Non-hormonal treatment of hot flushes in breast cancer survivors: gabapentin vs. vitamin E
Biglia N, Sgandurra P, Peano E, Marenco D, Moggio G, Bounous V, et al.
Published in Climacteric, Vol. 12 (4), pp. 310-8
Methodology
Randomised comparison of gabapentin 900 mg/day and vitamin E in 115 women with breast cancer and hot flushes, with daily hot flush diaries and sleep and quality-of-life scales.
Key Findings
Hot flush frequency and score fell by 57.05% and 66.87% with gabapentin (P < 0.05) but only 10.02% and 7.28% with vitamin E (P > 0.05). 34.78% of the vitamin E group dropped out because it did not work; 28% stopped gabapentin for side effects.
Conclusions
Gabapentin was effective for hot flushes and sleep; vitamin E had only a marginal effect.
Limitations
No placebo arm; the abstract does not give the vitamin E dose or trial length; high non-start and drop-out rates in both arms.
Supplements Studied
Vitamin E has only marginal effect on vasomotor symptoms
Outcomes Measured
Vitamin E has only marginal effect on vasomotor symptoms
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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