Is it like you can hear your blood pulsing? If so, I got that too. It’s called “pulsatile tinnitus”. And yeah, I was off Effexor for a total of 6 months and that was one of my symptoms too. Since I was on Effexor for anxiety and depression and, it came back, I’m now taking Zoloft and Seroquel. The pulsing has stopped. I’m sorry you were prescribed Effexor for hot flashes. Seems strange to me because it’s such a strong drug. But then again, I had a doc prescribe me Depakote and my psychiatrist said “OmG! Don’t take that!” Ever since then, I question the medicine and the dosage before I take anything!