Cure for Hot Flashes for BC patients

pitt
pitt Member Posts: 387
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi again! After my hysterectomy, my hot flashes reached a boiling point! I was not sleeping AT ALL and was drenched in sweat most of the day and night. It was horrible!!! So I told my oncologist and she said that I should take Effexor. It's actually an anti-anxiety drug but oncologists are using it for breast cancer patients to help with hot flashes. I have not had one hot flash since I started!!! And I feel like my normal positive self again too! I highly recommend you ask your doctor about this if you are having any issues with flashes. Good luck! Pitt

Comments

  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #2
    wow never heard of
    wow never heard of that....good to know...
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #3
    disneyfan2008 said:

    wow never heard of
    wow never heard of that....good to know...

    Effexor .. I've been taking for over a year ...
    Continued to have 'hot flashes' . . . tho not as many! some days better than other. I am curious what happens when we are taken off this anti depression drug .. hot flashes return in full force .. YIKES what a thought!

    I think .. I'll be searching the internet and health food stores in an attempt of getting a more nature source ...

    So nice to hear from you, Miss Pitt!

    Strength and Courage,

    Vicki Sam
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #4
    disneyfan2008 said:

    wow never heard of
    wow never heard of that....good to know...

    Great information! I don't
    Great information! I don't have hot flashes ( yet ), but, will certainly write this down if and when I do.


    Sue :)
  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
    #5
    So glad that you have had
    So glad that you have had such a significant reduction in symptoms. Another antidepressant, lexapro (escitalopram) has been in all the news lately for helping with menopausal symptoms. If you do choose to try an antidepressant to help with menopausal symptoms, discuss it with you oncologist first. A few of them can interfere with tamoxifen (see link below).

    Lexapro May Help Ease Hot Flashes

    Antidepressants and Tamoxifen
  • laurissa
    laurissa Member Posts: 773
    #6
    PITT!
    Is that you? Glad to see you again. I was wondering about you. Since first chemo in Sept 09, I've had no more periods and no menopause symptoms. How strange is that? Why don't I have hot flashes? I'm also taking effexor for depression the last 6 months and xanax when needed. My problem is my outrageous appetite. I've gained 20 pounds since last January and I hope I can get a handle on my eating habits. I know it's for comfort. I'm on Zometa monthly infusion for bone mets til this summer, then I guess I'm done. You look great. My hair has come back nicely, my brows and lashes have not. I'm glad your flashes are gone, and welcome back!
  • kt1127
    kt1127 Member Posts: 51
    #7
    hot flashes
    This is my first post here. I am knew to b/c, new to support groups, and new to hot flashes. I am 45 and started my tomoxafin about a month and a half ago. I have hot flashes so bad that I cannot get my energy back due to no sleep. I was started on effexor with my dx back in Oct. because the drs thought it would help with other menstrual issues I was having. I dont know if I would have worse hot flashes off the effexor but they are pretty bad now. I am having a difficult time with naseau too. Does anyone experience that with the tomoxafin?
  • lanie940
    lanie940 Member Posts: 490 Member
    #8
    kt1127 said:

    hot flashes
    This is my first post here. I am knew to b/c, new to support groups, and new to hot flashes. I am 45 and started my tomoxafin about a month and a half ago. I have hot flashes so bad that I cannot get my energy back due to no sleep. I was started on effexor with my dx back in Oct. because the drs thought it would help with other menstrual issues I was having. I dont know if I would have worse hot flashes off the effexor but they are pretty bad now. I am having a difficult time with naseau too. Does anyone experience that with the tomoxafin?

    I can't really say I've had
    I can't really say I've had hot flashes, I didn't when I was at the age of "going through the change" BUT, I've been on an anti-depressant for almost 20 years, first Prozac, then Wellbutrin. I'm on Arimidex and i really don't get them now, just some aches in the joints which can also be for having Celiac disease.
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #9
    laurissa said:

    PITT!
    Is that you? Glad to see you again. I was wondering about you. Since first chemo in Sept 09, I've had no more periods and no menopause symptoms. How strange is that? Why don't I have hot flashes? I'm also taking effexor for depression the last 6 months and xanax when needed. My problem is my outrageous appetite. I've gained 20 pounds since last January and I hope I can get a handle on my eating habits. I know it's for comfort. I'm on Zometa monthly infusion for bone mets til this summer, then I guess I'm done. You look great. My hair has come back nicely, my brows and lashes have not. I'm glad your flashes are gone, and welcome back!

