[Maedchen]

Has anyone been diagnosed with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder)?And if so, do you take anything for it?It came up at a recent visit with my GP. (How it came up is another long story). I was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share.

 

[Tummy Trouble TB]

I haven't been officially diagnosed with PMDD, but I'm 99% sure I have it because my symptoms match almost exactly. My doctor gave me Sarafem to take for it, but since Sarafem is just Prozac, I'm now taking 20 mg of generic Prozac per day.I still am not very good before my period. I rage, cry, scream, throw things, you get the picture. It's really awful. I try to reason with myself that it's a hormonal thing, but it doesn't always work.

 

[Maedchen]

TTTB -I had to chuckle a little at your last statement about trying to "reason with yourself that it's a hormonal thing". Reason? During that time? I don't think it's possible

I know exactly what you are referring to -- do you also find yourself suddenly calm and almost "up" when your period finally does arrive? (excuse the personal nature of the question

)Is the Sarafem/Prozac helping at all? What, if any, side effects have you experienced? I had a bad experience with Paxil (caused major D/anxiety), so I am leery of serotonin related meds. I'm IBS-C/D. I have noticed the cycle seems to follow my menstrual cycle. And looking back I can see some symptoms in the years before the IBS "reared its ugly little head".The subject of PPMD came up with my doctor because I had been asking about peri-menopause. Being a GP, he was not comfortable in making a snap diagnosis relating to hormones. He did however suggest that many of the symptoms I was describing sounded similar to severe PMS or PPMD. I did get a referral to an endo, just wanted a little more info and support from here before I made the call for an appointment.So many possibilities, so few answers

 

[Krystyn]

Maedchen,You might want to look into a drug called Celexa. It's also SSRI like Prozac and Paxil, but with less side effects, including sexual side effects. Some people I know who could not tolerate the older SSRIs are doing quite well on Celexa. Also, all the SSRIs are slightly different so a reaction to one does not mean that you will react to all. Finally, there are other drugs which can control serotonin, in addition to dopamine and noradrenaline, called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (or MAOI's). They too are "older" drugs but some people find they work when nothing else has. Best of luck and hope this was helpful!