Key takeaways

  • Brisdelle is a nonhormonal prescription medication to help relieve hot flashes in adult females.
  • Common side effects of Brisdelle include headache, fatigue, and nausea.
  • Brisdelle can interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants and blood thinners.

Brisdelle is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms related to menopause. These symptoms are commonly referred to as hot flashes. For this purpose, Brisdelle should only be used in adult females.

Note that sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” throughout this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Brisdelle is not approved to treat any mental health conditions. For more information on the uses of this drug, see the “Brisdelle uses” section.

Drug details

Brisdelle is a nonhormonal brand-name medication approved to treat moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause.

Brisdelle contains the active ingredient paroxetine, which belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.

Brisdelle comes as capsules that you swallow.

Limitations of use

Brisdelle has certain limitations of use.

The active ingredient in Brisdelle, paroxetine, is often used as an antidepressant drug. (Paroxetine is also the active ingredient in the antidepressant Paxil.)

But the FDA has approved Brisdelle only for treating hot flashes related to menopause. Brisdelle should not be used to treat any mental health condition, such as major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. For more information, see the “Brisdelle vs. Paxil” section.

Brisdelle is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient paroxetine.

Brisdelle is available as a generic version of the medication called paroxetine. A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in its brand-name version.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in using the generic form of Brisdelle, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

Brisdelle can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of Brisdelle’s key side effects. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Brisdelle, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Brisdelle and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-332-1088.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Brisdelle can include:

This is a partial list of mild side effects from Brisdelle. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or visit Brisdelle’s prescribing information.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Brisdelle are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Serotonin syndrome (high levels of the chemical serotonin). Symptoms can include:
    • hyperthermia (atypically high body temperature)
    • coma
    • agitation
    • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not actually there)
    • nausea and vomiting
    • diarrhea
  • Bleeding or bruising more than usual. Symptoms can include:
    • discoloration of the skin
    • hematoma (leaking and pooling of blood around a blood vessel)
  • Problems with your vision. Symptoms can include:
    • changes in vision
    • eye pain
    • redness or swelling in or around your eye(s)
  • Hyponatremia (low levels of sodium) in your blood. Symptoms can include:
  • Bone fractures. Symptoms can include:
    • bone pain
    • bruising or bone tenderness
    • swelling in or around the bone
  • Sexual problems. Symptoms can include:
    • decreased libido (sex drive)
    • difficulty having an orgasm, or inability to orgasm
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Changes in behavior and feelings, such as mood shifts, episodes of mania, or akathisia (an inner sense of restlessness).
  • Seizures.
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Sexual dysfunction was not reported in trials of Brisdelle, but it has occurred with the use of other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Brisdelle is a type of SSRI.

For more information about some of these side effects, see “Side effect details.”

Brisdelle has a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see the “Suicidal thoughts and behaviors” section.

Side effects in children

Brisdelle is not approved for use in children. It can increase their risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For more information, see “Suicidal thoughts and behaviors” in the “Side effect details” section.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Brisdelle. It’s not known how many people taking Brisdelle in clinical trials may have had an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • difficulty breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Brisdelle, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Changes in behavior or feelings

Although it is not common, Brisdelle may cause changes in behavior.

The following changes in behavior or feeling have been reported in people taking paroxetine, which is the active ingredient in Brisdelle:

  • mania (elevated mood or racing thoughts)
  • mood shifts
  • akathisia (restlessness)
  • impaired judgment or thinking

It’s not known how often these behavioral changes occurred in people taking paroxetine or a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug ingredient.)

Akathisia is most likely to occur within the first few weeks of beginning treatment with Brisdelle. But these behavioral changes could occur at any time while taking the drug.

Note: Antidepressants may increase the risk of mixed or manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Brisdelle is a type of antidepressant, but it’s not approved to treat depression. Before taking Brisdelle, your doctor will likely check to see if you have a history of or are at risk of bipolar disorder or mania.

Also, because Brisdelle may impair judgment or thinking, it can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. For this reason, you should avoid such activities until you know how Brisdelle affects you.

Seizures

Although rare, Brisdelle may cause seizures.

In clinical trials of paroxetine, the active ingredient in Brisdelle, seizures occurred in a small percentage of people who took the drug. It is not known whether a placebo was used in these studies. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug ingredient.)

