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Tamoxifen and Depression

Marymomof3
Marymomof3 CSN Member Posts: 24
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I've been on tamoxifen for about a month and am starting to feel depressed. I don't know if it's from the cancer, the chemo, the change in my looks, tamoxifen, or all of the above, but I'd sure like to feel better. Do antidepressants help and how long do you need to take them?
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Comments

  • ksfc
    ksfc CSN Member Posts: 251
    #2
    Yes, antidepressants can definitely help and you don't have to suffer. The do take a few weeks to reach their full effectiveness. It's not unusual to get depressed during or after cancer treatment.
    Don't feel like you have to tough it out. Sometimes the antideps will also help with the hot flashes and such. Take care - Diane
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  • Marymomof3
    Marymomof3 CSN Member Posts: 24
    #3
    ksfc said:

    Yes, antidepressants can definitely help and you don't have to suffer. The do take a few weeks to reach their full effectiveness. It's not unusual to get depressed during or after cancer treatment.
    Don't feel like you have to tough it out. Sometimes the antideps will also help with the hot flashes and such. Take care - Diane

    Thanks Diane, I'll call my doc today. I've been "toughing it out" too long.
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  • ksfc
    ksfc CSN Member Posts: 251
    #4
    Marymomof3 said:

    Thanks Diane, I'll call my doc today. I've been "toughing it out" too long.

    I'm glad! Cancer's tough enough - you deserve a break. Take good care of yourself - Diane
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