Does Pristiq make you feel hot? (3+ findings)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Pristiq makes you feel hot, studies elucidating the effect of Pristiq on hot flashes, the factors that may make you feel hot while taking Pristiq, what you should do if Pristiq makes you feel hot, Pristiq alternatives if it causes persistent hot flashes, and tips for managing hot flashes while taking Pristiq.

Does Pristiq make you feel hot?

Yes, Pristiq can sometimes make you feel hot. Some individuals report feeling hot or experiencing hot flashes while taking Pristiq. However, hot flashes are not a common side effect of Pristiq. Conversely, Pristiq was proven to help relieve hot flashes symptoms in certain individuals.

Pristiq is the brand name of the antidepressant medication desvenlafaxine. It belongs to the class of drugs known as SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). Pristiq functions by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. (1)

It is believed that Pristiq increases the body temperature by interfering with the hypothalamus, which is responsible for controlling body temperature.

The brain region known as the hypothalamus regulates body temperature by utilizing the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.

Hot flashes may result from Pristiq’s elevation of these neurotransmitter levels, which may disrupt the hypothalamus’s capacity to control body temperature. (2), (3)

Additionally, Pristiq may have an impact on estrogen levels, which may also be a factor in causing hot flashes. (4)

What does research suggest?

There is limited research available on whether Pristiq can cause hot flashes. Conversely, there are studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of Pristiq in treating hot flashes.

These studies found that desvenlafaxine, the active ingredient in Pristiq, can significantly reduce the number and severity of daily moderate to severe hot flashes. Additionally, the number of nighttime awakenings caused by hot flashes was also considerably reduced. (5)

Another study was conducted to evaluate how effective and tolerable desvenlafaxine is for treating hot flashes in healthy postmenopausal women. The findings revealed that desvenlafaxine reduced hot flashes by 55 to 69 percent.

Consequently, the study concluded that desvenlafaxine can be a suitable choice for decreasing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. (6)

What factors might contribute to Pristiq-induced hot flashes?

There are several factors that might contribute to Pristiq-induced hot flashes, some of which include: (7)

• Brain chemistry: By raising serotonin and norepinephrine levels, Pristiq modifies brain chemistry. Hot flashes may be caused by variations in serotonin and norepinephrine levels as these neurotransmitters are involved in controlling body temperature.

• Hormonal changes: Hot flashes, especially in menopausal women have been linked to changes in hormones like estrogen. Hot flashes may be exacerbated by Pristiq’s potential to alter hormone levels.

• Age: The elderly population especially women over 45 years are more likely to experience hot flashes than the younger population.

• Stress: Overstressing can release certain hormones such as cortisol, which can interfere with the regulation of your body temperature, leading to hot flashes.

• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and alcohol can all induce hot flashes while taking Pristiq. They can cause hormonal changes, which can lead to hot flashes.

What should you do if Pristiq makes you feel hot?

If Pristiq makes you feel hot, consult your healthcare practitioner about reducing your dosage. Your healthcare provider might gradually reduce your Pristiq dose over weeks or months.

According to your situation, your healthcare provider might reduce your dosage by 10-20% per week. You should take the reduced dose for at least one week before reducing the dose again.

Additionally, your healthcare provider will thoroughly evaluate your situation to determine whether Pristiq is the cause of hot flashes or whether there are underlying medical conditions or other factors that can cause hot flashes.

After careful evaluation, if Pristiq is the cause of hot flashes and if this side effect is persistent despite reducing your dosage, your healthcare provider might switch you to an alternative with fewer adverse effects.

Useful tips for managing hot flashes while taking Pristiq

There are several useful tips and strategies for managing hot flashes while taking Pristiq such as: (8)

• Employ relaxation techniques: You can maintain your composure and calmness during a hot flash by using breathing and muscle relaxation techniques.

• Wear light clothes: When a heat flash occurs, wearing breathable and light clothing will help you cool down fast.

• Steer clear of hot flash triggers: Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy food can induce hot flashes while taking Pristiq.

• Keep your environment cool: Staying in a cool air-conditioned environment can help reduce hot flashes and can also help cool you down.

What are Pristiq alternatives if it causes persistent hot flashes?

There are certain Pristiq alternatives if it causes persistent hot flashes such as: (8)

• Paroxetine (Brisdelle): It is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Low-dose paroxetine is FDA-approved for treating hot flashes.

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR): It is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as SNRIs. Effexor XR was shown to be effective in treating hot flashes in certain individuals.

• Sertraline (Zoloft): It is an antidepressant medication that also belongs to the SSRI class of drugs. Sertraline was shown effective in reducing hot flashes in certain individuals with depression. 

However, sertraline can occasionally cause hot flashes in certain individuals. It is important to note that side effects differ from person to person.

Based on my knowledge and research, Pristiq can make you feel hot in certain conditions. In my opinion, every person differs in their response to different medications, and not everyone experiences hot flashes while taking Pristiq. 

I recommend sticking to your healthcare provider’s guidelines and following useful tips while using Pristiq to get the best results.

However, if you experience hot flashes while taking Pristiq, consult your healthcare practitioner about reducing your medication dose or switching to an alternative with fewer adverse events.

References