Symptoms of seizure include loss of consciousness, convulsions (uncontrollable muscle spasms), and sudden rapid eye movements.

If you have a history of seizures or convulsions, be sure to tell your doctor before taking Brisdelle.

If you have a seizure while taking Brisdelle, tell your doctor right away. They may have you try a different medication to treat your condition.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

There have been reports of people having suicidal thoughts and behaviors within the first few months of taking Brisdelle. In fact, the drug has a boxed warning about the risk of this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Clinical trials have looked at the effects of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Brisdelle is a type of SSRI, but it’s not approved to treat depression. Researchers found that SSRIs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults up to age 24 years. The people in the study were taking the SSRIs for major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions. People with a history of mental health conditions were not included in Brisdelle clinical trials.

If you’re taking Brisdelle, your doctor will monitor you closely for any new or worsening symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These can include any new or sudden changes in your behaviors, feelings, moods, or thoughts, such as:

  • aggressive or violent behavior
  • mania (elevated mood or racing thoughts)
  • feeling very agitated, irritated, or restless
  • new or worsening anxiety or depression
  • panic attacks
  • thoughts about dying or suicide
  • any other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

You, your family members, and your caregivers should watch closely for these symptoms as well. Be sure to call your doctor right away if you or someone else notices any changes.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Brisdelle to treat certain conditions. Brisdelle may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Brisdelle for moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause

Brisdelle is FDA approved to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms related to menopause. These symptoms are commonly referred to as hot flashes. For this purpose, Brisdelle should only be used in adult females.

Limitations of use

Brisdelle is not approved to treat any mental health condition.

The active ingredient in Brisdelle, paroxetine, is often used as an antidepressant drug. But the amount of paroxetine in Brisdelle is not effective for treating certain mental health conditions. (Examples include major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.) So Brisdelle should not be used for this purpose.

Paroxetine is the active ingredient in the antidepressant Paxil. For more information about how Brisdelle compares with Paxil, see the “Brisdelle vs. Paxil” section.

About menopause

According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years. It begins when a female no longer has their period. During menopause, the body’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to decrease. This can lead to symptoms such as:

Effectiveness for hot flashes during menopause

Clinical trials have shown Brisdelle to be effective for treating hot flashes during menopause. For more information about these trials, refer to Brisdelle’s prescribing information.

Brisdelle and children

Brisdelle is not approved for use in children. Brisdelle can increase their risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and as a result the drug has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA.

For more information, see “Suicidal thoughts and behaviors” in the “Brisdelle side effects” section.

The following information describes the dosage that is commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Brisdelle comes in capsules that you swallow. These capsules are available in one strength: 7.5 milligrams (mg).

Dosage for moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause

The recommended dosage of Brisdelle for helping treat moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause is one 7.5-mg capsule per day.

You should take Brisdelle at bedtime. Taking Brisdelle before bed can help decrease the number of hot flashes that interrupt your sleep.

Dosage questions

Here are answers to some questions you may have about using Brisdelle.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Brisdelle, try to take your missed dose as soon as you remember.

But if it’s almost time for your next dose, simply take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. You should not take two doses to make up for your missed dose. This can increase your risk of side effects from the medication. (For more information, see the “Brisdelle side effects” section.)

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Brisdelle is meant to be used for up to 24 weeks. If your doctor determines that Brisdelle is safe and effective for you, they may recommend that you take this drug longer than 24 weeks.

You may wonder how Brisdelle compares with Paxil. Here, we look at how Brisdelle and Paxil are alike and different.

Ingredients

Brisdelle and Paxil both contain paroxetine as their active ingredient. Paroxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

But Brisdelle contains a lower dose of paroxetine than Paxil. This is because Brisdelle and Paxil are used to treat different conditions.

Note: Because these drugs contain different doses of paroxetine, if you’re taking Brisdelle, you should not switch to Paxil without speaking with your doctor first. And if you’re using Paxil, you should not take Brisdelle without first checking with your doctor.

Uses

Here is a list of symptoms and conditions that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Brisdelle and Paxil to help treat.

Drug forms and administration

Brisdelle comes as a capsule that you swallow. You’ll likely take Brisdelle once per day.

Paxil comes as a tablet as well as a liquid suspension, both of which you take by mouth. You’ll likely take Paxil once per day.

