Pilot evaluation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants in hot flash patients under androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Purpose: Hot flash (HF) is a common side effect in prostate cancer patient undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of paroxetine ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) for HF. Patients and methods: In total, 10 men with prostate cancer under ADH who were suffering with HF entered this study. Self-report questionnaire was used for the evaluation. Results: The average rating for HF frequency decreased ( P = 0.009) and HF severity decreased ( P = 0.0332) also, reported QOL score increased ( P = 0.0218). Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that low dose ( 10 mg/day) of antidepressant paroxetine can be helpful in the treatment of HFs in patients under ADT for prostate cancer. Further controlled studies are needed to more fully evaluate the efficacy of the SSRIs.