Scientists believe glutamate is a much more direct target for depression than serotonin, a neurotransmitter affected by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs like Prozac and Paxil.

WSJ: Drugs to Relieve Depression in Hours Not Weeks

As for hot flashes and night sweats, the anti-seizure drug gabapentin or certain antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class may help some women, says Deborah Grady, M.

CNN: Soy no help for bone loss, hot flashes