Side effects and risks

Brisdelle and Paxil both contain paroxetine. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Because they each contain a different dose of paroxetine, they can also cause different side effects. Here are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain the more common mild side effects that can occur with either Brisdelle or Paxil, as well as mild side effects that both drugs may share.

  • Can occur with Brisdelle:
  • Can occur with Paxil:
  • Can occur with both Brisdelle and Paxil:
    • nausea and vomiting
    • headache
    • sleepiness

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that both drugs share.

  • allergic reaction
  • bone fractures
  • changes in behaviors or feelings
  • akathisia (feeling an inner sense of restlessness)
  • hyponatremia (low levels of sodium in your blood)
  • seizures
  • serotonin syndrome (high levels of the chemical serotonin)
  • sexual problems
  • bleeding or bruising
  • vision problems
  • risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Brisdelle and Paxil both have a boxed warning for risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For more information, see “Suicidal thoughts and behaviors” in the “Brisdelle side effects” section.

Effectiveness

These drugs are used to treat different conditions, so they have not been directly compared in clinical trials. But clinical trials have found Brisdelle and Paxil to be effective for treating hot flashes and mental health issues, respectively.

Costs

Brisdelle and Paxil prices will vary depending on the condition you’re treating. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Brisdelle and Paxil are both brand-name drugs. Brisdelle has a generic version available called paroxetine. Paxil also has a generic version available called paroxetine. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Brisdelle.

Is Brisdelle the same as Paxil?

No, Brisdelle is not the same as Paxil. Although Brisdelle and Paxil both contain the active ingredient, paroxetine, they each have different amounts of it.

Brisdelle is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat only hot flashes related to menopause. Paxil, on the other hand, is used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as depression, various anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Brisdelle and Paxil also have different dosages and side effects.

If you’re taking either drug, you should not switch to the other without speaking with your doctor first.

For more information about how Brisdelle compares with Paxil, see the “Brisdelle vs. Paxil” section.

Will Brisdelle cure my hot flashes?

No, Brisdelle will not cure your hot flashes. Currently, there is no cure for hot flashes related to menopause. But there are numerous treatment options, including medications such as Brisdelle, for managing this effect.

Clinical trials have shown Brisdelle to be effective for treating moderate to severe hot flashes related to menopause. Keep in mind that hot flashes could return if you stop taking Brisdelle.

If your hot flashes are bothering you, talk with your doctor about available treatment options.

Will Brisdelle cause changes in my weight?

Brisdelle is not likely to cause changes in your weight.

But the hormone changes that occur during menopause may result in weight gain. These changes may cause certain areas of your body, such as your abdomen, to store more fat than before. They may also affect your appetite and how many calories you consume.

Paxil, an antidepressant that contains paroxetine, can cause weight loss, though this is rare. Paroxetine is also the active ingredient in Brisdelle. But the dose of paroxetine in Brisdelle is lower, so taking Brisdelle likely will not cause you to lose weight.

If you have questions about managing your weight during menopause, talk with your doctor.

Is Brisdelle a hormonal treatment for hot flashes?

No, Brisdelle is not a hormonal treatment for hot flashes. Hormonal treatments increase the levels of certain hormones in your body to help ease the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

If you have questions about which treatment is best for your hot flashes, talk with your doctor. Together, you can review the pros and cons of available treatments and decide which is best for you.

How long do I need to take Brisdelle to know whether it’s working?

How long Brisdelle takes to work will vary from person to person. For some people, the drug begins working about 30 days after they start taking it. But according to the manufacturer of Brisdelle, it may take up to 90 days before you notice Brisdelle working.

If you start taking Brisdelle and do not notice any relief in your symptoms after 90 days, talk with your doctor. They can suggest other treatments to try to manage your hot flashes.

Can I use Brisdelle for hot flashes if I have not gone through menopause?

No, you should not use Brisdelle for hot flashes if you have not gone through menopause. Currently, Brisdelle is only approved by the FDA for treating hot flashes during menopause.

If you have questions about treating hot flashes not related to menopause, talk with your doctor. They can recommend treatment options for your situation.

There are no known interactions between Brisdelle and alcohol.

But drinking alcohol while taking Brisdelle may make certain side effects of the drug worse, including:

Also, drinking alcohol during menopause may trigger or worsen hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while taking Brisdelle.

