Arimidex and Depression
Comments
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depression
Your story sounds just like mine, only I take Femara, not Arimidex (which is pretty much the same thing). I have been depressed in my life, but never like this: I would just wake up crying for no reason. I cried pretty much all the time. I, too, was afraid to take anti-depressants because I read online that they can have a side-effect of thinning your hair, and I was already upset because my hair came back thin after chemo (which, after much research, I also concluded was due to the Femara). After a month or so of trying therapy, yoga, meditation, etc., I still felt incredibly depressed and decided I had no choice but to take the risk of my hair thinning further and get on an anti-depressant. I did extensive research which one would be most effective and have the least side effects, and asked my oncologist to prescribe Lexapro. It's hard to believe, but I have only been on it one week and no longer feel depressed or cry the way I was.
Please don't get off the Arimidex: take the anti-depressants! I was scared of the side effects, too, but so far so good with Lexapro. There is a website: www.lexapro.com
Good luck!
Ohilly0 -
depressionohilly said:depression
Your story sounds just like mine, only I take Femara, not Arimidex (which is pretty much the same thing). I have been depressed in my life, but never like this: I would just wake up crying for no reason. I cried pretty much all the time. I, too, was afraid to take anti-depressants because I read online that they can have a side-effect of thinning your hair, and I was already upset because my hair came back thin after chemo (which, after much research, I also concluded was due to the Femara). After a month or so of trying therapy, yoga, meditation, etc., I still felt incredibly depressed and decided I had no choice but to take the risk of my hair thinning further and get on an anti-depressant. I did extensive research which one would be most effective and have the least side effects, and asked my oncologist to prescribe Lexapro. It's hard to believe, but I have only been on it one week and no longer feel depressed or cry the way I was.
Please don't get off the Arimidex: take the anti-depressants! I was scared of the side effects, too, but so far so good with Lexapro. There is a website: www.lexapro.com
Good luck!
Ohilly
I tried Lexapro, which the doctor said had fewer side effects than other anti-depressants, but unfortunately they took me off it because it gave me extremely high blood pressure. Other than that, it worked well for me too. I noticed thinning of my hair with the Arimidex, too, by the way, and also it has less body.
Helen0 -
Does Lexapro have bad sidegrandmato3 said:depression
I tried Lexapro, which the doctor said had fewer side effects than other anti-depressants, but unfortunately they took me off it because it gave me extremely high blood pressure. Other than that, it worked well for me too. I noticed thinning of my hair with the Arimidex, too, by the way, and also it has less body.
Helen
Does Lexapro have bad side effects? Or, is it one of the safest antidepressants. I feel like I need something sometimes, but, I am afraid of most of the antidepressants.
Thanks!0 -
You would think Ohilly and I are sisters
our response to the Arimidex is so similar. I, too, was extremely depressed and anxious. However, I was not as quick to find an antidepressant that would work for me as Ohilly was. I first tried Effexor and Lexapro. They didn't work. It took months to figure out that Zoloft is the drug that helps me. So don't give up. I know what you mean about depression and anxiety being a quality of life issue, and really, you can be helped while taking Arimidex or other cancer drugs. Ohilly and I are walkin', talkin' proof! My best wishes to you, Lynn0 -
Hi Grandma! Just welcomingsusie09 said:I am just welcoming you
I am just welcoming you Grandmato3! I hope that you find something to help you!
Hugs,
Susie
Hi Grandma! Just welcoming you to the site and I am hoping that you can get some help!0 -
Thanks, ladies! I'm supposedsurvivorbc09 said:Hi Grandma! Just welcoming
Hi Grandma! Just welcoming you to the site and I am hoping that you can get some help!
Thanks, ladies! I'm supposed to see my oncologist next month, but may call him sooner. The depression seems to get progressively worse. Most of the other side effects I might be able to live with, but they're no fun either.0 -
Arimidex
Grandma, first let me say welcome! Your comment fit me to a tee. It has been almost a year now since my mastectomy. I first started on Femara but could not deal with the side effects of aching feet legs arms and hands. So my onc put me on Arimidex March of this year. I have the fatigue and depression and the hot flashes are tremendous. I have been taking Celexa but my Dr. has changed me to Prestig I will be starting it soon. I hope it works. The depression scares me the worst. I am sorry you are going through all of this, it does disrupt your life. Hang in there.................its all we can do!
