HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

I Am 53 Years Old And Going Through Menopause And

default
Posted on Sat, 13 Feb 2021
Question: I am 53 years old and going through menopause and experiencing severe hot flashes and night sweats. I was recently given venlafaxine 37.5 extended release and instant release to see which one would work better. Which one do you think I should take first? I have a very sensitive system and I'm worried about this medicine raising my blood pressure because I read an article on line that said this medicine can raise your blood pressure. What is your thoughts on this? I was having for the last few weeks anxiety attacks but they have somewhat subsided now it's mainly the hot flashes and night sweats that are keeping me from getting good quality sleep at night. Please help with any suggestions or thoughts as soon as possible. If there is anything herbal that might help please advise me as well. Thank you
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
I am 53 years old and going through menopause and experiencing severe hot flashes and night sweats. I was recently given venlafaxine 37.5 extended release and instant release to see which one would work better. Which one do you think I should take first? I have a very sensitive system and I'm worried about this medicine raising my blood pressure because I read an article on line that said this medicine can raise your blood pressure. What is your thoughts on this? I was having for the last few weeks anxiety attacks but they have somewhat subsided now it's mainly the hot flashes and night sweats that are keeping me from getting good quality sleep at night. Please help with any suggestions or thoughts as soon as possible. If there is anything herbal that might help please advise me as well. Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that venlafaxine 37.5 extended release, tends to have a lower peak plasma levels (as it is controlled gradual release) and can lead to less adverse effects.

Another way to tolerate this drug better, you can start with the instant release at a lower dose (half a tablet or a quarter of the tablet) and increase gradually the dose (every week) up to one tablet and then pass to the extended release tablet.

Regarding sleep, besides venlafaxine, I would recommend trying Melatonin, which is a more natural drug (it is a hormone released normal by our brain). You can try 5mg or 10 mg of Melatonin before sleep, to help regulate your sleep.

Hope to have been helpful!

I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!

I passed carefully through your question and would explain that venlafaxine 37.5 extended release, tends to have a lower peak plasma levels (as it is controlled gradual release) and can lead to less adverse effects.

Another way to tolerate this drug better, you can start with the instant release at a lower dose (half a tablet or a quarter of the tablet) and increase gradually the dose (every week) up to one tablet and then pass to the extended release tablet.

Regarding sleep, besides venlafaxine, I would recommend trying Melatonin, which is a more natural drug (it is a hormone released normal by our brain). You can try 5mg or 10 mg of Melatonin before sleep, to help regulate your sleep.

Hope to have been helpful!

I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!

Kind regards,

Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Doctor,
To be clear, I should cut the 37.5 instant release tablet in half and take it once a day or should I take half in the morning and the other half at night or just once a day the half and that's all for the first week. I just want to STOP sweating even my body has taken on awful smell and this is not me at all. I truly need help but I don't want to do anything reckless that may raise my blood pressure or cause me chest palpitations. I do have some alprazolam 0.25 that I can take. When should I possibly take the alprazolam? I just need peace and stop sweating.... thanks
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Doctor,
To be clear, I should cut the 37.5 instant release tablet in half and take it once a day or should I take half in the morning and the other half at night or just once a day the half and that's all for the first week. I just want to STOP sweating even my body has taken on awful smell and this is not me at all. I truly need help but I don't want to do anything reckless that may raise my blood pressure or cause me chest palpitations. I do have some alprazolam 0.25 that I can take. When should I possibly take the alprazolam? I just need peace and stop sweating.... thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I would recommend starting with a low daily dose, once a day, half a tablet at bedtime and then after a week increase the dose to one tablet at bedtime. This will help your body tolerate better the drug and get used to it slowly without any adverse effects like blood pressure fluctuations.

Regarding Xanax, it can help reduce anxiety, but it is not good drug to help sleeping. You can take it each time that you feel anxious or with those flushes. You can take up to 6 tablets a day, divided in three times. It leads to short term relief, but it is not a long term treatment as it can lead to addiction and tolerance.