    Laurissa, Hello my friend!!!
    Laurissa, Hello my friend!!!

    I haven't "talked" to you in so long. What is this about bone mets? Did you know that when you were going through treatment or is this new? I know the Zometa will help tremendously, but what's the update on you? I'm slowly...SLOWLY rebuilding my strength and stamina and happy for each day I have to spend with my beautiful family. Feel free to PM me if you prefer. I would love to catch up! Pitt
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #10
    lanie940 said:

    I can't really say I've had
    I can't really say I've had hot flashes, I didn't when I was at the age of "going through the change" BUT, I've been on an anti-depressant for almost 20 years, first Prozac, then Wellbutrin. I'm on Arimidex and i really don't get them now, just some aches in the joints which can also be for having Celiac disease.

    Pitt .. Welcome back, our dear Friend
    Did I mention, that I love your bathing suit with the breast cancer 'pink' striping ? Looking, GREAT.



    Strength and Courage,

    Vicki Sam
  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    #11
    VickiSam said:

    Pitt .. Welcome back, our dear Friend
    Did I mention, that I love your bathing suit with the breast cancer 'pink' striping ? Looking, GREAT.



    Strength and Courage,

    Vicki Sam

    Lanie .. Celiac disease .. is that about
    Gluten sensitivity ?? I've ran into another lady recently -- just diagnosed with Celiac.


    Best of Luck ..


    Vicki Sam
  • kayladenisse
    kayladenisse Member Posts: 8
    #12
    Effexor
    I've been getting the zoladex shot to deaden my ovaries for the past four years, and the effexor has been tremendous for me as well. I can tell when I'm missing a dose of it or am late because my neck underneath my hair will start to sweat, lol. I do agree that it really helps. I've had maybe 2 uncomfortable night hotflashes in four years.
  • crselby
    crselby Member Posts: 441 Member
    #13
    How much is enough for you?
    Boy, we are all so different. I had heavy hot flashes when I went through menopause 12 years ago at 47. The Tamoxifen that I started in November 2009 made them unbearable so my gynocologist started me on Effexor 35.7 mg. That was not enough to make a difference so we upped it to 75 mg. I still get 5 - 6 daily/nightly hot flashes so bad that I have to wipe my face, usually twice, before it is over. And the back of my neck is soaked. I change bras daily to let them dry out. The bed covers are on, then thrown off, then on, then thrown off. My husband can't touch me without starting a hot flash. (How romantic is that?) Do you think I should ask about upping the dosage even more? What dosage is everyone else taking? Thanks for your input, everyone.
    ~~Connie~~
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #14
    crselby said:

    How much is enough for you?
    Boy, we are all so different. I had heavy hot flashes when I went through menopause 12 years ago at 47. The Tamoxifen that I started in November 2009 made them unbearable so my gynocologist started me on Effexor 35.7 mg. That was not enough to make a difference so we upped it to 75 mg. I still get 5 - 6 daily/nightly hot flashes so bad that I have to wipe my face, usually twice, before it is over. And the back of my neck is soaked. I change bras daily to let them dry out. The bed covers are on, then thrown off, then on, then thrown off. My husband can't touch me without starting a hot flash. (How romantic is that?) Do you think I should ask about upping the dosage even more? What dosage is everyone else taking? Thanks for your input, everyone.
    ~~Connie~~

    Connie
    You could be describing me!

    I'm also taking 75 mg after trying 37.5 and it not quite doing the trick. My hot flashes are definitely fewer and less severe than before I started the Effexor, but I still get several a day, and my face especially gets all hot and sweaty, and I do the same with the bed covers every night. The good news is that once I do get to sleep, I pretty much sleep like a rock. I'm wondering if that's also due to the Effexor because I certainly wasn't sleeping that well before BC.