Hugs, JoMama0 -
depression and arimidex
Thanks for the support. The depression seems a little better the past week or so; don't know why, but who cares? Maybe forgetting to take the pill one day helped. I fear the depression most of all the se's too. You don't feel in control. The cancer already makes you feel not in control of your life, and the depression adds to that. Not to mention you feel miserable all the time. We're going to a log cabin in Maine for a week or so - no phone, no TV. Have been going over 20 years. Sometimes all that solitude is good, but sometimes not so good! But while we're there we go to a chocolate dinner with all the chocolate desserts you can eat. They say chocolate helps depression - don't know if iit does, but I don't mind giving it a shot! When I get back, I'll talk to my oncologist. It's true that sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get them to pay attention and take it seriously when you complain of a side effect. I got through my surgery fine - just gritted my teeth and waited for the worst to be over. I think the side effects are worse than the surgery by far.0 -
Grandmato3, Welcomegrandmato3 said:depression and arimidex
Thanks for the support. The depression seems a little better the past week or so; don't know why, but who cares? Maybe forgetting to take the pill one day helped. I fear the depression most of all the se's too. You don't feel in control. The cancer already makes you feel not in control of your life, and the depression adds to that. Not to mention you feel miserable all the time. We're going to a log cabin in Maine for a week or so - no phone, no TV. Have been going over 20 years. Sometimes all that solitude is good, but sometimes not so good! But while we're there we go to a chocolate dinner with all the chocolate desserts you can eat. They say chocolate helps depression - don't know if iit does, but I don't mind giving it a shot! When I get back, I'll talk to my oncologist. It's true that sometimes it takes a lot of effort to get them to pay attention and take it seriously when you complain of a side effect. I got through my surgery fine - just gritted my teeth and waited for the worst to be over. I think the side effects are worse than the surgery by far.
I see you've been registered for many months. I'm sorry you are having these problems. Unfortunately, they are not uncommon as these ladies attest. I'm not on hormonals, but I've had depression in the past -- although not the crushing kind you describe. That is indeed a serious SE that needs immediate attention. You shouldn't have to live that way. I was on Lexapro for a few months and it really helped when I reduced the dosage to 5 mg. (at the prescribed 10 mg. I felt very foggy and out of it). I know you can't take Lexapro, but I want to tell you about the all the distressing remarks I read online about it. If you goggle Lexapro, you will find thousands of testimonies about how evil it is. There are many, many claims that quitting it is brutal, that it causes brain zaps and crushing fatigue, etc. This would make anyone think twice about taking it. However, this is only one side. I am sure there are thousands of people who also take it and experience none of these effects. I am one of them. I just didn't write about it on a website. Good experiences are rarely reported. I quit cold turkey and had not one withdrawl symptom. The point is, don't be afraid necesssarily of all that you hear and read online. It is usually the case that only bad reports are written. Anyway, I really hope you find something that works for you. Don't give up!
Mimi0 -
Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have
Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have any trouble with Lexapro except the high
bp, and getting off it was gradual under the doctor's guidance. It's true that not everyone will have all of the side effects listed for many of the antidepressants. On the opther hand, a lot of people seem to experience big problems with Arimidex. According to Astra Zeneca's own literature, depression is a problem in 10% of patients. I also have the aches and pains people complain of; thinning hair (not a terrible SE); osteoporosis; blood clots in mu leg; and I think the minor memory glitches I've been experiencing lately may be from the drug. I'm beginning to think that in my case, this is becoming a quality of life issue. We're on vacation at the moment, but when we get back I have to talk very seriously with my oncologist. Doctors don't always really listen. I know from experience - LOL. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child - a BIG surprise - the OB/GYN thought he was a tumor; he said it was impossible that I was pregnant. I told him I sure felt like I did when I was pregnant the first 2 times. He was going to send me for a mammogram for cysts in my breasts. The night before the test, I really had misgivings about exposure to Xrays. I took a home pregnancy test. Next day I called the doctor - who said "Oh! You'd better come in."0 -
Oh My God! I just took mygrandmato3 said:Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have
Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have any trouble with Lexapro except the high
bp, and getting off it was gradual under the doctor's guidance. It's true that not everyone will have all of the side effects listed for many of the antidepressants. On the opther hand, a lot of people seem to experience big problems with Arimidex. According to Astra Zeneca's own literature, depression is a problem in 10% of patients. I also have the aches and pains people complain of; thinning hair (not a terrible SE); osteoporosis; blood clots in mu leg; and I think the minor memory glitches I've been experiencing lately may be from the drug. I'm beginning to think that in my case, this is becoming a quality of life issue. We're on vacation at the moment, but when we get back I have to talk very seriously with my oncologist. Doctors don't always really listen. I know from experience - LOL. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child - a BIG surprise - the OB/GYN thought he was a tumor; he said it was impossible that I was pregnant. I told him I sure felt like I did when I was pregnant the first 2 times. He was going to send me for a mammogram for cysts in my breasts. The night before the test, I really had misgivings about exposure to Xrays. I took a home pregnancy test. Next day I called the doctor - who said "Oh! You'd better come in."
