Meta-analysis examining the efficacy of serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of women with hot flashes

Abstract

20606 Background: Hot flashes can be particularly troublesome in post-menopausal women, as well as those who are on medications such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment. Patients with chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea may also develop hot flashes that can impact on their quality of life. Serotonin and/or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have been studied to determine if they reduce the frequency or severity of hot flashes. The objective of this study is to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the randomised controlled trials evaluating SSRI and SNRI use in women experiencing hot flashes. Methods: Five medical literature databases were searched to identify all potential randomised placebo-controlled trials evaluating SSRI/SNRI’s in women with hot flashes. The methodological quality of the trials were also assessed. The results of all studies that met the inclusion criteria were compiled and systematically reviewed. The primary outcome for the pooled analysis was the...