There’s a surprising remedy for severe premenstrual symptoms making rounds on TikTok: Pepcid AC, a common heartburn medication. Users claim it can help relieve the intense symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which affects up to 8% of women. PMDD is a severe form of PMS that involves intense emotional changes like prolonged anger and sadness, along with usual physical issues like bloating and headaches.
Although Pepcid AC is designed to reduce stomach acid and isn’t officially approved for treating premenstrual symptoms, some TikTok users swear by its effectiveness. A widely viewed video by TikToker Nina Pool suggests that taking Pepcid once a day during the critical period can significantly reduce PMDD symptoms. Another user noted they felt like “a new person” after using Pepcid and experienced stable moods throughout the month.
Curious about what the experts have to say about using this heartburn medication for PMDD? The online buzz stems from the idea that Pepcid AC may tackle PMDD by addressing a suspected cause: histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance relates to the body’s challenge in breaking down histamine, which is found in foods like alcohol and aged cheeses and is also generated by immune cells. An uptick in estrogen before a period might raise histamine levels, exacerbating symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that histamine intolerance is still a debated topic and not widely accepted by medical professionals. There’s currently minimal evidence linking histamine issues to PMDD. Experts generally believe PMDD’s causes relate to hormonal shifts, notably serotonin changes during the menstrual cycle.
The social media trend highlights Pepcid AC’s potential to block histamine effects by targeting the receptors in the stomach lining. Some people with PMDD also use antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin. Despite these anecdotes, experts point out the lack of scientific support for using Pepcid AC for PMDD. Famotidine, the active ingredient, is effective for reducing stomach acid and relieving heartburn but isn’t proven to ease PMDD symptoms.
Medical professionals highlight that there’s no substantive research confirming histamine’s role in PMDD. Dr. Polina Teslyar from Brigham and Women’s Hospital emphasizes that while social media users’ claims might be true, we lack evidence to confirm it. Dr. Courtney Jackson Blair, an allergist, echoes the gap in research linking histamine levels with PMDD.
Moreover, while Pepcid AC is generally safe, it might cause side effects like headaches or dizziness. Those interested in trying it for PMDD should talk with their doctor first. Dr. Teslyar advises that the standard treatment for PMDD is often an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), which can be effective even if taken just a week before the menstrual period due to interaction with serotonin and estrogen receptors.
Doctors might also recommend pain relievers like aspirin or specific birth control pills to alleviate symptoms. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture offers relief as well. Lifestyle changes could help, too, such as more exercise, altering protein and carbohydrate intake, and reducing sugar, salt, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.