    I was hoping not to have to take the Effexor at all and tried vitamin E at my onco's recommendation first. That seemed to help while I was on chemo, but once I started the Tamoxifen the flashes got worse.

    I know that the withdrawal from Effexor can be rough, which is why I was hesitant to take it in the first place, but my doctor said that the lower dose should not be a problem. Definitely discuss your dosage with your doctor to see if it makes sense to change it.

    I'm OK with where I am now. It's just an occasional annoyance I've learned to live with.
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #15
    crselby said:

    How much is enough for you?
    Boy, we are all so different. I had heavy hot flashes when I went through menopause 12 years ago at 47. The Tamoxifen that I started in November 2009 made them unbearable so my gynocologist started me on Effexor 35.7 mg. That was not enough to make a difference so we upped it to 75 mg. I still get 5 - 6 daily/nightly hot flashes so bad that I have to wipe my face, usually twice, before it is over. And the back of my neck is soaked. I change bras daily to let them dry out. The bed covers are on, then thrown off, then on, then thrown off. My husband can't touch me without starting a hot flash. (How romantic is that?) Do you think I should ask about upping the dosage even more? What dosage is everyone else taking? Thanks for your input, everyone.
    ~~Connie~~

    Connie, I am on the 35mg but
    Connie, I am on the 35mg but my girlfriend is taking 150mg. We are all different. I would definitely talk to your doc about upping the dosage. Good luck!
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #16
    VickiSam said:

    Pitt .. Welcome back, our dear Friend
    Did I mention, that I love your bathing suit with the breast cancer 'pink' striping ? Looking, GREAT.



    Strength and Courage,

    Vicki Sam

    VickiSam!!! How are you
    VickiSam!!! How are you doing? The last time we "talked" was a difficult time for the both of us. Would love to hear how you are doing? You get me! I bought that suit specifically for the pink stripe! It makes me laugh! Pitt
  • kt1127
    kt1127 Member Posts: 51
    #17
    crselby said:

    How much is enough for you?
    Boy, we are all so different. I had heavy hot flashes when I went through menopause 12 years ago at 47. The Tamoxifen that I started in November 2009 made them unbearable so my gynocologist started me on Effexor 35.7 mg. That was not enough to make a difference so we upped it to 75 mg. I still get 5 - 6 daily/nightly hot flashes so bad that I have to wipe my face, usually twice, before it is over. And the back of my neck is soaked. I change bras daily to let them dry out. The bed covers are on, then thrown off, then on, then thrown off. My husband can't touch me without starting a hot flash. (How romantic is that?) Do you think I should ask about upping the dosage even more? What dosage is everyone else taking? Thanks for your input, everyone.
    ~~Connie~~

    Crselby. I am taking 75 mg
    Crselby. I am taking 75 mg also I was started on the 37.5 It sounds very familiar your nights are like mine. I am just so tired of being tired. The hot flashes wake me up atleast 5 or 6 times a night as well.I will be asking about the dosage as well.
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #18
    kayladenisse said:

    Effexor
    I've been getting the zoladex shot to deaden my ovaries for the past four years, and the effexor has been tremendous for me as well. I can tell when I'm missing a dose of it or am late because my neck underneath my hair will start to sweat, lol. I do agree that it really helps. I've had maybe 2 uncomfortable night hotflashes in four years.

    Thanks Pitt for this
    Thanks Pitt for this post!


    Hugs, Jan
  • kt1127
    kt1127 Member Posts: 51
    #19
    kt1127 said:

    Crselby. I am taking 75 mg
    Crselby. I am taking 75 mg also I was started on the 37.5 It sounds very familiar your nights are like mine. I am just so tired of being tired. The hot flashes wake me up atleast 5 or 6 times a night as well.I will be asking about the dosage as well.

    just got back from dr.
    I called the dr today about my side effects I cant stand the hot flashes but the naseausness and headaches is even worse. I was started on 37.5 at my dx and then up to 75 mg but today they added 37.5 back in with the 75 so.... 112.5 mg total...Hoping tonight is better

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