Melatonin is a better drug to help with sleeping. Anyway, venlafaxine can help with many issues: sleeping, anxiety, bad humor, hot flushes, etc.. It is recommended as long term treatment, in order to make you feel better for a long period of time, even after stopping this drug. It does not cause addiction or tolerance.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I would recommend starting with a low daily dose, once a day, half a tablet at bedtime and then after a week increase the dose to one tablet at bedtime. This will help your body tolerate better the drug and get used to it slowly without any adverse effects like blood pressure fluctuations.

Regarding Xanax, it can help reduce anxiety, but it is not good drug to help sleeping. You can take it each time that you feel anxious or with those flushes. You can take up to 6 tablets a day, divided in three times. It leads to short term relief, but it is not a long term treatment as it can lead to addiction and tolerance.

Melatonin is a better drug to help with sleeping. Anyway, venlafaxine can help with many issues: sleeping, anxiety, bad humor, hot flushes, etc.. It is recommended as long term treatment, in order to make you feel better for a long period of time, even after stopping this drug. It does not cause addiction or tolerance.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 hours later)
Dr. I took the venlafaxine about a little more than 1/4 of tablet and it raised my blood pressure to 135/95 so I took tonight another 1/2 of my blood pressure pill which is normally Losartan hctz 50/12.5. This morning I took my regular dose and tonight since my pressure increased about venlafaxine i took another 1/2 of losartan hctz to try and get my pressure back down. Do you think I should have done that or what should I have done? I'm not sweating now but of course now my blood pressure is elevated.... what options do I have now? Can it take venlafaxine an melatonin together, does melatonin help with hot flashes? I feel a little jumpy now ..... what should I do? It looks like i may not be able to take this medicine...
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Dr. I took the venlafaxine about a little more than 1/4 of tablet and it raised my blood pressure to 135/95 so I took tonight another 1/2 of my blood pressure pill which is normally Losartan hctz 50/12.5. This morning I took my regular dose and tonight since my pressure increased about venlafaxine i took another 1/2 of losartan hctz to try and get my pressure back down. Do you think I should have done that or what should I have done? I'm not sweating now but of course now my blood pressure is elevated.... what options do I have now? Can it take venlafaxine an melatonin together, does melatonin help with hot flashes? I feel a little jumpy now ..... what should I do? It looks like i may not be able to take this medicine...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pleas try to relax and be patient!

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

It seems to me that your are just a little anxious, nothing serious!

It is OK to take an extra dose of your anti-hypertensive drugs if your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges. They may just lower your blood pressure further, nothing serious is going to happen, even if it is not necessary.

Regarding venlafaxine, its adverse effects are temporary and the blood pressure fluctuations will get better with time. Its benefits will need up to 10 days to be seen or felt. For this reason, you should try to be patient and wait!

Regarding melatonin, it does not help with the hot flushes, but it helps with sleep and the lack of sleep may worsen flushes. So, indirectly it may have some benefits on flushes.

It is safe to take venlafaxine and melatonin concomitantly.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Pleas try to relax and be patient!

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

It seems to me that your are just a little anxious, nothing serious!

It is OK to take an extra dose of your anti-hypertensive drugs if your blood pressure values are above the normal ranges. They may just lower your blood pressure further, nothing serious is going to happen, even if it is not necessary.

Regarding venlafaxine, its adverse effects are temporary and the blood pressure fluctuations will get better with time. Its benefits will need up to 10 days to be seen or felt. For this reason, you should try to be patient and wait!

Regarding melatonin, it does not help with the hot flushes, but it helps with sleep and the lack of sleep may worsen flushes. So, indirectly it may have some benefits on flushes.

