Gabapentin for Hot Flashes
vs
Stellate Ganglion Block
A side-by-side comparison of two menopause relief methods — efficacy, cost, how they work, and who shouldn't use them.
Side-by-side comparison
| Method |  Gabapentin for Hot FlashesAn off-label gabapentin prescription that may reduce hot flashes. Pregabalin is a related gabapentinoid but is not recommended for hot flashes. |  Stellate Ganglion BlockAn injection of local anesthetic into a nerve bundle in the neck that may interrupt hot flash signals for several months. |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | 45% reduction in hot flash frequency Around 45% reduction in hot flash frequency. | Recommended (limited evidence) see details Recommended with limited evidence by the Menopause Society. |
| Cost | $4–$30 /monthly Insurance: Usually | $500–$1,500 Insurance: No |
| Duration | Daily pill (ongoing) | Up to 6 months per injection (based on the Walega 2014 trial endpoint) |
| Reversibility | Reversible | Reversible |
| STI Protection | No | No |
| How it works | Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system, which may calm overactive temperature regulation and reduce hot flash frequency. Pregabalin binds the same target but NAMS 2023 does not recommend it for hot flashes. | A clinician injects local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a nerve bundle in the neck that is part of the sympathetic nervous system. This may interrupt the temperature-regulation signals that trigger hot flashes. |
| Prescription | Required Prescription required | Required Prescription required |
| Available Products | 1 product | No branded products yet |
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