Off-label

Off label refers to the use of a drug to treat a condition for which it has not been officially government approved. This practice is legal and common in medicine according to the Inline content unavailable.

Why It matters

Off-label drug use means using a medicine to treat a condition that it hasn’t officially been approved for by the FDA. This is legal and common when doctors believe a drug can safely help with symptoms, even if it wasn't originally made for that purpose. Inline content unavailable

Several off-label drugs are being used or studied to help manage menopause symptoms:

• Antidepressants – Some antidepressants, especially SSRIs (like venlafaxine, paroxetine, escitalopram, and fluoxetine), can help with hot flashes, mood swings, and irritability.

  • Note: In 2013, the FDA approved a low-dose version of paroxetine (Brisdelle) to treat hot flashes.

• Gabapentin– This medication is usually used to treat seizures, but it may also reduce how often hot flashes happen and how intense they feel. Experts aren’t exactly sure why it works for hot flashes.

• New options– Some researchers are exploring nerve-blocking injections in the neck as another possible treatment for severe hot flashes. Early studies show it may help, but more research is needed.

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How Amissa Helps

Amissa is a digital menopause health tool that supports the use of off-label treatments by providing continuous, real-world data:

1. Real-time tracking:

   • Connected to wearables (e.g., Apple Watch), it logs hot flashes, sleep patterns, heart rate, and physical activity.

   • Users log their symptoms to record frequency and severity.

2. Insightful monitoring:

   • It highlights patterns (e.g., reduced hot flashes after starting an SSRI), helping both patient and provider see how well treatments are working.

3. Informed treatment plans:

   • This ongoing data makes it easier to adjust dosages, try new off-label options, or combine lifestyle steps with medication to improve symptom relief.