Venlafaxine hydrochloride for the treatment of hot flashes.

OBJECTIVE

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

DATA SOURCES

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.

DATA SYNTHESIS

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.