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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can I Suddenly Stop Taking Medication For Hot Flashes?

hello I have a prescription for escitalopram 10 mg tablets (in hopes it would help hot flashes - which it has not) and since it is not working I m wondering if I can just stop the medication or do I have to taper off since my doctor had me begin with one pill daily for a week and then increase to two pills daily. Thanks Julia Wood
Wed, 5 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Escitalopram takes time to start showing its effects. Hormone replacement therapy in the form of estrogen and progesterone is also available for those who do not respond to escitalopram. You can discuss about this with your doctor. I am recommending some lifestyle changes which might help you in coping with hot flashes.
Advice
1.     Keep taking escitalopram regularly. Do not stop it abruptly unless suggested by your doctor
2.     Regular exercise at least 30 minutes for 5 days in a week such as walking, jogging and swimming
3.     Do meditation
4.     Avoid strenuous physical activity
5.     Wear cotton and loose wardrobe
6.     Take bath two times daily with normal water
7.     Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol
8.     Consume less salt
9.     Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee and caffeinated beverages
10.     Lose extra weight if you are overweight and keep your body mass index between 19 and 25. BMI is calculated by formula BMI = Weight in Kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters)
11.     Reduce your metal stress because stress activates sympathetic system and causes hot flashes
I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question
Thanks
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Can I Suddenly Stop Taking Medication For Hot Flashes?

Escitalopram takes time to start showing its effects. Hormone replacement therapy in the form of estrogen and progesterone is also available for those who do not respond to escitalopram. You can discuss about this with your doctor. I am recommending some lifestyle changes which might help you in coping with hot flashes. Advice 1. Keep taking escitalopram regularly. Do not stop it abruptly unless suggested by your doctor 2. Regular exercise at least 30 minutes for 5 days in a week such as walking, jogging and swimming 3. Do meditation 4. Avoid strenuous physical activity 5. Wear cotton and loose wardrobe 6. Take bath two times daily with normal water 7. Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol 8. Consume less salt 9. Avoid smoking, alcohol, coffee and caffeinated beverages 10. Lose extra weight if you are overweight and keep your body mass index between 19 and 25. BMI is calculated by formula BMI = Weight in Kilograms / (height in meters x height in meters) 11. Reduce your metal stress because stress activates sympathetic system and causes hot flashes I hope this information will help you. I will be happy if you ask another question Thanks