text_1: Antidepressants relieve hot flashes
text_2: While the benefits are clearly explained, the story failed to mention any possible harms, didn’t discuss the cost of the drug, and didn’t explain that there is uncertainty about how long the benefits may last. The story also didn’t put the results in context with hormone replacement, the main alternative for women with more bothersome symptoms. These deficits might have been addressed in comments from an independent expert, but the story didn’t seek out any external perspective on the findings. We need more treatment options for women with disruptive menopausal symptoms. Although hormone treatment is effective, many women are reluctant to take hormones because of the small increase in potentially serious adverse effects associated with their use. Emerging research suggests that antidepressants may be an alternate option, but the study discussed in this story found that Lexapro is only slightly more effective than a placebo for reducing hot flashes. In addition, use of antidepressants also may cause a variety of adverse effects which, while less serious than the risks of hormone therapy, can be troublesome enough to cause people to stop taking the medication. Stories should provide this full context to help women make the best possible choice about how to manage their symptoms.