Venlafaxine hydrochloride for the treatment of hot flashes.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature evaluating venlafaxine for the treatment of hot flashes.


METHODS
Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1966-August 2002), PubMed, Harrison's Online, and references of reviewed articles. Key terms used were venlafaxine, Effexor, hot flashes, and vasomotor symptoms.


RESULTS
Not all patients experiencing hot flashes are candidates for traditional hormonal therapy. Nonhormonal alternatives have long been explored, but conflicting evidence of efficacy exists.


CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine is an effective nonhormonal alternative for relief from uncontrolled hot flashes.
Schober
Christina E
CE
Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2546, USA. schoberce@msx.upmc.edu
Ansani
Nicole T
NT
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride