Non Hormone Based Prescription Drugs - Treating Menopausal Symptoms: Menopause Managing The Change Of Life

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Non-hormone-based prescription drugs

Three classes of non-hormone drugs have proved at least somewhat effective in relieving hot flashes. These medications may be useful for women with troubling hot flashes who shouldn't take hormones (see "Who should avoid hormone therapy?") or who want to avoid them.

Antidepressants

Several different antidepressants appear to help ease hot flashes. A study published in 2000 found that venlafaxine (Effexor), a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor marketed to treat depression, reduced the severity and frequency of hot flashes by more than 60%. Women in the venlafaxine study also reported being able to think more clearly and cope better with stress. And, when it worked, it was effective within a week. Another study, published in 2002, showed that fluoxetine (Prozac), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is better than placebo for relieving hot flashes. Antidepressants are often effective in relieving mood swings, depression, or anxiety that may occur at this time of life, although the doses used to treat hot flashes are lower than those usually used to treat depression.

Antiseizure medication

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is FDA-approved as an antiseizure medication, but it is often prescribed to treat pain syndromes. It has shown some promise in relieving hot flashes. But gabapentin also has side effects that include blurred vision, drowsiness, nausea, tremor, and a lack of muscular coordination. When it is taken at night, it works as a sleep aid.

Antihypertensive medication

Clonidine (Catapres), a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), has been used to treat hot flashes for some time and is effective in about 50% of women who take it for this purpose. Its side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and insomnia, making it a less than ideal treatment.

Treating menopausal symptoms: 4 of 5

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Last updated:	August 13, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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