meds for hot flashes

tousled1 · 07-25-2006, 09:27 AM

When I had hot flashes my oncologist recommended neurontin. I decided not to take it as I had been on it for a few years back when I was having back problems. I didn't like the way it made me feel -- couldn't concentrate. I was on Effexor for 4 years for depression and am now in the process of weaning off. Effexor is a difficult drug to wean off.

mekasan · 07-29-2006, 12:57 PM

Because of the mixed reviews from those on this site, it is clearly personal if Effexor will work for you and/or produced negative side effects.

My experience with effexor was nothing but positive. I had terrible terrible hot flashes that came and went every half hour or more, all day, all night. I didn't realize there were pills that could help. My onc could see me flushed and sweating and asked about my hot flashes. Then prescribed the anti-depressant effexor (that has a side effect of diminishing hot flashes)

I took one pill per day for 1 week (loading dose) and then when up to 2 pill per day (I could find the dosage if you need more info). By the time I was up to 2 pills per day they were 90% better. I still got warm, but only several times per day, and not warm enough to disrupt sleep. I had no noticable reactions when quitting the Effexor.

Everyone is different, so becareful and good luck.

CherylS · 07-30-2006, 08:32 AM

Did you guys see the post recently about Joint, bone, muscle pain from arimidex? There was a post that talked about effexor for that, as it is also perscribed for diabetic neuropathy and fybermialgia (sp). I called my onc right away, as I am suffering big time from both the pain and the hot flashes. She had her pharmacist call me back, we talked for a while as the post actually talked about cybalta (sp again?). He said the effexor was equivalent but easier and the liver and effective for the hot flashes. I took my first dose last night. Anxiously awaiting results!

Ora · 07-31-2006, 08:03 AM

After reading the benefits for hot flashes on this thread (many thanks to all), I asked my onc to prescribe Effexor because my hot flashes were really bad. He started me out on 37.5 mg the first week and I got relief by day 3, but the next week the "kit" raised the dosage to 75 mg. I'm like so many of you who hate to take more of any medication than I really need. Does anyone know if there is any benefit to taking the full 75 mg? If not, I'm going to ask him to take it down to the 37.5mg.

cherylynnie · 08-01-2006, 07:54 AM

Thanks again to everyone who posted. I maybe asking for the Effexor sooner rather than later.