It is safe to take venlafaxine and melatonin concomitantly.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (16 hours later)
Dr XXXXXXX
Update, I was taken off the Effexor totally today because it was causing me blood pressure problems. I'm trying to deal with my anxiety in which we feel is definitely being caused by my hormones since I'm going through menopause now. Usually in the morning I take losartan hctz 50/12.5mg, Bystolic 5mg and at night I take Norvasc 5mg but today I messed up rushing out the door and took Norvasc and bystolic and tonight at 9pm I took Losartan . It's now 11:55pm and my blood pressure is high for me at 137/97.
Can I take Norvasc 5 mg or half of it now to help bring my pressure down or should I take alprazolam.0.25 to calm my anxiety down and see if it lowers my blood pressure??? I'm so sick of all these pills and still having problems with my blood pressure. I'm worried that the alprazolam may raise my blood pressure at least thats what I read on the internet. Please advise me asap on what to do.... thanks
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Dr XXXXXXX
Update, I was taken off the Effexor totally today because it was causing me blood pressure problems. I'm trying to deal with my anxiety in which we feel is definitely being caused by my hormones since I'm going through menopause now. Usually in the morning I take losartan hctz 50/12.5mg, Bystolic 5mg and at night I take Norvasc 5mg but today I messed up rushing out the door and took Norvasc and bystolic and tonight at 9pm I took Losartan . It's now 11:55pm and my blood pressure is high for me at 137/97.
Can I take Norvasc 5 mg or half of it now to help bring my pressure down or should I take alprazolam.0.25 to calm my anxiety down and see if it lowers my blood pressure??? I'm so sick of all these pills and still having problems with my blood pressure. I'm worried that the alprazolam may raise my blood pressure at least thats what I read on the internet. Please advise me asap on what to do.... thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is ok to take half a tablet of bystolic in this situation.

It will help lower your blood pressure values and reduce anxiety. Betablockers are helpful in such situations.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Please let me know about everything!

Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that it is ok to take half a tablet of bystolic in this situation.

It will help lower your blood pressure values and reduce anxiety. Betablockers are helpful in such situations.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Please let me know about everything!

Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 hours later)
Doc, now the doctor wants me to take my medicine like this. Take Losartan HCTZ in the morning and take Norvasc and bystolic at night. Does this make sense based off what I have been telling you? Will this help me doing things this way? At what reading should I get alarmed and head for the hospital or take another pill?

My girlfriend takes Topol XL 50mg in the morning so you do think that would be good for me?

When should I take the alprazolam?

I know you are a cardiologist instead of a gynecologist but can you tell me what can I possibly take to stop these hot flashes because my gynecologist seem to not know what to give me? I'm truly sick of this journey and will be glad when it's over.
Please answer all my questions.

Thanks so much and sorry for all the questions.
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Doc, now the doctor wants me to take my medicine like this. Take Losartan HCTZ in the morning and take Norvasc and bystolic at night. Does this make sense based off what I have been telling you? Will this help me doing things this way? At what reading should I get alarmed and head for the hospital or take another pill?

My girlfriend takes Topol XL 50mg in the morning so you do think that would be good for me?

When should I take the alprazolam?

I know you are a cardiologist instead of a gynecologist but can you tell me what can I possibly take to stop these hot flashes because my gynecologist seem to not know what to give me? I'm truly sick of this journey and will be glad when it's over.
Please answer all my questions.

Thanks so much and sorry for all the questions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I would recommend trying escitalopram to help improve your situation with the hot flushes and anxiety. It is a good antidepressant, which does not affect blood pressure values.

Regarding Toprol XL, I think that it is a good treatment choice. You can use it instead of bystolic. You should discuss with your doctor on this possible treatment option. I would not change the other drugs that you are taking.

Regarding alprazolam, I would recommend taking it when you feel anxious, but not regularly. Escitalopram can help improve your situation and reduce the need for alprazolam.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I would recommend trying escitalopram to help improve your situation with the hot flushes and anxiety. It is a good antidepressant, which does not affect blood pressure values.

Regarding Toprol XL, I think that it is a good treatment choice. You can use it instead of bystolic. You should discuss with your doctor on this possible treatment option. I would not change the other drugs that you are taking.

