Does fluoxetine cause hot flashes? (+3 findings)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we are going to discuss whether or not fluoxetine causes hot flashes, studies elucidating the effect of fluoxetine on hot flashes, causes and factors contributing to hot flashes while taking fluoxetine, what to do if fluoxetine causes persistent hot flashes and possible strategies to manage fluoxetine-related hot flashes.
Does fluoxetine cause hot flashes?
Yes, fluoxetine can cause hot flashes. Hot flashes are one of the common side effects of fluoxetine. (1)
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication sold under the brand name Prozac, it belongs to the class of antidepressants known as the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) that function by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. (2)
The precise mechanism by which fluoxetine induces hot flashes is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be connected to the way it modifies the brain’s serotonin levels.
Although hot flashes are mild to moderate and usually fade away as your body adjusts to the medication, they can be irritating to some individuals. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience hot flashes while taking fluoxetine. They might reduce your medication dose or switch you to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
What does research suggest?
Few research studies have been conducted on the correlation between fluoxetine and hot flashes. However, some studies reported that hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer can be alleviated with fluoxetine at a dose of 20 mg per day. (3)
A further study found that while taking SSRIs such as fluoxetine, a little reduction in the intensity and frequency of hot flashes was noted. (4)
The studies concluded that while fluoxetine may prevent hot flashes in certain individuals, it may potentially trigger them in others. It’s crucial to remember that this research is constrained and that other investigations are required to completely comprehend how fluoxetine affects hot flashes.
What factors can contribute to hot flashes while taking fluoxetine?
There are several factors that can contribute to hot flashes while taking fluoxetine such as: (5)
Hormonal changes: Hot flashes, especially in women going through menopause have been linked to changes in hormones like estrogen. Hot flashes may be exacerbated by fluoxetine’s potential to alter hormone levels.
Brain chemistry: By raising serotonin levels, fluoxetine modifies brain chemistry. Hot flashes may be caused by variations in serotonin levels because this hormone is involved in controlling the body temperature.
Age: The elderly especially women over 45 years are more likely to experience hot flashes.
Stress: Hot flashes can be brought on by stress (sudden sensation of heat).
Other lifestyle factors: Hot flashes can be induced by certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and black women’s race.
What should you do if fluoxetine causes persistent hot flashes?
If fluoxetine causes persistent hot flashes, consult your healthcare practitioner about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse effects such as: (6)
- Paroxetine. Low-dose Paroxetine (Brisdelle) is FDA-approved for treating hot flashes.
- Citalopram (Celexa).
- Escitalopram (Lexapro).
- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
- Sertraline (Zoloft). It is an SSRI antidepressant that was shown effective in treating depression. Sertraline can occasionally cause flushing and can be well-tolerated in certain individuals than fluoxetine.
These antidepressants can be used instead of fluoxetine for treating your depressive symptoms. Moreover, these medications can sometimes be useful in treating hot flashes. However, it is important to note that every person differs in their response to different medications.
Your healthcare provider might prescribe other treatments for treating your hot flashes symptoms such as gabapentin, pregabalin, oxybutynin, or clonidine, they can be useful in treating hot flashes in certain individuals.
If your hot flashes symptoms are severe. They might prescribe hormone medications such as estrogen hormonal therapy. However, taking hormone medications is accompanied by many risks. Your healthcare provider will properly assess your condition and determine whether or not the benefits outweigh the risks, and take the best course of action accordingly.
Useful tips and strategies for managing fluoxetine-related hot flashes
There are several useful tips and strategies that can be used for managing fluoxetine-related hot flashes such as: (6)
Wear light clothes: When a heat flash occurs, wearing light, breathable clothing will help you cool down fast.
Keep your environment cool: Staying in a cool air-conditioned environment can help reduce your hot flashes symptoms and can help you cool down.
Steer clear of hot flash triggers: Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food can induce hot flashes while taking fluoxetine.
Employ relaxation techniques: You can maintain your composure and calmness during a hot flash by using progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing techniques.
Based on my knowledge and research, fluoxetine can cause hot flashes. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to medications, and not everyone experiences this side effect.
However, if you experience hot flashes while taking fluoxetine, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018936s108lbl.pdf
2.-
Fluvoxamine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695004.html#:~:text=Fluvoxamine%20is%20used%20to%20treat,that%20interferes%20with%20normal%20life).
3.-
Loprinzi CL, Sloan JA, Perez EA, Quella SK, Stella PJ, Mailliard JA, et al. Phase III Evaluation of Fluoxetine for Treatment of Hot Flashes. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2002 Mar 15;20(6):1578–83. Available from: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/jco.2002.20.6.1578#:~:text=Eleven%20percent%20of%20patients%20reported,reported%20for%20hot%20flash%20frequencies.
4.-
Shams T, Firwana B, Habib F, Alshahrani A, AlNouh B, Murad MH, et al. SSRIs for Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Journal of General Internal Medicine [Internet]. 2013 Jul 26;29(1):204–13. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3889979/
5.-
Hot flashes – Symptoms and causes [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. 2018. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/symptoms-causes/syc-20352790
6.-
Hot flashes – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. www.mayoclinic.org. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hot-flashes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352795
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