Pasquini, M., Speca, A., & Biondi, M. (2009). Quetiapine for tamoxifen-induced insomnia in women with breast cancer. Psychosomatics, 50, 159–161.
To determine if quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, would improve insomnia in patients with breast cancer being treated with tamoxifen (tamoxifen-related insomnia).
Quetiapine was initiated at 25 mg/day, given one hour before bedtime. Dosages were titrated up to 100 mg/day based on patient tolerance and response to medication. Patients were assessed using tools for depression and insomnia at baseline and weeks 1 and 6 weeks into therapy.
Patients were undergoing the transition phase of care after initial treatment.
This was a single-group, repeated measure, case study.
Five of six patients had rapid (at one week) improvement in insomnia based on ISI scores. This effect maintained improvement at six weeks.
Quetiapine may be a useful agent in treating tamoxifen-related or tamoxifen-induced insomnia in women with breast cancer.
Quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, may be a potential option for treating tamoxifen-related insomnia without depression. A larger study is required.