds no relief, she must assume they are not the right choice for her par- ticular symptoms. Although many women do find relief using them, not everyone does. For stomach bloating, diuretics prove very useful. Diuretics re- duce swelling and water retention and have even reduced depres- sion somewhat in certain women. On some occasions physicians prescribe anti-anxiety medications to help with insomnia, irritability, and tension. Although they must be used with supervision because of their addictive nature, they help women who don’t seem to be helped by other treatments. One reason they may produce significant overall changes in PMS patients is the fact that sleep plays such an important role in dealing with any health problems. Anti-anxiety drugs are sedatives. Proper rest precedes good health. Vitamins and Minerals Nutritional supplements have become a large part of many Ameri- cans’ overall health care. Several studies have investigated which supplements work best to help PMS. Vitamin B6 has been one of the most controversial. Some women insist the vitamin reduces symp- toms, but only about half of the studies indicate any verifiable relief from this vitamin. Care must be taken with the dosage of this vita- min to avoid harmful side effects.

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Alternative Treatments for PMS