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Antidepressants for menopause
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03-06-2020, 08:13 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 1
Hysterectomy: February 27th, 2020
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Antidepressants for menopause
Hi ladies, I had a complete hysterectomy with every’s out last Thursday. Last night I had my first bout of hot flashes. The doctor doesn’t want me to take any hormones for at least six months and it looks like they have a lot of side effects. She told me that many people are taking antidepressants in place of or maybe with hormones and that’s what they would suggest starting on first. She said it helps with hot flashes and mood changes. I have anxiety and I don’t want it to get worse I’ve been in a good place up until now. I wasn’t planning on losing both ovaries so so in a little shock. Any advice on any natural things that work or feedback on if antidepressants have been helpful in managing symptoms would be appreciated.
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07-07-2020, 08:52 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 6
Hysterectomy: March 23rd, 2020
Surgery Type: DvH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Antidepressants for menopause
I have the same question. I made an appointment with my gyn onc and the nurse mentioned that he might prescribe antidepressants. I have been taking Lexapro for years and my mental health has been very good, I am just having hot flashes, insomnia and reduced libido. I really don't want to change my antidepressant. Any thoughts?
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07-08-2020, 05:11 AM
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Posts: 8,056
Hysterectomy: April 14th, 2015
Surgery Type: LSH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Re: Antidepressants for menopause
Lexapro is an SSRI, and one thing that can complement that or any other SSRI-type antidepressant is a broad-spectrum probiotic supplement, to support the 90% of serotonin production that takes place in the intestinal tract, and depends on the friendly bacteria living in there. Another thing I've found to help with my own anxiety is eliminating stimulants like caffeine and artificial dyes from my diet. Taking regular walks, in a natural setting if possible, can also help to regulate your moods, and drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day can help with temperature regulation. For a better night's sleep, the following tips on proper sleep hygiene can help: keep a consistent sleep schedule 7 days a week, even on weekends; turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime; set your bedroom thermostat to 60-65°; choose loose fitting cotton nightclothes; arrange your bedding in layers that can be added or removed as necessary; reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy; if you can't fall asleep after 20 minutes, or if you're awakened in the middle of the night, then get out of bed, go to another room, and do something relaxing until you feel like you're ready to fall asleep. Also, of you're okay with eating soy, plant esteogens from 2-3 daily servings of tofu, edamame, or soy milk can help with hormonal balance. Best wishes for finding the solutions you're seeking, and for your continued recovery!
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07-12-2020, 04:13 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 269
Hysterectomy: December 13th, 2018
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Antidepressants for menopause
Celexa
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12-18-2020, 02:16 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 177
Hysterectomy: August 19th, 2020
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Antidepressants for menopause
Hard to manage symptoms. I have been struggling with hot flushes since November and can't get used to it. My family doctor also recommend antidepressant for hot flushes and anxiety but I declined. The side effects of insomnia, weight gain, zero libido, constipation are things I'm dealing with now and don't need that to get worst. My gynecologist on the other hand said that antidepressants don't really work for hot flushes and the only thing that does is hrt.
On my own, I started taking primrose oil. Haven't noticed a differences yet but I'm also not doing the 3 pills a day. I will increase it to 3 and see if it makes a difference.
For anxiety, I started ashwagandha (2 pills a day) last month and have noticed a difference so far.
I also do variation of chamomile, st John's wort, lavender, valerian teas at night (I mix 2 at a time). Going for walks, started Pilates (I'm 4 months post op) and yes, the flushes are still there but I'm new to this and still figuring it out.
Keep me posted if you find anything that works!!
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02-05-2021, 12:14 PM
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Posts: 24
Hysterectomy: December 3rd, 2020
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Antidepressants for menopause
I use Brisdelle for hot flashes. It is an anti-depressant, but a very low dose. It doesn't eliminate the flashes, but "takes the edge off" so I can just remove a layer of clothes and keep going. I also take soy, etc, but that was not enough.
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03-15-2021, 02:34 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 269
Hysterectomy: December 13th, 2018
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Antidepressants for menopause
Brisdelle is the brand name for paroxetine, which is also another name for Paxil, a widely used anti-depressant.
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05-17-2021, 06:56 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 110
Hysterectomy: May 26th, 2020
Surgery Type: LAVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Antidepressants for menopause
My Obgyn gave me Effexor which made me feel positively toxic. Then we tried celexa which worked at first and then I started having… orgasm yawning (minus the orgasm) look it up, it is actually a thing where you yawn a lot and feel it… everywhere. Kind of disturbing. Also tried Lyrica and gabapentin but my joints started hurting and I put on weight… so now I’m just trying to breathe. And be.
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05-18-2021, 05:05 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 19
Hysterectomy: March 31st, 2021
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Antidepressants for menopause
Hi Trinabon
I had a TLH March 31 but kept ovaries. Because cancer was found unexpectedly in my uterus during biopsy my ovaries are coming out June 16th. I am not a candidate for hrp at 47 so I asked about my options for dealing with menopause. My gyn suggested a mild antidepressant that helps with hot flashes and sweats as well as mood. I was open to try it and after 3 days I stopped due to insomnia, fatigue, exhaustion...omg. it finally dawned on me to look up side effects bc I couldn't figure out why I felt so poorly. This medication is also used for people with anxiety ( I can't imagine why...as it gave me anxiety bc I wasn't sleeping and going into a new position at work without sleep was a nightmare) Be your own advocate! At this point I am going to try and do it without meds as the side effects outweigh the perks for me. Good luck!! I hope you find something that works for you.
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08-04-2021, 07:05 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 94
Hysterectomy: July 11th, 2016
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Re: Antidepressants for menopause
Effexor works well for me... Rough at first but I just kept pushing and 75 mg is very good for my symptoms and gives me energy. Its just a "hard on the system" kind of drug on the first weeks. When you get used to it, its supposed to be one of the best for menopause management. But Ive seen a lot a ladies hating it as well.
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