Oh My God! I just took my first pill this morning. Is this what I have to look forward to?0 -
Hi Grandma and welcome!grandmato3 said:Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have
Thanks, Mimi. I didn't have any trouble with Lexapro except the high
bp, and getting off it was gradual under the doctor's guidance. It's true that not everyone will have all of the side effects listed for many of the antidepressants. On the opther hand, a lot of people seem to experience big problems with Arimidex. According to Astra Zeneca's own literature, depression is a problem in 10% of patients. I also have the aches and pains people complain of; thinning hair (not a terrible SE); osteoporosis; blood clots in mu leg; and I think the minor memory glitches I've been experiencing lately may be from the drug. I'm beginning to think that in my case, this is becoming a quality of life issue. We're on vacation at the moment, but when we get back I have to talk very seriously with my oncologist. Doctors don't always really listen. I know from experience - LOL. When I was pregnant with my 3rd child - a BIG surprise - the OB/GYN thought he was a tumor; he said it was impossible that I was pregnant. I told him I sure felt like I did when I was pregnant the first 2 times. He was going to send me for a mammogram for cysts in my breasts. The night before the test, I really had misgivings about exposure to Xrays. I took a home pregnancy test. Next day I called the doctor - who said "Oh! You'd better come in."
Hi Grandma and welcome! Sorry you are having trouble with Arimidex. I am not on it, thank goodness. Wishing you better luck!
Lex0 -
Welcome Grandma. I am notAlexis F said:Hi Grandma and welcome!
Hi Grandma and welcome! Sorry you are having trouble with Arimidex. I am not on it, thank goodness. Wishing you better luck!
Lex
Welcome Grandma. I am not on Arimidex, but, several are and will help you!
I am suppose to go on tamoxifen, but, am undecided as of yet.
I don't like the fact that it can cause uterine cancer and blood clots.
And, I don't want a hysterectomy because of problems that occur with it.
Good luck to you!
Kylez0 -
Arimidex and Side Effects
Grandmato3 - Hugs & hello!
I "WAS" on arimidex for just a very short period of time and I too, was flooded with most of its side effects, including crippling bone pain and the depression came on in Full Force, I had nothing to be depressed about, I made it through everything just fine!
I tried to stay on it but, I just couldnt.
My onco took me off for 2 weeks to see if there would be any relief... there wasnt even though I had stopped taking the Arimidex... so when I went back after 2 weeks, I knew I was not going to go back on it ....sadly to say... reason being ... as I told my onco... if I had to endure another battle while being on Arimidex... I would not survive... plain and simple.. I know my strengths and this medication had basically left me without any.. mentally, emotionally, & physically. Yet I know some on here that had no problems whatsoever with the drug....So I asked my Onco what my options were and he gave me these 3 choices.... take Tamoxifin... which when I asked what the sideveffects were.. he told me I wasnt going to like his answer.. "Blood Clots" ... well I had already had a bout with 2 of them when I had my "PORT" put in.. so I withdrew that choice, and then there was a "cousin" of Arimidex.. Aromasin... with basically the same side effects... and Choice #3 was to take nothing... and well.. unfortunately thats what I did...I am not on any after treatment drug at this point anyways....but I do feel 1000% better .. there are some studies being done on Avastin..its an osteoprosis medication.. that may benefit as hormone therapy.. not sure ..what the side effects are on it.. but, something to ask your onco abot maybe... I plan on discussing it with mine in a few weeks.
