The Effect of Mirtazapine for Treatment of Hot Flashes in Depressed Woman with Breast Cancer Receiving Tamoxifen: A Case Report / 대한정신약물학회지

ABSTRACT

Hot flashes are related to hormonal changes of the menopause. Hot flashes occur in women with natural or premature menopause due to surgery and chemotherapy. In addition, tamoxifen for the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer precipitates or exacerbates hot flashes. Hormonal replacement therapy has been recognized as a primary treatment for hot flashes. However, this therapy is generally not recommended in patients with breast cancer. Several evidences suggest that some antidepressants may be effective in reducing hot flashes. We report a case of 43-year-old female depressed patient receiving tamoxifen, who suffered from severe hot flashes and perspiration. The patient had undergone a modified radical mastectomy and chemotherapy for breast cancer. Her hot flashes were remarkably reduced in intensity and frequency during mirtazapine treatment. This report suggests that mirtazapine could be an effective agent for hot flashes caused by tamoxifen treatment in depressed women with breast cancer. Further studies would be needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of mirtazapine treatment in menopausal women with or without breast cancer.