Effects of raloxifene on mood, sleep, libido and cognitive function in postmenopausal healthy women: a pilot study

To assess the effect of raloxifene (60 mg) on psychological functions.

A total of 49 women were enrolled in a 3-month case-control study. Psychological testing was performed at baseline and at the end of 3 months of treatment. On both occasion measurements were repeated twice at 1 week apart. Scores were averaged.

Raloxifene appeared to adversely affect the performance in the letter search test hence to worsen attention (t19 = 3.55, P = 0.002) but it reduced wakening episodes compared with baseline (t19 = 3.33, P = 0.005). Memory improved compared with baseline both in the raloxifene group (t19 = 2.99, P = 0.008) and in the controls (t19 = 4.64, P = 0.003). No significant differences were found in mood, well-being and indices of sexual activity.

Raloxifene does not appear to adversely affect psychological function such libido, mood and memory. It may worsen attention but it reduces wakening episodes so it may thus improve sleep.