Just wanted to know if there was anyone with this situation. I am a breast cancer survivor and can't take HRT. I have horrible hot flashes because of chemotherapy -induced premature menopause, and my oncologist has me taking Effexor (actually an antidepressant, but has been found to help with hot flashes and is given to women who can't take HRT or any natural substance that might have hormone-like effects, including soy supplements). It works for part of my cycle (I still have fairly regular periods) but not for all of it. I've had the dosage increased three times and each time the Effexor seems to work for a while, then I get hot flashes again. I'm wondering whether to cut the dosage since it's not working anyway or to increase the dosage in the hopes that a higher dose might do the job. I'm not crazy about  taking an antidepressant in the first place, although it has helped with the menopause related irritability. Also, I am tired all the time. Is this from the Effexor or just from the hot flashes? If anyone has a similar experience please let me know.

I also had breast cancer and can not take HRT. My oncologist perscribed Effexor. I was on it for a few months but was weaned off of it because of side effects such as constipation and I was having very vivid dreams. I am taking Taxoxifen and my hot flashes are terrible. I have heard that they don't last forever and that can't be to soon. Good luck to you.

I have been taking Effexor for about 7.5 years, for chronic depression, and if it is supposed to help hot flashes then I can't imagine what mine would be if I DIDN'T take Effexor.  I'm on a very low dose though...75 mg a day which works well for my depression and I'm thinking it helps me going through perimenopause too....I wonder if I up the doseage if it would help my hot flashes.  But for now I'm going to try Evening Primrose capsules.....I've heard alot of good things about them helping hot flashes and night sweats.   So I'm off to the hfs today....I JUST started hot flashes this past week....booooo!  Before this I was just "warm natured" ALL the time....not just in flashes.  I always said I didn't have hot "flashes", I have hot "constants".

Why not check out the Power Surge Recommendations Page?  Dearest has provided lots of non-drug alternatives for various meno symptoms.

Check it out - there might be the perfect solution for you.

[quote]Quote: from Stafford on 9:28 am on July 16, 2002[br]Just wanted to know if there was anyone with this situation. I am a breast cancer survivor and can't take HRT. I have horrible hot flashes because of chemotherapy -induced premature menopause, and my oncologist has me taking Effexor (actually an antidepressant, but has been found to help with hot flashes and is given to women who can't take HRT or any natural substance that might have hormone-like effects, including soy supplements). It works for part of my cycle (I still have fairly regular periods) but not for all of it. I've had the dosage increased three times and each time the Effexor seems to work for a while, then I get hot flashes again. I'm wondering whether to cut the dosage since it's not working anyway or to increase the dosage in the hopes that a higher dose might do the job. I'm not crazy about  taking an antidepressant in the first place, although it has helped with the menopause related irritability. Also, I am tired all the time. Is this from the Effexor or just from the hot flashes? If anyone has a similar experience please let me know.[/quoteI was taking Effexor and it gave me hot  flashes!Also, the Effexor made me very tired.   I  found  formyself  that  staying away from sugar helps me feelmy best.  The side effects for Effexor is a longone.  If a person decides to get  off this med. it isto be done slowly,  or withdrawal could bea nightmare.

HI..I have atypical hyperplasia so I was too taken off the estrogen and I am suffering terribly.  My doc prescribed effexor, and I am afraid to begin it because I am allergic to other antidepressants in it's category, although he gave me a VERY low dose.  I think I will NOT try it..but my girlfriend is on it and her hot flashes stopped??  WHY are we all so different.  I am back on natural progesterone cream recommended by Dr. Lee, alot on his book has been posted here I think on this site.  I would like to know if you can take any natural things like black cohosh??  My doc says no to that even.  I don't know what else to do.  I never sleep anymore and Im totally exhausted!!!  Feel free to e-mail me, and I wish I could be more helpful.  IF I discover anything I surely will share it...Best wishes..Hopefloats

I tried EFFEXOR in 2001& got some NASTY side effects : EXTREME FATIGUE,blurred vision,loss of control of my singing voice,insomnia,Dry eyes,nose & throat causing voice problems,couldn't seem to drink enough water,constant sleepiness,feeling "spacey", heavy weird heartbeat.,dizziness & an attack of nausea.All that after a week at 75 mg.  Started at lower dose  ¬iced fatigue & insomnia but it was in December when I 'm usually overworked & tired: music teacher (prepping school show,memeber of 3 choirs all doing Xmas stuff,church soloist,etc.)  Still had flashes so doc raised dose.HOWEVER! When those other effects kicked in I realized it was the effexor & flushed it down the john. Won't take that stuff again. Look it up on WebMD & see side effects.