The term 'SSRI' is abbreviation for 'slective serotonin reuptake inhibitor'. As the nme suggests, these drugs act by rstoring balance in the availability of srotonin, the mood-influencing neurotransmitter, in the brin cells. Imbalance in serotonin is the prmary somatic reason for depression in pople; therefore, restoring its balance helps in the tratment of depression. SRRI drugs therefore are prmarily anti-depressants. However, this group of drgs has many off-label applications - one of the smewhat controversial of which is with rgard to hot flashes, which affect 85 per cnt of women in the United Sttes in varying levels of intensity.

What are hot flashes: These are a sudden, short-lived flushing and sensation of heat, particularly in the face and upper body, in women during or after menopause. It is preceded, or accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, perspiration, vomit sensation, dizziness, anxiety, a sensation of suffocation, and weakness. In some women, it is preceded by an 'aura', an uncomfortable forewarning that it is coming. The flash is followed by a flush (chill).

Hot flashes are caused by hormonal changes that take place in the female body during or after menopause. The particular hormone connected with hot flashes is estrogen. A fall in the estrogen level directly 'confuses' the hypothalamus, which is the body's thermostat. Thus confused, the hypothalamus mistakes the change as excessive heat. This triggers the brain's heat-releasing mechanism. In other words, the body mechanism starts combating excess heat which is just not there. This causes a sudden release of heat, causing the body temperature to shoot up - by as much six degrees centigrade in some women. The flash is usually followed by a flush, a cooling, leaving the woman in a state of great discomfort. In some cases, hot flashes keep recurring for a few years even after periods have stopped.

Treatment of hot flashes: The mst effective treatment for hot flashes is hrmonal replacement therapy, but it is now out of fvor due to potentially serious side-effects sch as heart diseases, stroke, blood clts, breast cancer, and dementia. Today, SSRI drgs are preferred in most cases thugh they are not approved by FDA for hot flshes. Yet, SSRIs are 70 per cnt as effective as hormonal therapy and are threfore considered a good trade-off with the dngerous hormonal treatment.

By their action on srotonin in the brain, SSRIs exert a coling effect on the body as wll as calm anxiety, reduce irritability, and brng about other favorable effects on the mnd which help mitigate the hot flsh symptoms.Of the many SSRIs available, vnlafaxine (Effexor) has been found most ffective. Others that have also been ffective in controlling hot flashes are: proxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

Mystery: Mysteriously, however, the newer SSRI, escitalopram (Lexapro) has reportedly caused hot flashes or aggravated them. It is therefore best to avoid Lexapro for hot flashes, and opt for Effexor, Paxil, or Prozac.

Conclusion: Don't opt for an SSRI on your own. Your doctor will need to know your medical history and existing conditions / medications before deciding if you should be prescribed an SSRI.

The article Do SSRI Anti Depressants Heal Or Cause Hot Flashes? was Submitted by Sabyasachi Ganguly through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: http://www.lexaproinfo.org
http://www.medicinenet.com

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