Veralipride: alternative antidopaminergic treatment for menopausal symptoms

The vasomotor hot flushes and increased perspiration symptomatic of the menopausal period reflect the adaptation of the body to the lowering of its preset basal temperature resulting from the interference of various central neurotransmitters of suprahypothalamohypophyseal origin. The present double-blind study was conducted to test the efficacy of veralipride, a synthetic antidopaminergic molecule, in eliminating the symptoms of menopause in 50 patients. Results indicated a total elimination of both hot flushes and excessive perspiration in 63% to 80% of the patients treated. The beneficial effects persisted up to 3 months of follow-up. Veralipride significantly increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estradiol levels. High values of prolactin were found, and some patients showed slight breast discharge; these changes disappeared 48 hours after the drug was stopped.