Lack of beneficial effects of clonidine in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: results of a double-blind, randomized study

Abstract

To test the effects of clonidine in comparison with active placebo on premenstrual symptoms, mood scores and norepinephrine (NE) concentration, in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Twelve women with prospectively confirmed PMDD were randomly assigned to oral 0.3 mg/day clonidine, as an active treatment, or 10 mg/day loratadine, as an active placebo, for 2 months each using a double-blind, cross-over design. NE concentration, premenstrual symptom ratings and mood scales were measured on three occasions: at pretreatment, after clonidine treatment and after placebo treatment. All patients were free of current psychiatric co-morbidity and medication use. There were no significant differences between clonidine and placebo for mood scales or premenstrual symptom ratings, though clonidine significantly suppressed NE concentration and produced more side effects in comparison with placebo. Compared with an active placebo clonidine demonstrated no beneficial changes in mood and premenstrual symptoms in women with PMDD.