Menopause Health Center
Gabapentin for hot flashes
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| gabapentin | Neurontin |
How It Works
Gabapentin is an antiseizure (anticonvulsive) medicine that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlling epilepsy. How it works to improve hot flashes is not fully understood.
Why It Is Used
Gabapentin may be used to treat hot flashes.
It addition to seizure control, gabapentin is also commonly used to treat chronic pain, migraine headache, panic disorder, and social phobia.
How Well It Works
Gabapentin may lower the number of hot flashes each day and the intensity of hot flashes. 1, 2
Side Effects
Side effects from gabapentin include:
- Fatigue or drowsiness.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially during the first couple of weeks of treatment.
- Swelling of the hands and feet.
- Rash.
- Nausea.
Side effects are less likely when the dose is gradually increased and when medicine is taken with meals.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on antiseizure medicines and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take antiseizure medicine should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take antiseizure medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Use of gabapentin for hot flashes is an off-label use.
The long-term risks or benefits of gabapentin are unknown.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Citations
Pandya KJ, et al. (2005). Gabapentin for hot flashes in 420 women with breast cancer: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet, 366(9488): 818-824.
Reddy SY, et al. (2006). Gabapentin, estrogen, and placebo for treating hot flushes. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 108(1): 41-48.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
VIVELLE-DOT (estradiol transdermal system) IS AVAILABLE BY PRESCRIPTION ONLY.
INDICATION
Vivelle-Dot is used after menopause to: reduce moderate to severe hot flashes; treat moderate to severe dryness, itching and burning in or around the vagina; help reduce your chances of getting osteoporosis (thin weak bones); and treat certain conditions in which a young woman's ovaries do not produce enough estrogens naturally. Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg/day is only used to prevent osteoporosis from menopause. If you use Vivelle-Dot only to treat your dryness, itching, and burning in and around your vagina or if you use Vivelle-Dot only to prevent osteoporosis from menopause, talk with your healthcare professional about whether a different treatment or medicine without estrogens might be better for you.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Estrogens increase the chances of getting cancer of the uterus (womb). Report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away while you are taking estrogens. Vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a warning sign of cancer of the uterus (womb).
Do not use estrogens with or without progestins to prevent heart disease, heart attacks, or strokes. Using estrogens with or without progestins may increase your chances of getting heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and blood clots. Using estrogens with progestins may increase your risk of dementia (decline in memory and thinking skills).
Vivelle-Dot should not be used if you have unusual vaginal bleeding; currently have or have had certain cancers, including cancer of the breast or uterus; had a stroke or heart attack in the recent past (for example, in the past year); currently have or have had blood clots; currently have or have had liver problems; or think you may be, or know that you are, pregnant.
The most common side effects that may occur with Vivelle-Dot are headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.
You and your healthcare professional should talk regularly about whether you still need treatment with Vivelle-Dot.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see Full Prescribing Information for Vivelle-Dot.
A generation ago, no one talked about menopause. Today it's openly discussed. But some common menopause myths persist.
