When my doctor told me the risk factors associated with taking prescription hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for more than 30 years, I was not a happy patient. My hysterectomy saved my life and I wanted to live that life, not run the increased risk of breast cancer or other estrogen-based forms of cancer. After using HRT for a few weeks I decided to stop cold turkey. Not only was I hit full force with menopause migraines, I felt hot all the time with flashes of blazing fire all night. I needed to find an alternative to HRT.
Antidepressants May Reduce Hot Flashes
Your gynecologist may be able to prescribe an antidepressant to solve your mild hot flash problem, but don’t expect that antidepressant to work as well as HRT. Not all antidepressants are effective at treating hot flashes, so doctors typically stick with three proven medications: venlafaxine, paroxetine and fluoxetine.
There’s a problem with this method of treating hot flashes, however. Not all women suffering from hot flashes can take antidepressant medications, especially women suffering from a form of mental illness. Antidepressants also come with a long list of potential side effects including weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Women in menopause may already be fighting with these natural symptoms of menopause.
Seizure Medications Put the Freeze on Hot Flashes
Doctors regularly prescribe medications off-label to treat other conditions. Seizure medications are prescribed for mood disorders and bipolar disorder; and now, it appears they may also be effective at treating hot flashes associated with menopause. The same problem associated with antidepressants effect this form of prescription treatment for hot flashes. Women with mood disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder should not take seizure medications without first consulting a psychiatrist or a doctor qualified to review the possible side effects. This is especially important if a post-menopausal woman is taking antidepressants for other conditions.
Blood Pressure Medications May be the Ideal Solution
With more than 20 years of research backing blood pressure prescription medications for hot flashes, women may want to give drugs like clonidine a try. There are very few reported side effects and women taking antidepressants or those who have a mental condition may not have to worry about the negative side effects associated with antidepressants and seizure medications.
There are options out there for women suffering hot flashes. Alternative prescription medications for hot flashes are extremely important for women recovering from breast cancer and other forms of estrogen-based cancer. Estrogen-based HRT is not an option in these cases.
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