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Paroxetine for Hot Flashes User Reviews (Page 2)

Brand names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Brisdelle

Paroxetine has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 96 reviews for the treatment of Hot Flashes. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 21% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Paroxetine

  • Nurse
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 22, 2019

"I started a low dose of paroxetine a few weeks ago for hot flashes. Within a couple of weeks, my hot flashes were reduced from several (around 15) a day to one or two ever other day. The severity of the hot flashes has also reduced. The only side effect that I noticed was loose stools, not diarrhea, that only lasted for a couple of weeks."

9 / 10
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  • Mistee
  • June 27, 2018

"I was prescribed this medicine yesterday (so it’s new to me) but so far I love it. I have been having hot flashes almost all day long. I live in fl & this makes life hell as it is already extremely hot here. Night sweats were insane. Fatigue, bloating etc etc. Almost instantly after taking this med I noticed a huge difference. I was able to turn my air conditioner from 63 up to 70 last night, and didn’t need my floor fan or ceiling fans. It kept me awake most of last night. I do feel like I’m extremely alert.... a ringing in my ears and a swooshing sound in my head. I can’t wait until the 4-5 weeks when these side effects will go away. I am happier dealing with the minor effects than the all day long hot flashes. I was always so embarrassed to go anywhere, see people etc because I was constantly sweating and then my under garments would be drenched and when I would go into the grocery store or anywhere with air conditioning I’d then freeze. There was no balance whatsoever and now there is!!!!!!"

8 / 10
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27 Report
  • SheCa
  • April 2, 2017

"I'm amazed that within 2 weeks of taking this medication, and I only took 5mg, my hot flashes symptoms completely subsided. Then I was inconsistent with taking it because I kept forgetting due to caring for my mother. I noticed the darn hot flashes returned, but not as bad. I started taking it consistently again every night, and the hot flashes are completely gone. I feel normal now! Thank God!!"

10 / 10
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31 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Crazy...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 17, 2016

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "A GYN prescribed Brisdelle - it's a low-dose Paxil (7.5 mg) for hot flashes. This Doctor stated that unlike other SSRI's, I would NOT have complications or side effects going on/off them - in the case of running out of supply. This was NOT my experience. After 3-4 days of stopping, I noted an odd sensation connected to my eyes. I told my opthamologist about a "swishing" sound I heard with any movement of my eyes. I finally found others reporting this all over the internet. This also happened in a previous year with Sertraline (Zoloft) - this 'after quitting' side effect lasted a very long time - maybe a year or more! THE DUMBEST, MOST WASTEFUL PACKAGING ON THE PLANET. WHY NOT SIMPLY MAKE 7.5 PAXIL IN A SIMPLE BOTTLE? Pink? Come on!"

5 / 10
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33 Report
  • penny
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 16, 2016

"I have been taking Paroxetine for hot flushes which were debilitating at work, I didn't sleep always throwing the covers off/on. It has also helped with my anxiety and panic attacks at work, and mood swings at home that were affecting my marriage, initially i did feel dizzy and had no appetite, it has been 2 months now and I feel so much better on the medication i have also lost 5 kilos due to loss of appetite, very happy,"

10 / 10
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33 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Avisp...
  • October 21, 2016

"I have been using Paroxetine for about 5 years now. Before starting to take it my hot flashes were very severe, more than 10 a day, to the point of exhaustion. I had night sweats and it was difficult to sleep. My social life just disappeared. I did not want to be around people when I was having my hot flashes. Recently I just ran out of Paroxetine and thought nothing about it. I skipped it for about 3 or 4 days. My hot flashes began to appear very strong, as I had not experienced them in a long, long time. I had forgotten what I was taking Paroxetine for. I am back on my 20mg a day, and I don't think I will ever forget to take it or the reason why I am taking it. For me, Paroxetine is a life saver!"

8 / 10
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  • Damne...
  • November 2, 2019

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "The first couple weeks I slept like a baby. I still sleep like a baby only snore like a trucker. I really like how mellow I feel , less moody, over all happier. I started this medication to help with hot flashes. Now I don’t think I have but one a week, it was 2-3 a day. I think it’s really helped with the hot flashes. I’ve experienced some of the side affects, muscle - joint pain , breathing heavier than normal especially when I go to sleep. When I do fall asleep I sleep like I haven’t slept in decades oh that’s because I also have insomnia if I don’t take the medication. Sometimes I take it just to fall asleep. This can’t be good but what’s worse is my eye twitches like muscle spasms sometimes all day other times off and on through out the day. I’m over the eye twitching. I feel like I’d be better changing my wardrobe and having the hot sweats. Insomnia sucks...So does my eye twitching. I wish I’d never started this medication."

