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.
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