For breast cancer patients with treatment-related vasomotor symptoms, acupuncture may offer an effective, durable alternative to drug therapy with fewer side effects, researchers found. 

 Acupuncture and venlafaxine (Effexor) proved equally effective for reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and other effects of antiestrogen therapy. However, patients randomized to acupuncture reported no adverse effects, whereas those treated with venlafaxine reported a number of side effects.  Moreover, the therapeutic effects of acupuncture persisted longer after treatment ended compared with patients on the antidepressant.