From the Guidelines
Desmopressin does not have a well-documented association with causing hot flashes as a side effect, based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available 1. The provided study from 2024, published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, focuses on the use of desmopressin in the context of acquired von Willebrand syndrome during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, and does not mention hot flashes as a side effect of desmopressin administration 1. Key points to consider when evaluating the potential side effects of desmopressin include:
- The mechanism of action of desmopressin, which involves the activation of vasopressin V2 receptors on endothelial cells, leading to the release of stored von Willebrand factor (VWF) from Weibel–Palade bodies 1.
- The typical dosing regimen for desmopressin, which may involve repeated doses at 12- to 24-hour intervals, although tachyphylaxis may occur after 3 to 5 doses due to exhaustion of VWF storage in endothelial cells 1.
- The potential for desmopressin to cause other side effects, such as changes in blood pressure or heart rate, although these are not directly related to hot flashes 1. Given the lack of evidence linking desmopressin to hot flashes, it is unlikely that desmopressin causes hot flashes as a side effect, and any concerns about this potential side effect should be discussed with a healthcare provider in the context of individual patient care 1.
From the Research
Desmopressin and Hot Flashes
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests desmopressin causes hot flashes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the safety and efficacy of desmopressin in treating conditions such as primary nocturnal enuresis, nocturia, and diabetes insipidus 2, and on the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women using various therapies such as paroxetine controlled release 3, lifestyle modifications, and hormonal therapies 4, 5, 6.
- None of the studies mention desmopressin as a potential cause of hot flashes, and the mechanisms of action and side effects of desmopressin do not suggest a link to hot flashes 2.
Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women
- Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, and their pathophysiology involves abnormal hypothalamic thermoregulatory control and vasodilatory response to minor elevations of core body temperature 5.
- Various treatments are available for hot flashes, including hormonal replacement therapy, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and lifestyle modifications 3, 4, 5.
- The type of menopause and patterns of hormone therapy use can affect the experiencing of hot flashes, with women who undergo bilateral oophorectomy being at increased risk of experiencing hot flashes compared to women with natural menopause 6.