Will the hot flashes disappear or get better with time after taking effexor again? Is this a side effect?

Question

I started Effexor again after a 3 month break. I went back on it because my generalized anxiety was too disabling despite many non-medicinal options. It's been a month and a half, and I regularly have hot flashes, day or night and it's very uncomfortable. I did not have this side effect the first time I took this medication. Can taking effexor make it hard to concentrate? I had forgotten to ask as well. Thank you so much! Thank you very much for your advice. I meditate a lot and have cotton sheets. I will evaluate this and talk to my doctor at a follow-up. I was wondering, I have a lot of trouble concentrating. Is this a side effect too, or is it more of a symptom of anxiety? It is not totally controlled despite my efforts to meditate, breathe etc.... Thank you and have a good weekend!

Nathalie Gagnon · Accepted Answer

Hello, Venlafaxine is used in some women to try to reduce vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) related to menopause or hormone-dependent breast cancer. This side effect is not reported in the monograph, but it is possible. However, the monograph mentions sweating in 11% of users. Here are some non-pharmacological tips, but don't hesitate to discuss the choice of treatment with your doctor if it is too disabling. Avoid alcohol and hot drinks; Avoid eating strong spicy foods; Sleep on cotton sheets at night; Wear light, layered clothing that can be removed if necessary and avoid sleeping with wear light, layered clothing that can be removed if necessary and avoid sleeping in synthetic clothing. Again again, cotton is best; Sleep with the window open and avoid overheating the rooms in the house; Exercise and relaxation can help reduce hot flashes. Sorry: I had looked for the concentration, but I forgot to write it down... We don't mention this side effect, but nothing is impossible with the fact that we are all unique in front of a molecule. I wish you to take care of yourself, to be gentle with yourself as a friend would be and have a good day.