Which Antidepressant Works Best For Hot Flashes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,
  • Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

What is the best antidepressant for menopause?

Patient-specific treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), especially

paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram

, and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), especially venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine, may be effective in reducing menopause-related hot flushes [10].

Which SSRI is good for hot flashes?

In this study,

escitolapram (Lexapro)

was the most effective SSRI for reducing the daily frequency of hot flashes. Participants in the SSRI group also reported a reduction in severity of residual hot flashes compared to placebo.

Why do antidepressants help with hot flashes?

It may be related to their ability to

balance norepinephrine and serotonin levels

. Both of these neurotransmitters help stabilize the body’s temperature. Keep in mind that antidepressants are only known to help with hot flashes and night sweats.

What prescription is good for hot flashes?

Prescription treatments include: Low-dose depression drugs like

fluoxetine

(Prozac, Rapiflux), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva), or venlafaxine (Effexor) Clonidine, a blood pressure medication. Gabapentin, an anti-seizure drug.

What helps anxiety during menopause?

Treatments For Menopause Related Anxiety

Possible treatments for menopause-related anxiety can include hormones, hormone therapy, antidepressants, psychotherapy, or supplements for better mood.

Cognitive behavior therapy

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective as a treatment for menopause.

How do I stop hot flashes at night?

  1. wearing light clothing.
  2. keeping your bedroom cool at night.
  3. taking a cool shower, using a fan or having a cold drink.
  4. trying to reduce your stress levels.
  5. avoiding potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, smoking and alcohol.
  6. taking regular exercise and losing weight if you’re overweight.

What stops hot flashes naturally?

Examples include

meditation; slow, deep breathing; stress management techniques

; and guided imagery. Even if these approaches don’t help your hot flashes, they might provide other benefits, such as easing sleep disturbances that tend to occur with menopause. Don’t smoke.

What foods stop hot flashes?

Cooling foods: If you’re suffering from hot flashes, so-called “cooling foods,” including

apples, bananas, spinach, broccoli, eggs and green tea

may help you cool down, according to Chinese medicine. A bonus: all of these foods are rich in nutrients and disease-fighting chemicals.

How many hot flashes per day is normal?

While some women

average one hot flash a day

, others have one every hour all day and night. In addition to being disconcerting and uncomfortable, hot flashes can disturb sleep when they occur at night.

Do hot flashes ever go away?


Hot flashes usually fade away eventually without treatment

, and no treatment is necessary unless hot flashes are bothersome. A few women have an occasional hot flash forever.

Why are my hot flashes getting worse?

Hormone levels do not stay steady throughout the day – they rise and fall. For many women, these hormonal changes during the day are

worst after the sun goes down

, making existing hot flashes more intense or triggering new hot flashes, and night sweats, during the evening and overnight hours.

Does ibuprofen reduce hot flashes?

These estrogens may work to reduce hot flashes. Click here to see natural sources of plant estrogens. Nonprescription remedies: Evening Primrose Oil, Black Cohash, Soy, Acupuncture, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, and ibuprofen

may help reduce symptoms

.

At what age do hot flashes usually stop?

It used to be said that menopause-related hot flashes fade away after six to 24 months. But for many women, hot flashes and night sweats often last a lot longer—by some estimates

seven to 11 years

.

Can menopause cause severe anxiety?

A: The fluctuation of estrogen and another key hormone, progesterone, in your body can cause feelings of

anxiety or

depression. But frequent, troubling high anxiety or panic attacks are not a normal part of menopause. Some women develop a panic disorder during menopause.

What does menopause anxiety feel like?

Dr. Vaidya: Anxiety can occur due to the estrogen and progesterone imbalance that occurs during perimenopause/menopause. When this hormonal system gets out of balance, symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings,

foggy brain

, tense muscles, and sleep disturbances can all occur.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.