8 / 10
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21 Report
  • Ree
  • April 25, 2018

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "Brisdelle definitely helped and calmed down the night sweats therefore, I gave a five rating. If I had to rate the side effects it would be a zero due to the severity. I experienced all the symptoms mentioned in other comments which includes vertigo symptoms with the room spinning a couple of nights, fatigue, swooshing sound in head, sensitivity to light, headaches, etc. I have been off this medicine three weeks and still feeling fatigue, nauseous, light headedness, head tremors/zaps and most of all feeling weird. I believe I rather deal with the hot flashes instead of going through all this drama. I gave it a try and it's not for me."

5 / 10
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25 Report
  • Lulu...
  • October 4, 2017

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "My hot flashes were terrible. A lot during the day and at least 6 - 8 at night. Waking me up, so can't get enough sleep. I took the brisdelle and at first I didn't think it was working. About 4 weeks in, I noticed a big change and now I'm 7 weeks in and have not had one hot flash in the last three weeks. I'm sleeping again and not sweating all day long. The only drawback was the first 3 weeks. I was exhausted, had some muscle twitching and a backache. All gone now, but getting used to it was not easy but worth it."

9 / 10
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26 Report
  • gretchr
  • February 15, 2015

"I started having hot flashes seven years a go after chemotherapy put me into menopause at the age of 44. The hot flashes were happening every one to two hours ever day and were strong. I am not allowed to take HRT so assumed I was just going to have to live with it. Last month my Dr. Told me about this drug and prescribed 10 mg daily. On day one I had no hot flashes. Since then I might have one a day but the severity is drastically reduced. Often I go all day without having one. It is life changing. The only side effect is maybe a little bit of tiredness, but nothing severe. I'll take the trade off. Give it a try, it may be just what you have been hoping for."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • Edizzle
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 20, 2017

"I was having horrific power surges (hot flashes). I would have at least 3 or more per hour and they were major. I hated stopping to talk to people at work or because I'd break out in dripping sweat, it was humiliating. I was waking up 5+ times a night with extreme sweating. I couldn't go into meetings or church or anywhere without a hand fan. I am two weeks into taking Paxil, and I might have 4 very minor power surges per day and last night was the first night in 3 years I slept through without having one single episode. I highly recommend Paxil."

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  • Lilac
  • January 16, 2017

"I went through menopause from 50-55 and Paxil was a lifesaver. My gynecologist prescribed it when all of the supplements for menopause symptoms were of no help. Hot flashes have returned at the age of 60 for some reason, and I'm taking Paxil again. Working like a charm with no side effects."

10 / 10
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28 Report
  • HOLY...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 22, 2017

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "Holy Hell is exactly how I feel. I had been taking Brisdelle for 1.5 years. The hot flashes did indeed subside - however, the side affects of this medicine coupled with the fact Noven was acquired by YET another pharmaceutical company - YOU CAN'T PLACE A REP IN THE AREA, DISTRIBUTE YOUR DRUGS, AND THEN FIRE HER-AND NOT REPLACE THEREFORE there is NO medicine or support here. You dumped this drug in the Dr's hands and walked away. After calling Sebula - you act like you don't even care. You have made it impossible to obtain this. I happen to think this is illegal. I just decided to wean myself off this and Premarin. It has been nothing short of a nightmare. If you don't need this drug- DON'T START. Seriously."

1 / 10
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27 Report
  • Pretty...
  • March 16, 2016

"I started taking paroxetine 10 mg a couple weeks for premenopause symptoms of anxieties depression. First week was hard i had bad headaches and feeling foggy side effects ugh.. the Pharmacy told me start with half a pill until my body adjusted. I gave it a week. I went back on the full pill and I am doing good. I notice a difference I feel more my self. I am grateful I don't know what I'd do without it."

9 / 10
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29 Report
  • Scarl...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • May 9, 2020

"I originally was treating my hot flashes with Estroven, which worked for several months. When it stopped working, I decided to increase the dosage of the active ingredients, black cohosh and soy isoflavones. That worked for several months and then stopped working. My doctor then prescribed 10 mg of Paroxetine, and it was like a miracle drug. I went from several hot flashes a day and waking up for five times a night to maybe one very mild hot flash per day. It was the greatest thing. But now, after about nine months, it seems to have stopped working. It’s very frustrating. Hot flashes are coming back even though I continue to take the meds. I don’t think I’ve had a lot of side effects, except I have realized I can’t cry, no matter how stressed, angry or sad I get. It’s weird."

