Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Participants were assigned placebo (n=56) or venlafaxine 37.5 mg daily (n=56), 75 mg daily (n=55), or 150 mg daily (n=54). After a baseline assessment week, patients took the study medication for 4 weeks. All venlafaxine treatment started at 37.5 mg daily and gradually increased in the 75 mg and 150 mg groups. Patients completed daily hot-flash questionnaire diaries. The primary endpoint was average daily hot-flash activity (number of flashes and a score combining number and severity). Analyses were based on the women who provided data throughout the baseline and study weeks. FINDINGS: 191 patients had evaluable data for the whole study period (50 placebo, 49 venlafaxine 37.5 mg, 43 venlafaxine 75 mg, 49 venlafaxine 150 mg). After week 4 of treatment, median hot flash scores were reduced from baseline by 27% (95% CI 11-34), 37% (26-54), 61% (50-68), and 61% (48-75) in the four groups. Frequencies of some side-effects ( mouth dryness, decreased appetite, nausea, and constipation) were significantly higher in the venlafaxine 75 mg and 150 mg groups than in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION:
Venlafaxine is an effective non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes, though the efficacy must be balanced against the drug's side-effects. Confirmation of the results of this 4-week study awaits the completion of three ongoing randomised studies to assess the effects of other related antidepressants for the treatment of hot flashes.
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Authors | C L Loprinzi, J W Kugler, J A Sloan, J A Mailliard, B I LaVasseur, D L Barton, P J Novotny, S R Dakhil, K Rodger, T A Rummans, B J Christensen |
Journal | Lancet (London, England)
(Lancet)
Vol. 356
Issue 9247
Pg. 2059-63
(Dec 16 2000)
ISSN: 0140-6736 [Print] England |
PMID | 11145492
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
- Cyclohexanols
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
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Topics |
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Breast Neoplasms
- Cyclohexanols
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Hot Flashes
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
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