There are many medications that have been used to treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Some medications used are by prescription only, others you can get over-the-counter.

• Sarafem
• Paxil CR
• Zoloft, together with the oral contraceptive YAZ

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the type of anti-depressant that has been found to be most effective in treatment of PMDD. There are 6 SSRIs marketed in the U.S., but only 3 have been approved by the FDA for treating PMDD.

• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Sarafem or Prozac (Different Brands, same Drug)
• Luxvux CR or Luvox (Different Brands, same Drug)
• Paxil CR or Paxil (Different Brands, same Drug)
• Zoloft

SSRI are used for PMDD when the main symptoms are depression, sudden mood shifts, anxiety, anger/irritability or fatigue. It might be recommended that a woman takes the medication everyday if her PMDD is severe, or if there is another condition present, such as depression. 

Less severe symptoms are usually treated with medication only during the second half of a womans menstrual cycle.