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Nonhormonal options for managing menopausal symptoms include the selective norepinephrine-serotonin reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine (not FDA approved for this indication). Given that this agent can cause sexual side-effects when used for psychiatric indications, data on sexual function when venlafaxine is used for menopausal symptoms are important. Researchers conducted an 8-week trial to evaluate the effects of estradiol (0.5 mg) or venlafaxine (37.5 mg escalated to 75.0 mg on day 8) versus placebo on sexual function in 355 women (age range, 40–62) receiving these medications for hot flashes. Participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI; composite score range, 2–36) at baseline and weeks 4 and 8.
At 8 weeks, composite FSFI s…