What Medication Should You Take For PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome occurs in women an estimated one to two weeks before beginning a period. The changes in hormonal levels can cause negative effects such as breast swelling or sensitivity, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, backaches or other joint pain, headache, mood swings or anxiety. There are medications available to treat and reduce symptoms, such as pain relievers, diuretics, birth control pills or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

NSAIDs

• For milder PMS symptoms, such as headaches or backaches, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can reduce symptoms. With options such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, NSAIDs should be taken when symptoms occur. While these have few side effects, they should not be taken by women who suffer from asthma, heart disease or kidney disease as it could adversely affect these conditions.

Diuretics

• For PMS sufferers who regularly experience discomfort due to bloating, diuretics can rid the body of excess salt and water, two of the chief causes of bloating. Taken when symptoms first occur, diuretics can reduce bloating of the hands, feet, stomach and other areas.

  Because diuretics affect potassium levels in the body, they should not be taken with NSAIDs or antidepressants, which also affect potassium levels.

Birth Control Pills

• If you experience symptoms so severe that you do not experience relief with over-the-counter medications, you may wish to take birth control pills, which control hormone levels. Birth control pills can relieve or lessen many of the symptoms associated with PMS, including breast tenderness.

  Birth control pills are not for every woman, such as those trying to conceive or women who smoke cigarettes.

SSRIs

• Some women experience extreme mood swings or emotional symptoms in the weeks before their periods begin. This is a more severe form of PMS, known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In maintaining levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain associated with happiness or feeling good, SSRIs may help to relieve emotional symptoms, such as irritability, depression, anxiety or mood swings. Physical symptoms, particularly appetite changes, may be relieved by taking SSRIs as well.