As with all medications, the cost of Brisdelle can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Brisdelle. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Brisdelle, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Brisdelle., contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Brisdelle, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

You can search Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds to find programs that may help decrease Brisdelle’s cost. To learn more, visit their websites.

Mail-order pharmacies

Brisdelle may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Brisdelle. This would mean having less of a concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you do not have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

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You may be wondering if suddenly stopping Brisdelle will cause withdrawal symptoms, and if so, how to wean off Brisdelle.

Brisdelle contains the active ingredient paroxetine, which is also the active ingredient in Paxil. People taking Paxil need to gradually reduce their dose instead of suddenly stopping treatment. (Gradually reducing a dose is known as drug tapering.) Otherwise, they may have symptoms of withdrawal.

Withdrawal refers to symptoms that occur when you stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.

According to the manufacturer of Brisdelle, you can stop taking the drug right away instead of reducing your dose over time. This is because the dose of paroxetine in Brisdelle is lower than it is in Paxil. It takes your body longer to get rid of higher doses of paroxetine.

But it’s still possible for you to have withdrawal symptoms when stopping Brisdelle treatment. These symptoms may include:

For most people, withdrawal symptoms are mild and will typically go away on their own. If you experience withdrawal symptoms that are moderate or severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor right away.

Menopause begins when a female no longer has their period. According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause usually occurs between ages of 45 and 55 years. During menopause, the body’s levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone begin to decrease. This can cause menopause symptoms such as hot flashes.

Brisdelle belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant, but Brisdelle should not be used for treating any mental health condition, such as depression. (For more information, see “Limitations of use” in the “Brisdelle uses” section.)

It is not known how Brisdelle works for treating hot flashes due to menopause.

How long does it take to work?

How long Brisdelle takes to work will vary from person to person. For some, Brisdelle begins working 30 days after starting the drug. But according to the manufacturer, it may take up to 90 days before Brisdelle begins to work.

If you start taking Brisdelle and do not notice any relief in your symptoms after 90 days, talk with your doctor. They can suggest other treatments to try to manage your hot flashes.

Other drugs are available that can treat hot flashes during menopause. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Brisdelle, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat this specific condition. Off-label drug use means using a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for by the FDA.

Alternatives for moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat moderate to severe hot flashes during menopause include:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) other than Brisdelle. Examples include:
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Examples include:
  • Drugs that combine estradiol (a form of estrogen) with a progestin hormone. Examples include:
    • estradiol/drospirenone (Angeliq)
    • estradiol/levonorgestrel (Climara Pro)
    • estradiol/norethindrone (Activella, Amabelz)
    • estradiol/norgestimate
    • ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone (Fyavolv)
  • Different forms of estradiol. Examples include:
    • oral estradiol
    • estradiol topical gel (Divigel, Elestrin, EstroGel)
    • estradiol injection (Depo-Estradiol, Delestrogen)
    • estradiol topical spray (Evamist)
    • estradiol patch (Climara, Minivelle, Vivelle-Dot)
    • estradiol vaginal ring (Femring)
  • Other estrogen hormones. Examples include:
    • oral estrogen (Premarin)
    • estrogen/bazedoxifene (Duavee)
    • estrogen/medroxyprogesterone (Prempro, Premphase)
  • Other nonhormonal prescription medications. Examples include:

You should take Brisdelle according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

Brisdelle comes as a capsule that you swallow.

When to take

You’ll likely take Brisdelle once per day. The recommended time of day to take Brisdelle is at bedtime. A clinical trial found that taking Brisdelle before bed helped decrease the number of hot flashes that interrupted sleep.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. The timer on your phone or even a kitchen timer can also work.

Taking Brisdelle with food

You may take Brisdelle with or without food.

Can Brisdelle be crushed, split, or chewed?

No, you should not crush, split, or chew Brisdelle capsules. If you have difficulty swallowing Brisdelle capsules, talk with your doctor. They may suggest a different medication for treating your condition.

Brisdelle can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Brisdelle and other medications

Here are examples of medications that can interact with Brisdelle. This section does not list all drugs that may interact with Brisdelle.

Before taking Brisdelle, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Brisdelle and certain drugs that affect serotonin

Brisdelle belongs to a group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This means that Brisdelle affects levels of the chemical serotonin in your body. Using Brisdelle with certain other medications that affect serotonin levels may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome (high levels of serotonin).

