Fluoxetine for hot flashes?

I went on Prozac after my husband's death. Initially it did make me sleepy so I was advised to take it at night.
It was a great help at the time and eventually I weaned myself off of it.
I use oestrogen to deal with the menopause (HRT) and I feel wonderful on it.

It's understandable that you are extra sleepy - that is one of the side effects of Fluoetine. It's main use is as an antidepressant - hot flushes are just one of the things it is used for. If the sleepiness is bothering you, I'd suggest talking to your doctor and discussing alternative therapies. I've been using HRT for flushes with very good effect.

Hi everyone I am trying to avoid HRT as I'm always very sensitive to hormones the pill and the coil just did not work for me , has anyone had success on other medication or herbal medication ? I am having terrible night sweats and hot flashes at night and getting no sleep , I work in social care ft so no chance of sleeping late or getting a nap !

I'm surprised at this. Fluoxetine is an activating antidepressant. An 'upper' rather than a 'downer'.

Perhaps you haven't been on it long enough. Takes a while to kick in.

Gone girl has it right re fluoxetine

HRT is no longer considered the work if the devil. Wish I’d stayed on it, not because of hot flushes but because of other miseries that many post menapausal women experience

Iam64. Is there anything stopping you going back on HRT? (especially if you are only 64)

Trystessa Hot flushes are caused by lack of oestrogen so the natural thing to do is replace the oestrogen. I wouldn't mess with "herbal remedies". Just ensure you use a transdermal method which is extremely low dosage compared to oral HRT.

Iam64 has been Iam64 for a little while now!

Sorry!!!

Hi thank you for this so is Transdermal patches?

I’m not advised to use HRT due to my medical history ????

I’m going to just take one every other day and wean my self off them. I’ve been on them since early Jan.

Yes I’m on it. Well have been on it for years. Have got to the point now where I maybe take one a week as the flushes have gone down a lot. You will get used to them and not be so sleepy. I take mine around 6pm as they helped me sleep.

It’s quite some years since I became 64, no apology needed gone girl.
I have AF and RA so HRT not advisable now, otherwise I’d be taking it, risks n all

I’ve taken myself off them altogether. I did it over a week ago. I feel awake again!!! I have had just a couple of flashes but I’d rather be more alert than zombie like.

I've got to 67 and have been having hot flushes and night sweats since I was 53. I used to be a mental health nurse, and made myself a promise that I wouldn't take any psychiatric drugs. With a family history of breast problems (thank fully no cancer) I decided not to ask for HRT either.
My hot flushes are now few and far between?. It wasn't pleasant, but I got through it.

I have never taken fluoxetine for hot flushes, so sorry Om can’t comment on that.

I can’t have HRT because I’ve had breast cancer. I was desperate for something, anything to help with severe hot sweats and flushes, but was fobbed off - “some ladies just have this problem”!

Eventually a female GP prescribed gabepentin. It was only licensed for epilepsy and depression at the time. It worked after the first dose, and research has born that out.

I’ve had no side effects and now I only have a minor problem with heat sensitivity, flushes and sometimes night sweats. I am so grateful to that doctor for the prescription. My life was miserable before.

I think it may be licensed for menopausal sweats and flushes now.

I hope you can find something to help you without side effects.

i have been on hrt for 9yrs now and would love to come off but i have tried and get all the hot flushes and night sweats come back with a vengaence!
(started at 55 now am 64) tried patches and had allergic reaction to them various herbal tablets homeopathy soya products you name it i've tried it! but allways gone back on the hrt as thats the only thing that works worried about side effects and being on them so long.

The gabapentin I mentioned above has just become a controlled drug, (can be used as a street drug with opioids to increase the high), but doesn't necessarily mean it can't be prescribed for hot flushes/sweats, I don't suppose.