Treatment of hot flushes with mirtazapine: four case reports.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of mirtazapine on the severity of hot flushes and bouts of perspiration in women.


METHODS
In two women with depression a reduction in hot flushes was noticed by serendipity during treatment with mirtazapine 15-30 mg/daily. On the basis of this observation clinical studies were extended with two non-depressed and non-anxious women with hot flushes. Both subjects were prescribed mirtazapine daily.


RESULTS
Four cases are described as case reports. All subjects reported a practically complete disappearance of hot flushes and associated perspiration, within the first week of treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Mirtazapine appears to have a substantial ameliorating effect on hot flushes and perspiration bouts. It is postulated that the 5-HT(2A) blocking properties of mirtazapine is accounted in the symptomatic relief of hot flushes. In addition it is hypothesized that the serotonergic system is crucially involved in the pathogenesis of hot flushes and perspiration bouts. Further evaluation in double-blind placebo-controlled studies is encouraged.
Waldinger
M D
MD
Department of Psychiatry and Neurosexology, Leyenburg Hospital, Leyweg 275, 2545 CH, The Hague, The Netherlands. post@m-waldinger.demon.nl
Berendsen
H H
HH
Schweitzer
D H
DH
D000328:Adult; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008803:Mianserin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078785:Mirtazapine; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D008803:Mianserin; D000078785:Mirtazapine