Dramatic recovery of paclitaxel-disabling neurosensory toxicity following treatment with venlafaxine

Abstract

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant which acts through the inhibition of the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Venlafaxine is active against neuropathic and chronic pain. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman who presented a paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. She presented paresthesias, pin pricks in both hands with functional impairment. Venlafaxine hydrochloride was introduced at 37.5 mg twice daily. The patient noticed a dramatic recovery of her symptoms within 2 days, with both reduction of the paresthesias and functional improvement. This is the first report of efficacious use of venlafaxine for the treatment of paclitaxel cumulative neurosensory toxicity.