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CBT for Hot Flashes vs SSRIs for Hot Flashes
A side-by-side comparison of two menopause relief methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.
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Side-by-side comparison
- CBT for Hot Flashes A structured, evidence-based talk therapy that teaches skills to manage the impact of hot flashes and night sweats.
- SSRIs for Hot Flashes A low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 7.5 mg) approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe hot flashes.
| Method | CBT for Hot Flashes A structured, evidence-based talk therapy that teaches skills to manage the impact of hot flashes and night sweats. | SSRIs for Hot Flashes A low-dose SSRI (paroxetine 7.5 mg) approved by the FDA for moderate-to-severe hot flashes. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | CBT for Hot Flashes Recommended Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Recommended Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief. |
| Cost | CBT for Hot Flashes $122–$227 per unit Insurance: Varies | SSRIs for Hot Flashes $69–$200 monthly Insurance: Varies |
| Duration | CBT for Hot Flashes 4 weekly sessions | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Daily pill (ongoing) |
| Reversibility | CBT for Hot Flashes Reversible | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Reversible |
| STI protection | CBT for Hot Flashes No | SSRIs for Hot Flashes No |
| How it works | CBT for Hot Flashes CBT teaches skills to manage the physical and emotional impact of hot flashes, including relaxation and paced breathing, spotting and managing triggers, and cognitive strategies for unhelpful thoughts about hot flashes. It has been shown to reduce how much hot flashes bother you and interfere with daily life. | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Low-dose paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that blocks the reuptake of serotonin. How it reduces hot flash frequency and severity is not known. |
| Prescription | CBT for Hot Flashes Not required Professional Service | SSRIs for Hot Flashes Required Telehealth Prescription |
| Side effects | CBT for Hot Flashes None reported | SSRIs for Hot Flashes
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| Who shouldn't use this | CBT for Hot Flashes None reported | SSRIs for Hot Flashes
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Key differences
The Menopause Society rates both recommended. How long it lasts: CBT for Hot Flashes, 4 weekly sessions; SSRIs for Hot Flashes, daily pill (ongoing). A prescription is needed for SSRIs for Hot Flashes, not for CBT for Hot Flashes. CBT for Hot Flashes: costs $122–$227 per unit. SSRIs for Hot Flashes: costs $69–$200 monthly.