This Topic Minibite covers the identification of symptoms which may indicate a serious adverse effect of tamoxifen, and management of menopausal symptoms in women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer.  The following are discussed:

• Advice to give women taking tamoxifen
• Managing menopausal symptoms (including lifestyle modifications)
• Drug treatment (clonidine, venlafaxine, gabapentin for hot flushes)
• Complementary and alternative therapies (should not be recommended)