Are antidepressants worth it for 2 days PMDD a month?

[Louisa80s]

Since January last year I've been living with PMDD. I'm 38 and my youngest child is 8. I'm on no contraception or regular meds (husband had the snip).
Every month is getting worse for me. I'm usually the happiest, most outgoing person and have got no mental health problems (amd never had). But the 2 days before period are hell. I go from absolute rage where i am vile to everyone, to the most extreme sadness I've ever felt. I'm unable to function with normal life whatsoever. If I work I camt go into the office and I have to cancel all plans as I'm such a wreck. The last 6 months I've felt suicidal during those 2 days each month, like the world would be a better place without me and now I even dream about how I will do it. When I wake up alive I'm sad that I'm still here. By the daytime I can talk myself around to knowing that 95% of the month i would never dream of dping anything like that.
I cant go on the pill due to migraines. I've spoken to 2 GPs at my surgery and now a private GP and they've all told me I need to go onto sertraline. I know nothing about these, apart from i really dont want to take them.
Can anyone with experience of any of this tell me

• is it worth it for 2 days a month?
• what are the worst side effects?
• did you prefer taking them every day, or just the 2 weeks leading up? I've been given both options

I know I can't carry on how I am, but if anyone has any solutions that didn't involve anti depressants I would be so grateful.
Thanks

Is it worth it

Firstly I’d say it’s not a permanent, all or nothing decision. You can go on them, and if it’s not worth it, stop taking them. If, as you say, you can’t carry on as you are, then it’s worth a try.

I’ve read on here people say that the mini pill helped them. It made me much worse, and isn’t generally considered the most effective treatment, and the potential to make PMDD worse is acknowledged. But it helps some people, if you wanted to give it a go instead.

From what you've written I think settraline is worth a go - you're feeling suicidal for those two days and things are getting worse not better. You need to try something and as 3 GPs have recommended sertraline to you, I think that's the logical place to start.

That said, speak to your GP about the mini-pill, I think they're migraine compatible - at least I was told I was ok to keep taking them despite having migraines with aura!

Yes it is worth it.

Give it a try. It’s Sertraline, not fentanyl. If it doesn’t agree with you, you can come off it.

I work in mental health and have seen so many people suffer needlessly for years and lose jobs, important relationships, etc due to unmedicated mental conditions, because of a rigid stance against ‘taking drugs’.

I have also seen so many people be stunned at the positive difference a small dose of an SSRI or SNRI can make.

(I’ve also seen people who can’t live with the sexual side effects like loss of libido, or who just don’t find it all that helpful and come off the meds, but in 15 years I haven’t personally known anyone to have an adverse reaction, or to suffer withdrawal symptoms beyond a few days of ‘brain zaps’)

I take sertraline for the period between ovulation and my period. Honestly wish id started years ago, the difference is huge. In fact, I have forgotten the last few months as I have moved house and got all our of sync, and my God have I been unbearable!!