Many women experience discomfort in the days leading up to menstruation. Bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings are commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and, in rare cases, can become severe in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While most people try to figure out how to manage these symptoms on their own, some seemingly promising treatments can quickly gain popularity on social media.

According to the latest trend, taking a combination of two over-the-counter medications — an allergy pill, such as Claritin or Zyrtec, and the heartburn drug Pepcid AC — helps boost energy and reduce irritability often experienced just before menstruation begins. Other users report that this OTC drug combination may even help ease bouts of the more severe PMDD, a formally recognized psychiatric disorder.

Although no clinical trials support these claims or speak to the safety of this specific off-label use, there may be a plausible but unproven rationale behind these observations.