Venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes: results of a longitudinal continuation study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the intermediate term efficacy and toxicity of the use of venlafaxine for the control of hot flashes.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
North Central Cancer Treatment Group institutions.


METHODS
102 postmenopausal women.


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


METHODS
Hot flash frequency, hot flash score.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses can inform symptomatic women that an effective nonhormonal alternative exists to control their hot flashes.
Barton
Debra
D
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA. Barton.Debra@mayo.edu
La Vasseur
Beth
B
Loprinzi
Charles
C
Novotny
Paul
P
Wilwerding
Mary Beth
MB
Sloan
Jeff
J
D000855:Anorexia / Q000139:chemically induced; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride