Anyone with weird side effects...

BBK
BBK Member Posts: 53
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
while taking TAMOXIFEN? I have just started taking this drug (I'm taking 20 mg per day) this week. I know all the "expected" side effects, but I'm wondering if anyone has experienced any strange symptoms -- like mood swings, anxiety, depression, pins and needles, or other things like that? I was already bothered by hot flashes and night sweats, so more due to "T" won't bother me too much. Just curious if I should be watching for other things...and then should alert my doctor? Thanks! Barb

Comments

  • QQN4answers
    QQN4answers Member Posts: 16
    #2
    Barb,
    Your systems are very similiar to what I am experiencing. I too am taking 20 mg. Anxiety, depression (due to the imbalance of your hormones)tingling in the finger tips were all side effects that my doctor warned me about. I have found that after about a month the side effects seem to be less noticable. I was also told that taking Tamoxifen over a long period of time can cause an increase in cervical cancer. Hence the need for regular gyn. visits. I have not experienced any other side effects. You should of course tell your doctor and see what he can advise. Good Luck Liz
  • maryhoward
    maryhoward Member Posts: 1
    #3
    I have been on Tamoxifen for 16 months. Night sweats are common. I rarely sleep through the night. My oncologist put me on Prozac....it is often prescribed to help with the night sweats, but so far on 20 mg, no change. I have been depressed also, but it may be due to the two hip replacements I had a year apart. Did you have radiation after cancer? One oncologist told me a ten pount weight gain was likely. My mother who is 90 has been on Tamoxifen. She had cancer again two years into her first five year cycle with Tamoxifen. She will be off after seven years in December. She has had no symptoms at all! Good Luck!
  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #4
    Hi Barb - 20mg must be the standard dosage for us all. I am wicked depressed lately and could not figure out why. I went to my PCP and he gave me some Zoloft. It hasn't started to work yet, but at least now I know I wasn't going crazy, it is just the hormones. Thanks for posting this so that I could figure out my problem. Hopefully the Zoloft will help soon, or I will not be taking the tamoxifin anymore. The depression is much to great to deal with for 5 years. Good luck. Smile Cammie
  • Marymomof3
    Marymomof3 Member Posts: 24
    #5
    Barb,

    I too became depressed while taking Tamoxifen, cried all the time over any little thing, so my doc prescribed Effexor. I started on a very low dose and felt much better, however, after about a week, I found myself wanting to sleep all the time, so I stopped taking Effexor with the idea I could start taking it again if I felt bad. It's been several weeks and I haven't had a recurrance of my depression, so for me, I guess that's all I needed. Good Luck! Mary Beth
  • prayerangel
    prayerangel Member Posts: 147
    #6
    Marymomof3 said:

    Barb,

    I too became depressed while taking Tamoxifen, cried all the time over any little thing, so my doc prescribed Effexor. I started on a very low dose and felt much better, however, after about a week, I found myself wanting to sleep all the time, so I stopped taking Effexor with the idea I could start taking it again if I felt bad. It's been several weeks and I haven't had a recurrance of my depression, so for me, I guess that's all I needed. Good Luck! Mary Beth

    I have been on Tamoxifen for 9 months. I have been on Effexor for 2 yrs. for sweats and depression. I started out at 37.5 mgs. of Effexor and am now on 150 mgs. I also have been on Ambien 10 mg. for sleeping at night. The only side effect I have notices is a bigger tummy and weight gain.
  • miraclemom
    miraclemom Member Posts: 41
    #7
    Dear BBK,While reading your posting it was just like reading about myself.I had to have a hysterectomy because of the tamoxifen and the side effects are a real pain and I do mean pain.Lots of muscle and joint pain in the legs and tingling in the arm and hands.I also have bad mood swings and have put off going to the doctor because I dont want to have to take more drugs.I've just started counseling and going to talk to doctor because it seems to be getting worse.Some have no problems with the tamoxifen but everyone is different to in how their body reacts.Do what you feel is right for you.Good luck. Lori

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