Step 1: Identify the non-hormonal options used to control hot flushes (vasomotor symptoms of menopause), which is useful when estrogen therapy is contraindicated.
Step 2: Venlafaxine (an SNRI) and paroxetine (an SSRI) both reduce the frequency and severity of hot flushes; paroxetine is in fact approved for this indication. So options B and D are correctly used.
Step 3: Gabapentin is an established non-hormonal agent that decreases hot flushes, especially night-time symptoms, so option C is correctly used.
Step 4: Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that has an anti-estrogenic action on the breast and hypothalamus; rather than relieving hot flushes, it is a well-known CAUSE of hot flushes. Therefore tamoxifen is the exception.
Step 5: The correct answer is option A, tamoxifen.