Facial Flushing Associated with Anxiety and Improved by Venlafaxine: A Case Report

Facial flushing affects the work and life of patients. The specific pathogenesis and conditions of facial flushing may be complicated. A 47-year-old perimenopausal woman was presented to the Pain Management with a 4-month history of facial flushing. The patient didn't have any history of special illness or history of allergies. Treatments with methylprednisolone, thalidomide, hydroxychloroquine drugs or sympathetic blockages (stellate ganglion block) were unable to effectively improve the symptoms. We believed that the facial flushing might be associated with the anxiety. After two weeks of venlafaxine medication, the symptoms were 90% relieved. We found that venlafaxine effectively improved flushing that may be related to anxiety.