Hot flashes

[danceswithrain]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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