Which medication is known to cause hot flashes as a side effect?

Tamoxifen, known as Nolvadex, is a medication commonly used in the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. One of its notable side effects is the occurrence of hot flashes. This reaction is attributed to tamoxifen’s mechanism of action, which involves blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue. By inhibiting the effects of estrogen, tamoxifen can lead to an imbalance in the body’s hormonal regulation, triggering symptoms similar to those experienced during menopause, including hot flashes.

In contrast, the other medications listed do not have a strong association with causing hot flashes. Ibuprofen is primarily a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to alleviate pain and inflammation and does not typically influence hormonal levels. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, may cause a variety of side effects including mood changes or weight gain, but hot flashes are not a common reaction. Paracetamol, often used as a pain reliever, has no direct link to hormonal changes that could result in hot flashes. Therefore, tamoxifen is distinct in its ability to cause this specific side effect, making it the correct answer to the question.