Regarding alprazolam, I would recommend taking it when you feel anxious, but not regularly. Escitalopram can help improve your situation and reduce the need for alprazolam.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (30 hours later)
Dr. IIiri,
I am beginning to feel very frustrated with doctors in general. Today, it was proposed to me that they raise my Losartan HCTZ from 50/12.5mg daily to 100/12.5mg to be taken once a day with 5mg of Bystolic. Also, he wants to take away the Norvasc at night and for me to only take Bystolic 5mg at night. Is this making sense to you? I do not feel that the Bystolic ONLY at night is going to keep my blood pressure controlled until the next day. They don't understand why my pulse is staying so high at a resting period. My pulse runs anywhere from 85 to 99 at any given point and time. What can I do about this? I know this is not healthy for me because it tires me out and I know it has to be causing problems to my heart over time.... I was told that Effexor would not raise my blood pressure and it did just that.......I'm so terrified about my health right now. My blood pressure today (took Losartan HCTZ 50/12.5mg at 5:30am with readings of 128/99 pulse 99 , At 9am it was 135/90 pulse 96, (took Bystolic 5mg at 10:32am) my readings were138/94 pulse 100. I have an open minded doctor now but I don't know what to ask for or what to do. Please give me your honest opinion and any possible help to make me better. I'm still waiting for my OBGYN to call me in some Lexapro that you stated but what dose do you think I will need? I really do not care for taking all this medicine but I will do what I need in order to get better. Years ago I use to be on Benicar HCTZ but then I had to stop taking it because they Black Boxed it and there was a big shortage of it so they changed me but it did work for me....I am 5'0 and weigh now 158 pounds now. I started May of 2020 at 180 pounds and have been working on losing weight still daily. I could be wrong but I think if I can get these hot flashes under control my blood pressure will become better...*I'm so sorry that I'm writing so much but I truly need help....
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Dr. IIiri,
I am beginning to feel very frustrated with doctors in general. Today, it was proposed to me that they raise my Losartan HCTZ from 50/12.5mg daily to 100/12.5mg to be taken once a day with 5mg of Bystolic. Also, he wants to take away the Norvasc at night and for me to only take Bystolic 5mg at night. Is this making sense to you? I do not feel that the Bystolic ONLY at night is going to keep my blood pressure controlled until the next day. They don't understand why my pulse is staying so high at a resting period. My pulse runs anywhere from 85 to 99 at any given point and time. What can I do about this? I know this is not healthy for me because it tires me out and I know it has to be causing problems to my heart over time.... I was told that Effexor would not raise my blood pressure and it did just that.......I'm so terrified about my health right now. My blood pressure today (took Losartan HCTZ 50/12.5mg at 5:30am with readings of 128/99 pulse 99 , At 9am it was 135/90 pulse 96, (took Bystolic 5mg at 10:32am) my readings were138/94 pulse 100. I have an open minded doctor now but I don't know what to ask for or what to do. Please give me your honest opinion and any possible help to make me better. I'm still waiting for my OBGYN to call me in some Lexapro that you stated but what dose do you think I will need? I really do not care for taking all this medicine but I will do what I need in order to get better. Years ago I use to be on Benicar HCTZ but then I had to stop taking it because they Black Boxed it and there was a big shortage of it so they changed me but it did work for me....I am 5'0 and weigh now 158 pounds now. I started May of 2020 at 180 pounds and have been working on losing weight still daily. I could be wrong but I think if I can get these hot flashes under control my blood pressure will become better...*I'm so sorry that I'm writing so much but I truly need help....
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 minute later)
Also, the link you sent me to write you on does not work. Can you please send me another link or your email so I can write you directly hopefully with a faster turn around..... Thanks
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Also, the link you sent me to write you on does not work. Can you please send me another link or your email so I can write you directly hopefully with a faster turn around..... Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that even the recommendation of doubling the dose of losartan / hydroclorthiazide is Ok, as this drug even though taken once per day can help maintain normal blood pressure values for 24 hours ( its effects last in time).

You should know that there is no specific schema for antihypertensive drugs, but we can try any combination ( based on our knowledge on the drugs pharmacological properties) until you will have a new optimal balance for high blood pressure.

Regarding your heart rate please don't worry too much, as it is not harmful at such rate. Anyway, you can switch from bystolic to Toprol XL in order to have better results.

Regarding Lexapro, I would recommend starting with 5mg at lunch for a week and increase to 10mg daily maintenance dose.
You can increase the dose further up to 20mg daily after a month if you don't feel optimally.

You should try to be patient as its effects are shown after a couple of weeks.

