Biglia, N., Torta, R., Roagna, R., Maggiorotto, F., Cacciari, F., Ponzone, R., … Sismondi, P. (2005). Evaluation of low-dose venlafaxine hydrochloride for the therapy of hot flushes in breast cancer survivors. Maturitas, 52, 78–85.
Outpatient
Open label study
Measures included:
Thirty patients completed the first 4 weeks of treatment with reduction of hot flash frequency of 39% compared to baseline. After eight weeks of treatment, a further significant reduction in hot flashes by 53% and a hot flash score by 59% was observed. Very few side effects were reported, mainly nausea during first the two weeks and mouth dryness. Only 23 women completed the BDI at week 8 with a reduction of 23% reported. No patient was withdrawn for blood pressure increase or major toxicity.
Low-dose venlafaxine hydrochloride can be effective in reducing frequency and severity of hot flashes in patients with breast cancer.