1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) – This term is commonly heard in many hot flash treatments in the market today. This class of medication is effective for depression and anxiety, and some studies show it to be also effective in decreasing menopausal hot flashes.

2. Clonidine – Clonodine or sometimes known as Catapres is an ingredient that acts in the brain to decrease blood pressure. This decrease contributes to lessening hot flashes in some women, although also completely ineffective for some. Clonidine is not very popular because of the annoying side effects it produces such as dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, or difficulty in sleeping.

3. Megestrol Acetate (Megace) – Megace is a type of progesterone. Progesterones are female hormones which can be effective in relieving hot flashes. There are many limitations to the use of this drug. It may not be taken for long term and only allowed for several months. If abruptly discontinued, serious effects can occur, and megestrol is not recommended as the initial drug to treat hot flashes.

4. Medroxyprogesterone Acetate – This is another form of progesterone administered through injection, and also known as Depo-Provera. It is used to prevent hot flashes, and may be used long term with possible side effects such as weight gain and bone losss.

5. Gabapentin (Neurontin) – It is primarily used for the treatment of seizures, and is discovered to be also effective in treating hot flashes. It has minimal side effects, drowsiness being the most common one.