Objective: To assess the effect of raloxifene (60 mg) on psychological functions.
Material and methods: A total of 49 women were enrolled in a 3-month case-control study. Psychological testing was performed at baseline and at the end of 3 months of treatment. On both occasion measurements were repeated twice at 1 week apart. Scores were averaged.
Results: Raloxifene appeared to adversely affect the performance in the letter search test hence to worsen attention (t19 = 3.55, P = 0.002) but it reduced wakening episodes compared with baseline (t19 = 3.33, P = 0.005). Memory improved compared with baseline both in the raloxifene group (t19 = 2.99, P = 0.008) and in the controls (t19 = 4.64, P = 0.003). No significant differences were found in mood, well-being and indices of sexual activity.
Conclusion: Raloxifene does not appear to adversely affect psychological function such libido, mood and memory. It may worsen attention but it reduces wakening episodes so it may thus improve sleep.