Can Pepcid AC Alleviate PMS Symptoms? Experts Debunk Popular Myths

A few months ago, I went to watch It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, and I came home crying my eyes out. In those moments, I found myself recalling every bad thing anyone had ever done to me. Days later, when my period arrived, I realized it had been an outburst triggered by hormonal changes in my body—a part of what is known as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Now, while looking for a remedy to mitigate PMS, I came across an unexpected solution—Pepcid AC, a common heartburn medication. It is not only going viral on TikTok, but its supporters argue that this over-the-counter drug may ease symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of PMS.

PMDD affects up to 8% of women and includes extreme mental health symptoms, such as persistent anger and sadness, alongside physical issues like bloating and headaches. Despite its popularity online, Pepcid AC is not approved for managing premenstrual symptoms, leaving experts sceptical about the trend.

What's It All About?

The belief that Pepcid AC can help with PMDD stems from a theory that histamine intolerance may play a role in the condition. Histamine intolerance is a controversial concept suggesting that some individuals cannot properly break down histamine, which can be found in certain foods and is released by the immune system during allergic reactions.

Estrogen levels, which rise before menstruation, may also increase histamine levels. TikTokers have seized on this idea, claiming that histamine-blocking medications like Pepcid AC can alleviate PMDD symptoms. Some individuals with PMDD report trying antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin for similar reasons.

Pepcid AC works by suppressing histamine receptors in the stomach lining, reducing stomach acid production. However, experts point out that there is no evidence to support histamine’s role in PMDD or that Pepcid AC is effective for treating it.

What Do Experts Say?

Medical experts remain unconvinced by the claims circulating online. While famotidine, the active ingredient in Pepcid AC, is effective for reducing stomach acid and treating heartburn, there is no research to show its effectiveness in managing PMDD symptoms. Many have emphasized the lack of scientific evidence connecting histamine to PMDD symptoms. They also noted that there is no allergy literature linking histamine or mast cells to the condition.

Although experts caution against relying on unproven treatments, they agree that Pepcid AC is generally safe. If it eases symptoms, taking it for a week each month is unlikely to cause harm. However, the medication does have side effects, including headaches, dizziness, and constipation. Consultation with a doctor is advised before trying Pepcid AC for PMDD.

Proven Treatments For PMDD

For managing PMDD, experts recommend treatments backed by scientific evidence. The gold standard psychiatric treatment for PMDD is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which can be taken at low doses during the week before menstruation.

Other options include:

- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin

- Prescription birth control pills containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol

- Acupuncture, which has shown some promise in alleviating symptoms.