Premenstrual syndrome and self-medication with opioids

J Addict Med. 2013 Jan-Feb;7(1):79-82. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0b013e31827884a3.

Abstract

We have described a patient in opioid substitution treatment using heroin to treat her premenstrual complaints. After a short review of the diagnosis and etiology of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the relation between premenstrual syndrome/premenstrual dysphoric disorder and opioid receptors is discussed. In the case of the patient described, increasing the dose of methadone in the premenstrual period produced significant clinical improvement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Affective Symptoms* / diagnosis
  • Affective Symptoms* / drug therapy
  • Affective Symptoms* / etiology
  • Affective Symptoms* / physiopathology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Heroin Dependence / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Irritable Mood / drug effects
  • Irritable Mood / physiology
  • Methadone / administration & dosage*
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods*
  • Premenstrual Syndrome* / complications
  • Premenstrual Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Premenstrual Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Premenstrual Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Premenstrual Syndrome* / psychology
  • Substance Abuse Detection
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Methadone