Premenstrual syndrome: a single-blind study of treatment with buspirone versus fluoxetine.

The premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which causes emotional and physical symptoms, is a common problem in many women in their reproductive age. Many approaches to PMS with controversial results are available. The present study was performed to compare fluoxetine and buspirone in the treatment of PMS. One hundred female patients who met DSM-IV criteria for PMS were randomly divided into two groups in a single-blind study; one group was treated with fluoxetine 20 mg/day and the other group with buspirone 10 mg/day for two consecutive months. The subjects were evaluated in pretreatment, after 1 and 2 months of treatment with a valid and reliable questionnaire. Both fluoxetine and buspirone showed significant efficacy in the treatment of PMS and this efficacy was significant along the treatment period. However, no significant differences were observed between fluoxetine and buspirone in the treatment of PMS. Considering efficacy and few side effects of buspirone, it can be a favorable drug in the treatment of patients with PMS. However, further studies (preferably double-blind, placebo controlled ones) with large sample sizes are recommended to investigate efficacy and side effects of buspirone.