Examples of these medications include:

If you’re taking any of these drugs, be sure to tell your doctor. They’ll monitor you for signs of serotonin syndrome, or they may suggest a treatment other than Brisdelle.

Brisdelle and MAOIs

You should not use a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) while taking Brisdelle. Doing so may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome (high levels of the chemical serotonin). For the same reason, you should not start taking Brisdelle within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. And you should not start taking an MAOI within 14 days of stopping Brisdelle.

Examples of MAOIs include:

  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • selegiline

Brisdelle and drugs that can increase the risk of bleeding

Brisdelle can increase your risk of bleeding. This risk may increase even more if you take Brisdelle with other medications that also increase your risk of bleeding.

Examples of these medications include:

  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as:
    • ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
    • naproxen (Aleve)
    • aspirin
  • SSRIs, such as:
    • sertraline (Zoloft)
    • escitalopram (Lexapro)
    • fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • SNRIs, such as:
    • duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    • venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
  • the blood thinner warfarin (Jantoven)

If you use any of the drugs listed here, be sure to tell your doctor before taking Brisdelle. They’ll review your medications for interactions and recommend the right treatment for you.

Brisdelle and certain drugs that are broken down by CYP2D6

CYP enzymes are special proteins that your body uses to metabolize (break down) medications. Brisdelle can inhibit (stop the action of) the CYP2D6 enzyme. As a result, Brisdelle can increase the blood level of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. This can either decrease their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects caused by these drugs.

Medications that may have decreased effectiveness if taken with Brisdelle include:

  • tamoxifen
  • digoxin (Lanoxin)

Medications that may cause an increased risk of side effects if taken with Brisdelle include:

  • risperidone (Risperdal)
  • theophylline (Theo-24)

Before beginning treatment with Brisdelle, be sure to tell your doctor which medications you’re taking. They’ll be able to determine whether any of your medications are broken down by CYP2D6 and may adjust your dose if necessary.

Brisdelle and thioridazine and pimozide

You should not take either of these medications with Brisdelle.

Thioridazine and pimozide are used to treat certain mental health conditions. Both drugs are metabolized (broken down) by the CYP2D6 enzyme.

Brisdelle can inhibit (stop the action of) the CYP2D6 enzyme. As a result, Brisdelle can increase the blood level of thioridazine and pimozide. This can increase the risk of side effects caused by these drugs.

Before beginning treatment with Brisdelle, be sure to tell your doctor whether you’re taking either thioridazine or pimozidine. They’ll likely recommend a drug other than Brisdelle to treat your hot flashes.

Brisdelle and herbs and supplements

You should not use St. John’s wort while taking Brisdelle. This supplement may be used to treat depression and to ease symptoms of menopause.

Brisdelle and St. John’s wort both affect levels of serotonin in your body. Using Brisdelle with other medications or supplements that affect serotonin levels may increase your risk of serotonin syndrome. (For more information on serotonin syndrome, see the “Brisdelle side effects” section.)

If you’re taking St. John’s wort, ask your doctor how else you can treat the condition you’re taking it for. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any other herbs or supplements you’re using while taking Brisdelle.

Brisdelle and foods

There are not any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Brisdelle. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Brisdelle, talk with your doctor.

If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Brisdelle is a safe choice for you.

You should not take Brisdelle during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your doctor can advise you on appropriate birth control options while taking Brisdelle.

You can refer to this Brisdelle reproductive health article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.

This drug comes with several precautions.

FDA warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Brisdelle has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Clinical trials have looked at the effects of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Brisdelle is a type of SSRI, although it’s not approved to treat depression. Researchers found that SSRIs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults up to age 24 years. The people in the study were taking the SSRIs for major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions.

If you’re taking Brisdelle, regardless of your age, your doctor will monitor you closely for any new or worsening symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These can include any new or sudden changes in your behaviors, feelings, moods, or thoughts. You, your family members, and your caregivers should watch closely for these symptoms as well. Be sure to call your doctor right away if you or someone else notices any changes.

Other precautions

Before taking Brisdelle, talk with your doctor about your health history. Brisdelle may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Brisdelle, see the “Brisdelle side effects” section.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Brisdelle can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Brisdelle than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • somnolence (feeling sleepy or drowsy)
  • tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • nausea and vomiting
  • tremors

Signs or symptoms of severe overdose can include:

In rare cases, an overdose can become fatal.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or you can use its online resource. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.