Take care..
Always,
Trish0 -
Hi Trish. I am alsoIrishwhispers said:Arimidex and Side Effects
Grandmato3 - Hugs & hello!
I "WAS" on arimidex for just a very short period of time and I too, was flooded with most of its side effects, including crippling bone pain and the depression came on in Full Force, I had nothing to be depressed about, I made it through everything just fine!
I tried to stay on it but, I just couldnt.
My onco took me off for 2 weeks to see if there would be any relief... there wasnt even though I had stopped taking the Arimidex... so when I went back after 2 weeks, I knew I was not going to go back on it ....sadly to say... reason being ... as I told my onco... if I had to endure another battle while being on Arimidex... I would not survive... plain and simple.. I know my strengths and this medication had basically left me without any.. mentally, emotionally, & physically. Yet I know some on here that had no problems whatsoever with the drug....So I asked my Onco what my options were and he gave me these 3 choices.... take Tamoxifin... which when I asked what the sideveffects were.. he told me I wasnt going to like his answer.. "Blood Clots" ... well I had already had a bout with 2 of them when I had my "PORT" put in.. so I withdrew that choice, and then there was a "cousin" of Arimidex.. Aromasin... with basically the same side effects... and Choice #3 was to take nothing... and well.. unfortunately thats what I did...I am not on any after treatment drug at this point anyways....but I do feel 1000% better .. there are some studies being done on Avastin..its an osteoprosis medication.. that may benefit as hormone therapy.. not sure ..what the side effects are on it.. but, something to ask your onco abot maybe... I plan on discussing it with mine in a few weeks.
Take care..
Always,
Trish
Hi Trish. I am also considering not taking any hormone therapy. I am too scared of the side effects of tamoxifen.
It is good to read that others, like yourself, aren't taking any either. Even though, I am sorry that they gave you problems.
I believe that I will be fine without anything. The % with it was very small.0 -
Lexapro is what I take.......mimivac said:Grandmato3, Welcome
I see you've been registered for many months. I'm sorry you are having these problems. Unfortunately, they are not uncommon as these ladies attest. I'm not on hormonals, but I've had depression in the past -- although not the crushing kind you describe. That is indeed a serious SE that needs immediate attention. You shouldn't have to live that way. I was on Lexapro for a few months and it really helped when I reduced the dosage to 5 mg. (at the prescribed 10 mg. I felt very foggy and out of it). I know you can't take Lexapro, but I want to tell you about the all the distressing remarks I read online about it. If you goggle Lexapro, you will find thousands of testimonies about how evil it is. There are many, many claims that quitting it is brutal, that it causes brain zaps and crushing fatigue, etc. This would make anyone think twice about taking it. However, this is only one side. I am sure there are thousands of people who also take it and experience none of these effects. I am one of them. I just didn't write about it on a website. Good experiences are rarely reported. I quit cold turkey and had not one withdrawl symptom. The point is, don't be afraid necesssarily of all that you hear and read online. It is usually the case that only bad reports are written. Anyway, I really hope you find something that works for you. Don't give up!
Mimi
I have dealt with depression and anxiety most of my life because of being bipolar. For the first 20 years I was diagnosed with depression only and during that timeframe I tried effexor, zoloft, cymbalta and the list goes on. 3 years ago after a manic episode someone finally figured out I'm bipolar. After that they put me on Lexapro and it helps me tremendously. There are side effects to these kinds of medications and it is all trail and error to see which one works for you. So give them a try, living with crippling depression is not something anyone should have to endure.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
Make your oncologist listen00471890 said:depression
I am having worse depression on Arimidex also. I'm already on 2 anti depressants and feel this is a serious side effect for me. My oncologist is pretty much dismissing it, saying woman get depressed when they get breast cancer.
I'm not sure what to do
Make your oncologist listen to you, and, if he won't, get an appointment with a counselor or a psychiatrist. Depression can be very serious. Don't let your doctor dismiss you.
Let us know how you do.0 -
How are you doing Maryann?maryannrogers said:Oh My God! I just took my
Oh My God! I just took my first pill this morning. Is this what I have to look forward to?
How are you doing Maryann? Haven't seen you post for awhile.0
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