September 3, 2010
Do SSRI Anti Depressants Heal Or Cause Hot Flashes?
Sabyasachi Ganguly asked:
The term 'SSRI' is abbreviation for 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor'. As the name suggests, these drugs act by restoring balance in the availability of serotonin, the mood-influencing neurotransmitter, in the brain cells. Imbalance in serotonin is the primary somatic reason for depression in people; therefore, restoring its balance helps in the treatment of depression. SRRI drugs therefore are primarily anti-depressants. However, this group of drugs has many off-label applications - one of the somewhat controversial of which is with regard to Hot Flashes, which affect 85 per cent of women in the United States in varying levels of intensity.
What are hot flashes: These are a sudden, short-lived flushing and sensation of heat, particularly in the face and upper body, in women during or after menopause. It is preceded, or accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, perspiration, vomit sensation, dizziness, anxiety, a sensation of suffocation, and weakness. In some women, it is preceded by an 'aura', an uncomfortable forewarning that it is coming. The flash is followed by a flush (chill).
Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes that take place in the female body during or after menopause. The particular hormone connected with hot flashes is estrogen. A fall in the estrogen level directly 'confuses' the hypothalamus, which is the body's thermostat. Thus confused, the hypothalamus mistakes the change as excessive heat. This triggers the brain's heat-releasing mechanism. In other words, the body mechanism starts combating excess heat which is just not there. This causes a sudden release of heat, causing the body temperature to shoot up - by as much six degrees centigrade in some women. The flash is usually followed by a flush, a cooling, leaving the woman in a state of great discomfort. In some cases, hot flashes keep recurring for a few years even after periods have stopped.
Treatment of hot flashes: The most effective treatment for hot flashes is hormonal replacement therapy, but it is now out of favor due to potentially serious side-effects such as heart diseases, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, and dementia. Today, SSRI drugs are preferred in most cases though they are not approved by FDA for hot flashes. Yet, SSRIs are 70 per cent as effective as hormonal therapy and are therefore considered a good trade-off with the dangerous hormonal treatment.
By their action on serotonin in the brain, SSRIs exert a cooling effect on the body as well as calm anxiety, reduce irritability, and bring about other favorable effects on the mind which help mitigate the Hot Flash Symptoms.Of the many SSRIs available, venlafaxine (Effexor) has been found most effective. Others that have also been effective in controlling hot flashes are: paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
Mystery: Mysteriously, however, the newer SSRI, escitalopram (Lexapro) has reportedly caused hot flashes or aggravated them. It is therefore best to avoid Lexapro for hot flashes, and opt for Effexor, Paxil, or Prozac.
Conclusion: Don't opt for an SSRI on your own. Your doctor will need to know your medical history and existing conditions / medications before deciding if you should be prescribed an SSRI.
hot flashes
The term 'SSRI' is abbreviation for 'selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor'. As the name suggests, these drugs act by restoring balance in the availability of serotonin, the mood-influencing neurotransmitter, in the brain cells. Imbalance in serotonin is the primary somatic reason for depression in people; therefore, restoring its balance helps in the treatment of depression. SRRI drugs therefore are primarily anti-depressants. However, this group of drugs has many off-label applications - one of the somewhat controversial of which is with regard to Hot Flashes, which affect 85 per cent of women in the United States in varying levels of intensity.
What are hot flashes: These are a sudden, short-lived flushing and sensation of heat, particularly in the face and upper body, in women during or after menopause. It is preceded, or accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, perspiration, vomit sensation, dizziness, anxiety, a sensation of suffocation, and weakness. In some women, it is preceded by an 'aura', an uncomfortable forewarning that it is coming. The flash is followed by a flush (chill).
Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes that take place in the female body during or after menopause. The particular hormone connected with hot flashes is estrogen. A fall in the estrogen level directly 'confuses' the hypothalamus, which is the body's thermostat. Thus confused, the hypothalamus mistakes the change as excessive heat. This triggers the brain's heat-releasing mechanism. In other words, the body mechanism starts combating excess heat which is just not there. This causes a sudden release of heat, causing the body temperature to shoot up - by as much six degrees centigrade in some women. The flash is usually followed by a flush, a cooling, leaving the woman in a state of great discomfort. In some cases, hot flashes keep recurring for a few years even after periods have stopped.
Treatment of hot flashes: The most effective treatment for hot flashes is hormonal replacement therapy, but it is now out of favor due to potentially serious side-effects such as heart diseases, stroke, blood clots, breast cancer, and dementia. Today, SSRI drugs are preferred in most cases though they are not approved by FDA for hot flashes. Yet, SSRIs are 70 per cent as effective as hormonal therapy and are therefore considered a good trade-off with the dangerous hormonal treatment.
By their action on serotonin in the brain, SSRIs exert a cooling effect on the body as well as calm anxiety, reduce irritability, and bring about other favorable effects on the mind which help mitigate the Hot Flash Symptoms.Of the many SSRIs available, venlafaxine (Effexor) has been found most effective. Others that have also been effective in controlling hot flashes are: paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).
Mystery: Mysteriously, however, the newer SSRI, escitalopram (Lexapro) has reportedly caused hot flashes or aggravated them. It is therefore best to avoid Lexapro for hot flashes, and opt for Effexor, Paxil, or Prozac.
Conclusion: Don't opt for an SSRI on your own. Your doctor will need to know your medical history and existing conditions / medications before deciding if you should be prescribed an SSRI.
hot flashes
 |
Koolatron - Koolatron Voyager Cooler |
 |
Weddingstar Motorcycle Get-away Wedding Couple Figurine |
 |
Concept XT 23003 Digital Thermometer |
 |
Orange County Choppers OCC Hats: Black Fitted Visor Cap with OCC Logo |
![Harley Davidson: American Motorcycle [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21G0SCZGDEL._SL75_.jpg) |
Harley Davidson: American Motorcycle [VHS] |
 |
Hell Ride |
 |
Road Kings |
 |
GlobeRiders BMW F800 GS Adventure Touring Instructional DVD |
 |
BlueMagic 400 Metal Polish Cream - 7 oz. |
 |
Halo II Headband - Pullover |
Filed under Health And Fitness by .
Leave a Comment