Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression and also sometimes is used to treat hot flashes in women who have experienced menopause or who are taking medication to treat breast cancer. Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth.
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial herb. Extracts from the root of the valerian plant have been used in herbal medicine for anxiety and as a sleep aid. Valerian has been studied in patients with cancer for sleep and fatigue.
Withania Somnifera
Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, is a plant that contains multiple chemical components that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. It has been used as part of traditional Indian medicine for centuries to improve general well-being. A withania somnifera root extract was tested among patients with cancer for its effect on fatigue, anorexia, sleep-wake disturbances, and quality of life.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, and it is a source of vitamins A, E, and B12 and minerals, such as calcium, selenium, iron, and magnesium. Topical use of wheatgrass extract was examined for its effect on radiodermatitis. Wheatgrass extract appears to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Weight Management
Weight management involves the use of programmatic or informal strategies in which patients implement behaviors to lose weight or maintain an appropriate body weight. This is generally accomplished through diet and activity. Weight management has been evaluated in patients with cancer related to prevention and management of lymphedema.
Footbath
Soaking the feet in warm water has been examined for its effect on sleep disturbances in patients with cancer, due to the potential for a warm water foot bath to facilitate relaxation.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient Eastern science that incorporates stress-reduction techniques such as regulated breathing, visual imagery, and meditation, as well as various postures. Hatha yoga is one type of yoga.
Zen Initiative
An urban “Zen initiative” was examined in patients with cancer for its impact on symptoms of depression and fatigue. The initiative involved remodeling of the physical space with attention to lighting and color use, incorporation of holistic interventions such as relaxation therapies, images, provision of yoga therapy, and related patient education materials.
Ziconotide
Ziconotide is a nonopioid analgesic isolated from the venom of marine snails that has been used for severe chronic pain. Ziconotide has been studied in patients with cancer who have refractory pain.
Zinc Oxide and Magnesium Silicate Cream
Zinc oxide is used topically to form a barrier on the skin to protect the skin from irritation. It is primarily used to treat diaper rash but can also be used to treat minor skin irritations such as cuts, burns, scrapes, or poison ivy. Magnesium silicate is a primary ingredient in talc. This combination cream has been investigated for its effects on skin toxicities associated with cancer treatment.