Antidepressants cool hot flushes

J Am Ass Nurse Pract doi: 10.1002/2327-6924.12137

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can reduce hot flushes by 65% in menopausal women, according to a systematic review of 18 studies.

Paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes. For example, paroxetine, which the authors regard as 'an effective first line drug among the SSRIs', reduces hot flushes by up to 64% and is well tolerated. Fluoxetine and sertaline 'appear to be less effective' and are, in the author's view, second-line treatments. As women's responses to antidepressants vary, the authors suggest trying an alternative if the first drug does not improve hot flushes after between one and two weeks.