Health Discoveries in General Health News
Antidepressant triggers decrease in hot flashes
January 19, 2011
When hormone therapy isn't an option, the antidepressant medication escitalopram (Lexapro) may reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes in menopausal women.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 55 percent of the participants who took the drug for eight weeks decreased their hot flashes by half, from about 10 to five flashes daily. Of those in a placebo group, 36 percent reported a significant reduction.
The severity of the flashes also were reduced in the escitalopram group and few side effects were experienced, the researchers found.
"For women who don't want to assume the potential risks of hormone therapy, this is another option," said Ellen Freeman, a research professor in the university's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression, but doctors sometimes prescribe them for non FDA-approved uses, such as for treating pain.
Clinical trials within the North Shore-LIJ Health System address a number of women's health issues, including breast cancer, bone density, and gynecological conditions.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that 55 percent of the participants who took the drug for eight weeks decreased their hot flashes by half, from about 10 to five flashes daily. Of those in a placebo group, 36 percent reported a significant reduction.
The severity of the flashes also were reduced in the escitalopram group and few side effects were experienced, the researchers found.
"For women who don't want to assume the potential risks of hormone therapy, this is another option," said Ellen Freeman, a research professor in the university's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as escitalopram are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression, but doctors sometimes prescribe them for non FDA-approved uses, such as for treating pain.
Clinical trials within the North Shore-LIJ Health System address a number of women's health issues, including breast cancer, bone density, and gynecological conditions.