Women who suffer from hot flashes at menopause are frequently desperate for relief. Hormonal therapy used to be the gold standard for treating menopausal symptoms, but it is not appropriate for all women. The Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002 showed that it can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer and also heart attacks and strokes.
Doctors have found that some antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Effexor can ease hot flashes. A new study shows that Lexapro can also make a difference.
The women in the study were experiencing about 10 hot flashes a day. After two months, those on placebo were having 3.2 fewer flashes per day. Those taking Lexapro were charting 4.6 fewer flashes, making a statistically significant difference. When they stopped, though, women who had been taking Lexapro were having more hot flashes per day within three weeks. Stopping Lexapro suddenly can be quite uncomfortable.
