His and Her Health

I've found Effexor useful for reducing hot flashes. I'd be taking another antidepressant and switched to Effexor when I started getting hot flashes after going on a Tamoxifen regimen following my breast cancer diagnosis in 2000. I'm curious about anyone else's experience with Effexor or another antidepressant that has this (helpful) side effect of reducing hot flashes. I still get them occasionally, but far less often than before I used Effexor. I can't use traditional hormone therapy involving Estrogen as my breast cancer was estrogen-driven -- fyi.

Dr. Jennifer R. Berman
Full Time Member


posted 09-11-2007 12:44 AM
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The SSRI and new generation anti-depressants such as Effexor have SOME benefit in terms of alleviating hot flashes. Most of the studies and most women report that they are marginally effective. The fact that you have breast cancer complicates things somewhat. There is a medication that is non-hormonal that functions to stop the body from sweating. It is an anticholinergic agent with minimal side effects and is extremely well tolerated. Jennifer Berman, MD

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Jennifer R. Berman, MD
Berman Women's Wellness Center
Epione Medical Building
444 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

I have been taking Effexor for 10 years and have increased the mg to the max (dr approved) After a benign brain was removed..my flashes got worse. Dr. said there is nothing else to be done other than HRT (can't because of breast cancer in family) Went to another dr and he said a rare side-effect of Effexor is profuse sweating!!! I slowly decreased Effexor intake and NOW have 70% LESS flashes. Whatever made them stop is fine with me!!! At least they are much better and I'm totally off anti-depressants. fyi, Diane K

Just re read my post...sorry ...I meant benign BRAIN TUMOR not benign brain!!!!

Oh Thank goodness DianeK, you really need your brain!!

The use of antidepressants for hot flashes are becoming a more popular therapy for the menopausal woman. The science behind it is still somewhat of a mystery though. While many women find relief in using antidepressants, others are actually getting more hot flashes from them. Read our latest article on the topic at:
http://www.redhotmamas.org/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=158&Itemid=103

Please share your thoughts with us.

How long does it take for efflexor to work? I have taken it for the past three weeks, and I feel no relief yet. Help!

I think it takes 6 to 8 weeks to feel the benefits of antidepressants for hot flashes. I'd wait for a little longer. Have you experienced any side effects?