Non-Hormonal Interventions for Hot Flashes
A number of non-hormonal remedies are available for the treatment of hot flashes. Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether, but to diminish their intensity and frequency. Some of these interventions (e.g., vitamin E, black cohosh and soy products) are available over-the-counter. Others are available by prescription.
| Drug | Dosage | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Evening Primrose Oil | Variable | Nausea, diarrhea, blood clots. Do not use if seizure history or on blood thinners |
| Black cohosh | 20 mg twice a day | Mild stomach upset. Safe up to 6 mos. Rare reports of liver damage |
| Soy (plant estrogen) | Variable | Appears safe if consumed in foods |
| Catapres | 1 mg in am & at bedtime (also in patch form) | Dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, lowers blood pressure |
| Celexa (Citalopram) | 10-20 mg in am | Sexual dysfunction |
| Prozac (Fluoxetine) | 20 mg in am | Dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction |
| FDA approved Brisdelle (Paroxetine) | 7.5 mg at bedtime | Fatigue, nausea no weight gain or sexual dysfunction which have been seen with higher doses of paxil (paroxetine) |
| Effexor (Venlafaxine) | 37.5 mg to 75 mg a day | Fatigue, nausea, headache, dry mouth, elevated blood pressure (at high doses) |
| Neurontin Gabapentin) | Up to 300 mg three times a day | Fatigue, dizziness, nausea |