A randomized study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (February 1, 2010;28[4]:634–640) compared acupuncture with venlafaxine (Effexor) for the treatment of hot flashes in 52 breast cancer patients receiving anti-estrogen therapy.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or venlafaxine and were followed for 12 weeks. Both interventions reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes, as well as depressive symptoms, and the overall effectiveness of acupuncture was comparable to venlafaxine.
By two weeks, patients in the acupuncture group reported fewer hot flashes than those receiving the drug. In addition, many patients receiving acupuncture reported improvements in energy, sense of well-being, and mental clarity.
Patients taking venlafaxine experienced common side effects including dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety, and nausea, which were not reported in the acupuncture group.
Takeaway
In breast cancer patients experiencing hot flashes related to anti-estrogen therapy, acupuncture performed as well as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, with fewer adverse effects and additional quality-of-life benefits. Learn more about acupuncture.
