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Effect of escitalopram on hot flash interference: a randomized, controlled trial
Janet S Carpenter1, Katherine A Guthrie, Joseph C Larson
1Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. carpentj@iupui.edu
Fertility and Sterility
|April 7, 2012
Summary
Escitalopram significantly reduced daily hot flash interference in women compared to placebo. This improvement in quality of life was consistent across various demographic and clinical factors.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Hot flashes significantly impact women's quality of life during midlife.
- Identifying effective treatments for hot flash interference is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of escitalopram in reducing hot flash interference.
- To identify correlates and predictors of reduced hot flash interference.
Main Methods:
- A multisite, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- 205 midlife women (46% African-American) received escitalopram (10-20 mg/d) or placebo for 8 weeks.
- The Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale was the primary outcome measure.
Main Results:
- Escitalopram showed a significant reduction in hot flash interference compared to placebo at 4 and 8 weeks.
- Reductions correlated with changes in hot flash diary variables.
- Baseline demographics, clinical variables, mood, sleep, and hot flash severity did not predict treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Escitalopram (10-20 mg/d) effectively improves women's quality of life by reducing hot flash interference.
- The benefits of escitalopram were consistent regardless of patient characteristics.
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