Arimidex/headache

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Meems
Meems Member Posts: 15
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Just started Arimidex and have been suffering from mild headaches, not unual for me, but these are also on either side of back of my head and neck. Also have clinical depression which is doing me in and feel unable to cope with anymore worrying is the cancer back although in the last month all my tests were good, tumor marker of 3, mammo on remaining breast good, all gyno tests good and I should be happy. But still wondering anyway if cancer is now in my brain. Shrink is trying different anti-dressants but I am tired of looking for the "perfect pill." Have had depression and obbsessive thoughts for 25 years and within the last month have become almost unbearable again. I am not sure I want to continue the fight. I am tired of it all. I wonder if anyone has gone through a post treatment, everything ok, depression or gotten headaches from Arimidex. Please help.

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  • Idalia
    Idalia Member Posts: 76
    #2
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    Dear Meems, I honestly think depression is the only logical reaction to situations, like cancer! It would be abnormal to be cheerful and happy all the time when dealing with strong medications, treatments, tests, doctors, etc. What has helped you deal with depression in the past? Exercise, sleep, talking, journaling, support groups, volunteer work, therapy, etc. Try them all again now. If you are worried about cancer anywhere, ask to be tested. If your cancer had spread, it would probably show up in elevated tumor markers or stronger symptoms than mild headaches. Do whatever you need to for your peace of mind, including getting a second opinion or switching medication. Sometimes, during a crisis, we are too busy to be depressed or anxious. Now that you are post-treatment, you have time to worry. Don't! Get busy living. You need to heal emotionally, as well as physically. Good luck.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
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    Hi Meems, I've been on Arimidex since May 2003. Guess I'm really fortunate because the only side effect I suffer is stiff joints and I medicate for that. I do remember reading that a amall percentage of women on Arimidex suffer headaches. It was suggested that you drink plenty of fluids and mention the headaches to your doctor because medication can be prescribed. Seems like the solution to every problem pill is another pill. Good luck.
    terri
  • jdubious
    jdubious Member Posts: 113
    #4
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    Hi,
    Not sure if this will help, but I suffered from awful headaches for years. What finally helped me was a very low dose of amitriptilyne (spelling?) 40mg. It does something to block nerves or something. The medication is an anti-depressant, but used in low doses it's good for other things. I take it at bedtime. Something so small made a huge difference in my life - I no longer miss entire days over a headache or suffer through the day. Took a couple of weeks to work. Doesn't do anything for the depression, but I'm taking one thing at a time.
    jill
  • DebRoa
    DebRoa Member Posts: 31
    #5
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    I am on tamoxifen-finally I ended up on topomax for migraines since my headaches were so bad. You might see if one of the migraine meds will work for you. Ask your dr to see if Zomig or something like this will ease your pain....if so, then maybe a preventive is in order for you.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Deb
  • kbryan
    kbryan Member Posts: 6
    #6
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    I haven't experience the headaches, but suffer very much from joint pain. Even touching my elbows hurt. Regarding depression, my breast surgeon prescribed Celexa for me. It completely stoped the every 5 to 10 minutes hot flashes that I was having, and also relieved my depression. I take it in the evenings. You might ask your doctor about it - it has worked great for me. I also take 1/2 of an Ambian about once a week or so when I cannot get to sleep - and I don't feel drugged in the morning. I hope that your headaches get better. Can someone suggest something for the joint pain?

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