Abstract |
Pruritus associated with malignancy may be one of the most bothersome symptoms in advanced cancer. Its control is still difficult to achieve and is a challenge to palliative medicine specialists. We describe five patients suffering from pruritus of different etiologies who responded rapidly to administration of paroxetine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner. Two patients experienced transient but severe nausea and vomiting. We suggest that paroxetine's antipruritic effect may be explained by rapid downregulation of the 5-HTs receptors, which may have an important role in the generation of pruritus and pain.
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Authors | Z Zylicz, C Smits, M Krajnik |
Journal | Journal of pain and symptom management
(J Pain Symptom Manage)
Vol. 16
Issue 2
Pg. 121-4
(Aug 1998)
ISSN: 0885-3924 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9737103
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
- Paroxetine
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Child, Preschool
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms
(complications)
- Paroxetine
(therapeutic use)
- Pruritus
(complications, drug therapy)
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(therapeutic use)
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