Regarding my personal link, I am sorry, but there is no other specific way to search for my consultation on this platform.
But I would recommend to start your query by writing: Query for Dr.Ilir Sharka. and then continue your question.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I understand your concern and would explain that even the recommendation of doubling the dose of losartan / hydroclorthiazide is Ok, as this drug even though taken once per day can help maintain normal blood pressure values for 24 hours ( its effects last in time).

You should know that there is no specific schema for antihypertensive drugs, but we can try any combination ( based on our knowledge on the drugs pharmacological properties) until you will have a new optimal balance for high blood pressure.

Regarding your heart rate please don't worry too much, as it is not harmful at such rate. Anyway, you can switch from bystolic to Toprol XL in order to have better results.

Regarding Lexapro, I would recommend starting with 5mg at lunch for a week and increase to 10mg daily maintenance dose.
You can increase the dose further up to 20mg daily after a month if you don't feel optimally.

You should try to be patient as its effects are shown after a couple of weeks.

Regarding my personal link, I am sorry, but there is no other specific way to search for my consultation on this platform.
But I would recommend to start your query by writing: Query for Dr.Ilir Sharka. and then continue your question.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

Wishing all the best,
Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (8 hours later)
Doc, Please look at the enclosed report and tell me what you think about it. Also, let me know what I need to be concerned about and what I need to tell the doctor needs to be done and what I feel don't need to be done. Based on this report, could it explain why I am battling high blood pressure and pulse as well as anxiety or not really???? Could this really all be hormone related my previous symptoms??? Thanks!
default
Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Doc, Please look at the enclosed report and tell me what you think about it. Also, let me know what I need to be concerned about and what I need to tell the doctor needs to be done and what I feel don't need to be done. Based on this report, could it explain why I am battling high blood pressure and pulse as well as anxiety or not really???? Could this really all be hormone related my previous symptoms??? Thanks!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (24 hours later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I passed carefully through your cardiac ultrasound report and would explain that these findings are related to high blood pressure.

For this reason, the main thing to do is to optimise your antihypertensive therapy in order to help maintain normal blood pressure values and prevent the progression of such changes in the heart.

The hormonal changes certainly have some influence on high blood pressure and the high heart rate, as they can also cause a lot of stress for your body.
For this reason, I would recommend trying escitaloram to help improve your situation and try the recommended changes on your blood pressure drugs, in order to have a better control of your blood pressure values.

Regarding the increased heart rate, it could be related to the stress or hormone changes. Anyway I would recommend checking also thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction, blood electrolytes for possible imbalances and a complete blood count for anemia.

If these tests result normal, I would suggest switching from bystolic to Toprol XL.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I would be glad to assist you further whenever you need

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (0 minute later)
Brief Answer:
My opinion as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

I passed carefully through your cardiac ultrasound report and would explain that these findings are related to high blood pressure.

For this reason, the main thing to do is to optimise your antihypertensive therapy in order to help maintain normal blood pressure values and prevent the progression of such changes in the heart.

The hormonal changes certainly have some influence on high blood pressure and the high heart rate, as they can also cause a lot of stress for your body.
For this reason, I would recommend trying escitaloram to help improve your situation and try the recommended changes on your blood pressure drugs, in order to have a better control of your blood pressure values.

Regarding the increased heart rate, it could be related to the stress or hormone changes. Anyway I would recommend checking also thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction, blood electrolytes for possible imbalances and a complete blood count for anemia.

If these tests result normal, I would suggest switching from bystolic to Toprol XL.

Hope you will find this information helpful!

I would be glad to assist you further whenever you need

Wishing all the best,

Dr.Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9539 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
I Am 53 Years Old And Going Through Menopause And

I am 53 years old and going through menopause and experiencing severe hot flashes and night sweats. I was recently given venlafaxine 37.5 extended release and instant release to see which one would work better. Which one do you think I should take first? I have a very sensitive system and I'm worried about this medicine raising my blood pressure because I read an article on line that said this medicine can raise your blood pressure. What is your thoughts on this? I was having for the last few weeks anxiety attacks but they have somewhat subsided now it's mainly the hot flashes and night sweats that are keeping me from getting good quality sleep at night. Please help with any suggestions or thoughts as soon as possible. If there is anything herbal that might help please advise me as well. Thank you