Compare

Hot Flash Pills 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.

Last verified Updated

Side-by-side comparison

  • Hot Flash Pills A daily prescription pill (neurokinin receptor antagonist) that blocks NK3 receptors in the brain to reduce 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
Hot Flash Pills A daily prescription pill (neurokinin receptor antagonist) that blocks NK3 receptors in the brain to reduce 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.
EfficacyHot Flash Pills Recommended

Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief.

SSRIs for Hot Flashes Recommended

Recommended by the Menopause Society for symptom relief.

CostHot Flash Pills $25–$618 monthly Insurance: VariesSSRIs for Hot Flashes $69–$200 monthly Insurance: Varies
DurationHot Flash Pills Daily pill (ongoing)SSRIs for Hot Flashes Daily pill (ongoing)
ReversibilityHot Flash Pills ReversibleSSRIs for Hot Flashes Reversible
STI protectionHot Flash Pills NoSSRIs for Hot Flashes No
How it worksHot Flash Pills

Blocks neurokinin-3 (NK3) and/or neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptors in the hypothalamus to interrupt the temperature-regulation pathway that triggers hot flashes and night sweats.

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.

PrescriptionHot Flash Pills Required Telehealth PrescriptionSSRIs for Hot Flashes Required Telehealth Prescription
Side effectsHot Flash Pills
  • Elevated liver enzymes (requires monitoring)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Back pain
  • Hot flush
  • Headache
  • Somnolence, dizziness, and fatigue (dual NK1/NK3 antagonists such as elinzanetant)
SSRIs for Hot Flashes
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Fatigue or malaise
Who shouldn't use thisHot Flash Pills
  • Known cirrhosis (NK3 antagonists such as fezolinetant)
  • Severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (NK3 antagonists such as fezolinetant)
  • Concomitant use of CYP1A2 inhibitors such as fluvoxamine (NK3 antagonists such as fezolinetant)
  • Pregnancy (dual NK1/NK3 antagonists such as elinzanetant)
SSRIs for Hot Flashes
  • Current or recent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Concomitant thioridazine or pimozide
  • Pregnancy
  • Hypersensitivity to paroxetine or any ingredient

Key differences

The Menopause Society rates both recommended. Hot Flash Pills: costs $25–$618 monthly. SSRIs for Hot Flashes: costs $69–$200 monthly.