Pilot evaluation of venlafaxine hydrochloride for the therapy of hot flashes in cancer survivors.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.1998.16.7.2377
• Publication Date: 2017-02-24T10:01:01Z
• Authors: C L Loprinzi; T M Pisansky; R Fonseca; J A Sloan; K M Zahasky; S K Quella; P J Novotny; T A Rummans; D A Dumesic; E A Perez
• Keywords: Hot flash; Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

PURPOSE Hot flashes can be a prominent clinical problem for breast cancer survivors and men who undergo androgen-deprivation therapy. Anecdotal information suggested low dose of relatively new antidepressant, venlafaxine, could abrogate this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 28 consecutive assessable patients entered onto phase II trial. flash data were collected by daily diary questionnaires during 1-week baseline period then 4 weeks, which time received venlafaxine 12.5 mg orally twice daily. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent completed the had greater than 50% reduction in hot scores (frequency times severity) fourth treatment week as compared with week. Median weekly reduced 55% from Therapy was generally well tolerated appeared to alleviate fatigue, sweating, trouble sleeping. CONCLUSION Venlafoxine appears represent an efficacious method flashes. Further evaluation compound alleviating is indicated.