Effexor for Hot Flashes: Benefits, Side Effects & Alternatives

Question
I understand that Effexor has been good for hot
flashes as an alterative to hormone replacement
but am concerned with the side effects and have
heard of problems getting off of Effexor again.  

Answer
debra;

many women ease gently into menopause,experiencing only minor symptoms. their hot flashes may call for no more than a little discreet fanning now and then. for other women,though,these episodes may seem more like close encounters with a blast furnace.

hot flashes are the body's reaction to a decreased supply of the hormone estrogen,which occurs naturally as women approach menopause;

there's plenty you can do to turn down the heat on those hot flashes;
-solve it with soy-there's a startling difference in the rate of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms between cultures. soy foods contain a natural estrogenic compound that may serve as a hot flash reliever.
-cut back on coffee-drinking more than a few cups of coffee a day can also turn on hot flashes. dont drink excess amounts of coffee. any sort of chemical stimulant like caffeine can slightly raise blood pressure and heart rate-and trigger a hot flash.
-try commonsense cool-downs-anything that will make you feel cooler and more comfortable is an appropriate response to hot flashes.
-wearing cotton clothing,which leaves you feeling cooler since it wont stick to your skin.other relievers-take a small fan to work to flip on when a hot flash hits,and dress in layers so you can easily shed or add clothing.
-for women who need medical relief,but dont want to or cant take extrogen,the prescription blood pressure medication clonidine may also bring relief;

now i checked out "effexor" i believe there are others out there,with less side effects.
effexor is mostly used for depression.

i suggest this to alot of people,buy a book about menopause and read about what you are suffering. it will help a great deal,and mostly help you with your stress and fatigue.

i hope all this helps;

catherine;