Soy Protein/Effexor Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

Histologic documentation of prostate cancer, any stage Life expectancy of > nine months
Prior or current androgen deprivation for treatment or control of prostate cancer to include:
Bilateral Orchiectomy
LHRH agonist (with or without antiandrogen therapy) ie: leuprolide (Lupron), goserelin (Zoladex), bicalutamide (Casodex), flutamide (Eulexin), or similar agents
Chemotherapy
Radiation (Patients may undergo concurrent radiation therapy to the prostate, prostate + seminal vesicles, and/or pelvis). Seed implants are allowed
Participant report of hot flash frequency of an average of four or more per day, as defined by sweating, flushing, sensation of warmth, night sweats (Average of 28 per week)
Hot flashes must be moderate or severe (See appendix A for hot flash definitions)
Grade 2 (Moderate flashes) are warmer, produce obvious perspiration, and last 2 to 3 minutes
Grade 3 (Severe flashes) causes profuse perspiration, generate intense heat, last longer and interfere with ongoing activity
Age >21
No allergies to soy or dairy products
No current use of SSRIs, SNRI's, MAOIs, or Linezolide
No uncontrolled hypertension (160/90) or greater than Class I American Heart Association functional capacity
No history of mania, hypomania, bipolar disorder, or anorexia nervosa
No history of seizures
No history of hepatic dysfunction)
Must have a telephone
Signed protocol-specific Informed Consent
Participants consuming soy foods or soy based supplements must continue on a stable regimen during study participation
Patients should maintain same treatment and medications for prostate cancer throughout entire study.
No change in treatment for 2 weeks prior to registration.
Current use of medications and herbal supplements for hot flashes are allowed if on a stable regimen throughout the entire study. (Does not include anti-depressants)

Exclusion Criteria:

Anticipated changes in prostate cancer treatment plan (i.e., hormonal manipulation, changes in chemotherapy)
Concurrent antidepressant therapy
History of intolerance to venlafaxine
Recent (within 14 days) use of venlafaxine (Effexor XRTM), monoamine oxidase inhibitor, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), or SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)
History of seizure disorder