Venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes: results of a longitudinal continuation study.

Abstract

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the intermediate term efficacy and toxicity of the use of venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes.

DESIGN:

An open-label continuation phase study following a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that tested three doses of venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes.

SETTING:

North Central Cancer Treatment Group institutions.

SAMPLE:

102 postmenopausal women.

METHODS:

Women could titrate venlafaxine to optimum efficacy while recording daily hot flash counts and weekly toxicity information.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES:

Hot flash frequency, hot flash score.

FINDINGS:

The reduction in hot flashes previously reported in the randomized study phase was maintained during the open-label study. Toxicity did not appear to increase over time.

CONCLUSIONS:

The data from this study provides evidence that venlafaxine has intermediate term efficacy and good tolerability as a treatment for hot flashes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:

Nurses can inform symptomatic women that an effective nonhormonal alternative exists to control their hot flashes.

• Authors: Debra Barton, Beth La Vasseur, Charles Loprinzi, Paul Novotny, Mary Beth Wilwerding, Jeff Sloan
• Journal: Oncology nursing forum (Oncol Nurs Forum) 2002 Jan-Feb Vol. 29 Issue 1 Pg. 33-40 ISSN: 0190-535X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11817491 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cyclohexanols
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Topics

• Anorexia (chemically induced)
• Constipation (chemically induced)
• Cyclohexanols (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Hot Flashes (classification, drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Middle Aged
• Nausea (chemically induced)
• Postmenopause (drug effects, physiology)
• Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
• Xerostomia (chemically induced)