
A new drug,
Brisdelle that contains a low dose of the antidepressant paroxetine has become
the first non-hormonal medication for the treatment of hot flashes.
Hot flashes, or hot flushes, are a common symptom
experienced by women during the perimenopausal and menopausal periods. It
occurs due to a fall of estrogen levels during this time. Women experience a
feeling of warmth especially in the face region, which may be followed by
sweating. The symptoms could become bothersome especially if they occur too
frequently or wake the patient up at night.
Hormonal replacement has been commonly used to treat hot flashes. However, its use has been associated with the development of breast cancer and heart disease. It cannot be used by patients who have already suffered from or at a risk of suffering from these conditions. Therefore, hormonal replacement has not been widely preferred for this condition.
Paroxetine is associated with side effects including the risk of suicidal thoughts. The approval for this drug for hot flashes comes despite disapproval from advisors to the FDA who felt that the benefits of the drug could not offset the risks.
Source: Medindia
Advertisement
|