Patient: I have old (2005) 25MG effexor and wish to use it,….is it safe? does it change in composition or in strength?
Optional Information
Gender: Female
Age: 85
Already Tried: Using effexor to reduce hot flashes. Am currently using 80Gm CMPD Progesterone 5% and over the counter Estroven. used these for 30 days with no results, what period of time before I see a change? Very hard and repeat flashes throught the day and night. Any other recommendations? I have not used the effexor only once along with the progesterone. use the P cream twice /day. Hot flashes destroying my life. I can’t believe I am subject to hot flashes at the age of 83 though 85+1/2 HELP !!
Doctor: Hello,
Medications such as Effexor have an expiration date – and drugs from 2005 would now be expired. They lose their effectiveness – so they would not work. The strength decreases and it would do you no good.
If you used this effectively before, you can call your doctor and see if they would represcribe it – they will usually require an office visit, but if it helps – that’s worth it!
Patient: Yes,….the effexor did NOT work before, either, but I was willing to try it aain if it was still good. I have been told over many many yrs that old meds should be avoided.
I need help in finding a med that will help with these Hot Flashes that are destroying my everyday life !!! If you canot tell me an alternative or answer how long to take the progesterone before I get any relief,…you have not helped me a bit.The Dr seems at his wits end in his attempt to prescribe anything that will help.
Doctor: Regarding your hot flashes: treatment usually consists of Hormone Replacement Therapy. If you’ve tried both oral and transdermal patches and those have not worked – you may want to try the following:
Some research suggests that soy may have some benefit for reducing hotflashes and other symptoms of menopause. However, it is recommended that you get your soy from foods rather than from supplements. Foods that contain soy include tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, whole soybeans, texturized vegetable protein, and soy powder.
Black cohosh is a popular choice for the reduction of hot flashes, although little evidence exists about whether it is effective for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. You may hear claims that black cohosh provides effective relief against these and other symptoms of menopause, including headaches, heart palpitations, and anxiety. While there have been several small and inconsistent studies regarding the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms relief, the results have been inconsistent. According to the North American Menopause Society, despite the lack of definitive evidence, “it would seem that black cohosh is a safe, herbal medicine.”
Natural progesterone has been found to provide relief for hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause for many women. It is available in over-the-counter cream, compound prescription cream or capsule, and in traditional prescription — Prometrium (progestins) — forms.
A study published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation found that Vitamin E may help reduce the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and night sweats during menopause.
Exercise at least 30 minutes every day. You can walk, run, ride a bicycle, or do another activity. Just don’t exercise within 3 hours of going to bed to help prevent night sweats.
Gabapentin is a drug currently used to treat migraine headaches. Anecdotal evidence, however, found that the drug significantly reduced the number of hot flashes experienced in a small group of women.
Dietary triggers that can start a bout of hot flashes include alcohol, caffeine, and cayenne and other spicy foods. If your hot flashes seem to be worse after consuming these foods, try eliminating the offenders and see if the hot flashes subside.
Traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that includes estrogen replacement provides relief from hot flashes associated with menopause. However, estrogen has been associated with some medical risk and should be used sparingly. Before choosing estrogen replacement therapy, be sure you understand the both the risks and the benefits and how their relevance to your personal medical history. Talk to your medical provider.
Hot flashes are often worse during hot weather. Wear all cotton clothes that allow your skin to breathe and keep a fan nearby during hot weather to reduce the number of hot flashes you experience.