7 / 10
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17 Report
  • Shachar
  • December 28, 2014

"Had surgical menopause and started this two weeks before surgery. I am now two weeks past surgery and have not experienced a single hot flash or any other menopause symptom. I sleep great and feel much more calm. It did make me tired for the first week and have brain fog, but that passed."

10 / 10
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31 Report
  • zcha
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 20, 2016

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "Only took one dose. Achy the next morning. 22 hrs after dose dizziness and weakness. My husband could barely get a BP on me and when my pulse came up enough to register it was only 54. I vomited then sweat profusely. My knees hurt severely for an hour. Hot flashes were diminished for the next 3 days. Fine now but still having hot flashes."

1 / 10
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28 Report
  • Joesm...
  • June 26, 2017

"I have to review this medication in hopes women that are suffering with menopausal symptoms may be helped. I read some pretty bad reviews on this drug so I was reluctant to try it. But in the the two weeks that I have taken Brisale my mood has improved and my hot flashes have been reduced to about 1 to 2 a day. Also they are less severe. The night sweats have been reduced to maybe 1 episode per night when before I had 4 to 5. Also my mood is so much better and I feel like my energy has increased. The only drawback is the $200.00 a month cost but I'm increasing my HSA to pay for this drug because I feel so much better."

10 / 10
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24 Report
  • Teyha
  • November 18, 2014

"Amazed that this is working so well for me & so quickly. I've been suffering from horrible hot flashes (2 per hour) of everyday for 8 years now. I noticed relief from Paxil in 2 days. I couldn't believe it. Like many, I've tried EVERY THING imaginable for some relief, (to avoid the dangers of HRT). Now night sweats are down to 1 per night at most (compared to 5 per night). All I do is wash sheets, night clothes & pillows. Only problem with the Paxil is how groggy I feel the next day. Now I'm taking it a few hours before bed now hoping this will help. After 3 days I think this is helping some. Won't stop trying to make this medicine work."

8 / 10
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30 Report
  • Calig...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 9, 2017

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "Was given RX for hot flashes, had shock at price (90 day over $200. asked Dr. to write RX for Paxil 10 mg, use pill cutter to cut 1/2 then 1/2 of a half = 7.5 ,90 day $4.ish.) Works for me. Hot flashes not as harsh or as often. Worried tho when I do try to wean myself, I have experienced weird sensations when have forgotten to take for a few days."

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23 Report
  • Coco
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 16, 2016

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "I have been taking Brisdelle for 1 year. Hot flashes are mostly gone, I have one occasionally usually in the morning. I ran out and my DR had written prescription for 1 year. I had to call and wait 4 days for the refill. Holy cow was I miserable and within 2 days the flashes were back full force. I am back on it. I do have joint pain in my ankles in the morning, not sure if its the drug or not but interesting others have the joint pain. I also am struggling to lose weight when it used to be so easy, Brisdelle to blame or menopause or both. Its a good drug and does what it says for me. I will continue taking it. By the way I have a coupon from their website and only pay $25 a month for it. It is costly w/no coupon."

9 / 10
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  • Flash...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 9, 2017

"Saw relief within 24 hours after starting Paroxetine 12.5 mg. No more hot flashes! I didn't realize how much sleep I was missing. Now I wake up rested. Take them in the am so any energy surge happens in the morning. Only having a teeny bit of nausea and loss of appetite in the evening. Drinking water helps. I'll trade that for no more hot flashes."

9 / 10
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24 Report
  • SARI
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • April 18, 2016

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "Brisdelle - SUCKS - Why prescribe a medication to help you with the hot flashes YET make you feel miserable (side effect) HEADACHES, nausea, trembling eye, Ewwwww. Really... I rather go thru the hot flashes. BAD BAD medicine. Also I was puking up."

1 / 10
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25 Report
  • Sonnys
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • April 30, 2023

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "It's surprising to read all these bad reviews, especially those about the terrible side effects. I've had a great experience with Brisdelle - no side effects and a dramatic reduction of the number of hot flashes and the severity. I would estimate an improvement of about 85%. I did gain some weight, but from what I read the dosage is too low to have a causal effect; probably just part of menopause."

9 / 10
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6 Report
  • Kassie
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 6, 2015

Brisdelle (paroxetine) "I have been taking Brisdelle for 7 months. I wanted to give it a fair chance. I had fairly severe hot flashes but no other problems relating to menopause. I went from having about 15 hot flashes a day to about 10. The severity was a bit better but I still had a lot of sweat with each flash especially at night. It was very expensive and my health plan didn't cover it so I came off. Weaned myself off very slowly over a six week period. The withdrawal is pretty severe. Feelings of vertigo and dizziness. Nausea and zaps."

3 / 10
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26 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

Learn more about Hot Flashes

Symptoms and treatments