Hot Flashes - Interesting Development

[Gimmishelter]

I have been on Abiraterone/Pednisone/Lucrin for 18 months now and the hot flashes have been constant and debilitating. They don't worry me during the day, but at night I am woken 2 or 3 times dripping in sweat with a sodden pillow and pyjama top. The flashes are always preceded by a warning tingling in my legs, a feeling as though all the blood was draining away. Anyway, about 6 weeks ago, feeling really down and morbid generally, I went to see my GP. Right from the beginning of my diagnosis I tried to keep positive, but eventually weakened and sought advice. The GP listened to all my woes and suggested that, given my circumstances ( living alone with no family), he thought I was suffering from depression. He prescribed an anti-depressant called Mirteron, which I have now been taking for over a month, with very good effect. To end a long story, since starting on the Mirteron, my hot flashes have stopped entirely. I still get the tingling in my legs, but no heatwave to follow. I just thought I would bring this up as I know a lot of you also suffer the heatwaves. I only see my Oncologist in January, but will see what she thinks. I the meantime, I am no longer looking at life through undertakers spectacles .....for now.

[Fortysstyle]

Thank you for posting this. I am not currently on Abiraterone/Pednisone, but I was previously. Hot flashes were terrible. I walked around with a portable fan. I wasn't terribly depressed, but ONC prescribed an anti-depressant for the hot flashes called Venlafaxine. It didn't work very well so I stopped taking it. I am glad to have the name of another to try for when I resume ADT therapy.

[Hidden]

My MO prescribed duloxetine for the hot flashes. I didn't tolerate that very well so I stopped. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one with weird leg sensations prior to a hot flash. My legs don't tingle though. Instead, they hurt, they feel sick, weak, almost as though I have a serious blood cancer, the feeling nearly drives me to tears, and then subsides in just a few minutes, and the hot flash(s) come over me. During the day, it feels like my legs are made of glass. At night, while sleeping, they feel like they're not there. What works best for me, is to keep busy. That seems to reduce the frequency, as well as the debilitating effects.

[Gimmishelter in reply to Hidden]

I have since found that the name for the condition felt in the legs is "Drug induced formication". I am assuming that the effect we are feeling is due to the PC meds and not any hallucinogenic recreational stuff...unfortutately.

[stealthrider]

Interesting. Different situation, but my hot flashes go away about 2 weeks towards the end of my 3 month Eligard shots. My T will stay undetectable for the first 2 months and then go to 5-7 range at the end of 3 months. Doctor does not seem to be too concerned about it. With your new med, I would be curious to verify your testosterone is not impacted by it. Good luck to you. I also have acupuncture once per month. It seems to help with the severity of the hot flashes but does not eliminate them.

[Gimmishelter in reply to stealthrider]

I have asked my MO why she doesn't test for testosterone levels, and she said she would only do it if my PSA started to rise. Currently 0.089.

[Gimmishelter in reply to Gimmishelter]

I'm on Luprin injections every 3 months and my hot flashes have never diminished .

[SpencerBoy11]

I have been getting a 6 mos ADT shots. The hot flashes drive me crazy, but worse was the fatigue coupled with the fatigue from my blood cancer. Since I have been undetectable for years, I had my prostate MO stop my ADT. Last 6 mos shot was 4/15 and I still have some hot flashes and have to grab the fan. I, too, am alone except for my dog Tipi, but am in a RV Co-op with lots of friends. Something to discuss with at my wellness appointment.

[j-o-h-n]

Note: From Papa Google, FYI only and not an endorsement.

Mirtazapine appears to have a substantial ameliorating effect on hot flushes and perspiration bouts. It is postulated that the 5-HT(2A) blocking properties of mirtazapine is accounted in the symptomatic relief of hot flushes. Oct 22, 2024

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MooseJawg in reply to j-o-h-n]

I started Mirtazapine a few weeks ago due to zero appetite - it is working! Most effective pill I’ve taken. My doctor called it a trifecta - depression, sleep, and appetite

[j-o-h-n in reply to MooseJawg]

That's good news.......... but it may be a good idea to eventually wean yourself off of it. I wish you well.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[MooseJawg in reply to j-o-h-n]

I will follow whatever the doc recommends. I am the mildest dosage.

[j-o-h-n in reply to MooseJawg]

That's right "the doctor knows best".............(Remember Dr. Jekyll? 🤡)

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n

[j-o-h-n]

Note: Not to worry, no more spectacles, the undertaker had Lasik surgery.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n