Hot flashes

momdeeco · 06-27-2007, 01:13 PM

I have really been bothered by hot falshes. I have tried decreasing caffiene, exercising, Effexor XR 75 mg, Clonadine, Lexapo10 mg, and now Paxil CR 25 mg. Only thing that I have noticed is a few extra pounds! I have as many as 20 a day. They are the sweaty, nauseating, anxiety kind of hot flashes. Has anyone tried anything they think really works? I know it is probably minor in the big pictures, but it is disrupting my daily activities.

Mary Jo · 06-27-2007, 02:19 PM

Hi,

I experienced similar hot flashes while going through chemo (like every 20 minutes and I'm NOT kidding). Was really hell. I'd often say that part was wayyyyy worse than the actual chemo. About 2 months after chemo ended hot flashes also decreased CONSIDERABLY and eventually stopped all together. Just recently they have kicked in again. Not nearly as bad or as often but a "pain" all the same. However, I'm the type of personality that I'll just live with them and let them run their course. Eventually they will stop. I don't like take any "drugs" of any kind so feel better just dealing with them naturally.

Hope they let up soon.

A "chilly" hug I send.

Mary Jo

kristen · 06-28-2007, 04:43 AM

Hot flashes.... I have tried alot of the things you have, The Lexapro and Paxil, ran it's course and then stopped working, I then went to Melatonin off the shelf, again worked for a bit then stopped. My doctor has me on Rosarem and it worked for a while, then has stopped, but I am still on it an added Nortriptalyne (SP) and am sleeping great. Have you tried Ativan for the anxiety, I liked those when going through treatment. Works in about 45 minutes and doesn't need to build up in your system?
A friend gave me a "chillo" you can get them off the internet. It works pretty good. It's a pillow that holds water and you put it under your pillow and when you get up from sweating you put your head on it and it will cool you down. I have two fans running on me, so for right now, with the meds and the above, I am finally sleeping through the night. Day time, I still have them and dress in layers. Good luck, Good thread, I'd like to see what others are doing?
I went through it twice, once with chemo, then started again, had LAVH and the HF's are still going strong 1.5 yrs later. YIKES, will it ever end?

suzan w · 06-28-2007, 09:08 AM

I don't have any good advice for the hot flashes...I have them frequently. I am taking arimidex and that is a side effect. When I have one I try to feel thankful that the medication is working!!! For me, the worst ones are at night and it has been really disruptive for sleeping. I have tried prescription sleep meds to no avail. Hot and cold hugs to you!

Jeanette · 06-28-2007, 09:18 AM

This is second go around with hot flashes for me. First time going thru menapause, that was a bugger. Now with Arimidex. Not too bad, but a little uncomfortable. I am like mary Jo though, I don't take anything for them. I find it easier to just work thru them. Even before Cancer I never did like to take any pills or medicine. Of course at that time I was as healthy as a horse, or so I thought. I feel that if this is all I have to put up with I can handle it.Blessings and Hugs to you all,Jeanette

danceswithrain · 06-28-2007, 04:52 PM

Any one who doesn't believe in it never had the every 20 minutes chemo induced hot flashes. Full fans at night, window open in Alaska (about 49 degrees outside) I'm freezing out my hubby.
Anybody know if it's ok to take Black Cohash on TCH?

Sheila · 06-29-2007, 04:07 AM

Hot flashes....what would life be without them....I have had them for over 2 years now...worse at night. I don't take anything, but did get the hubby to purchase the sleigh bed I always wanted, with a pillowtop mattress....makes sleeping a little easier. I try to avoid hot liquids...plenty of water and cloths to wipe my face with. I was told black cohash was not good if you are ER+....can't remember where I heard it...it seems to counteract the Arimidex Tamoxifen etc.

sassy · 06-29-2007, 09:43 PM

Almost two years after Dx, my bodoy was trying to come out of menopause, complete with hot flashes and lots of various aches and pains and a real emotional roller coaster. I was switched to monthly Lupron shots from every three month shots which stepped up the roller coaster ride.

My onc suggested Neurontin for the hot flashes. This is a relatively new treatment for menopausal side effects. It is actually an anti-seizure drug.

After working on dosages for a couple of months, I am amazed at the difference in how I feel. The hot flashes are gone, allowing me to sleep better, which I am sure contributes to my feeling better in general. The various aches and pains are much better, however I do still have stiff joints and a hip problem that I will post about in another thread. One negative of Neurontin is increased apetite, so along with the Lurpon and Arimidex leaves me really fighting my already spreading girth.

I would recommend trying Neurontin--it has made a huge difference for me.
________
Marijuana bubbler

mslinda · 06-29-2007, 09:56 PM

Hi Sassy:
My oncologyst has just prescribed the Neurontin for my hot flashes, aches and pains. I am on 300 mg, and now on my 2 pills daily. I am still walking around in a daze until about noon or so. Sure do sleep well at night. I am concerned about the possible weight gain, as I surely do not need that. I was skeptical when she prescribed it. But decided to give it a try. So far so good as far as the hot flashes go. I am having a lot of hip pain, shoulder and neck. Also been having some dizzy spells and light headaches. Having an MRI on the 5th. of the brain and left shoulder. Not looking forward to the time in that tube.

Take care
Linda
S. Mississippi

sassy · 06-29-2007, 10:16 PM

Linda,

I had a short period of dizziness, etc while trying to figure out what was the best dosage of Neurontin. We finally settled on 600 mg four times a day. It took about two months to get to that level and stay on an even keel. I think it is very important to maintain the level of meds at a constant. If I miss a dose, by 30 minutes later I go into a full body flush!

Weight is certainly an issue for me, but it was before the Neurontin. The Neurontin just hasn't helped in that arena!

Hope all goes well for you.
________
Hey_Hey cam

Susan M(PA) · 06-30-2007, 04:45 PM

I can relate to the anxiety and hot flashes, but my anxiety and
mood swings are the worst. I don't tolerate the antidepressants well,
too sedating or nauseating.

Check out www.susanlovemd.com search menopause, lots of info.

www.healthforums.com lots of ladies there who are having
disabling symptoms without breast cancer, but may be helpful.

Can anyone tell me what's the latest on black cohosh
and breast cancer? Are the oncos still saying no, seems
Dr. Love is taking RemiFemin. My GP prescribed and
sold me black cohosh, then again I'm stage I.V. HER 2, ER& PR neg.,
lung mets treated three times since 2002, currently on Herceptin weekly.
Maybe my GP is more concerned with quality of life issues than my onco.

Any thoughts on Black Cohosh? It seems to stop my hot flashes,
but I still toss and turn without taking another med, although family doc says it will help other symptoms.

Susan M(PA)

momdeeco · 07-01-2007, 08:21 AM

Has anyone tried acupuncture for hot flashes?