Why was I prescribed an antidepressant for hot flashes?

How menopause changes your brain’s thermostat

Before perimenopause (Age 20 | 30 | 40)

• Brain thermostat = small rise in temperature
• Normal cooling response

Perimenopause/Menopause (Age 40 | 50 | 60)

• Brain thermostat = overheating!
• Hot Flash – Sweating – Faster Heartbeat 

Common hot flash triggers:

• Warm room
• Hot drinks
• Stress

How do antidepressants help?

Certain antidepressants can also treat hot flashes by calming the brain’s temperature-control system.

They DON’T:

• Replace estrogen
• Reverse menopause
• Mean you’re depressed

They DO:

• Reduce hot flashes
• Reduce night sweats
• Provide a non-hormonal treatment option