tamoxifen

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Daisey
Daisey Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm 35 and on tamoxifen and having a really tough time with it. Anyone else having bad side effects to it?

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  • blackbandana
    blackbandana Member Posts: 64
    #2
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    Yes, I had a bad rash at the beginning. It also affected my back and legs and I had serve hot flashes. I've stopped taking them and go to see my onco tomorrow, I know she will be very annoyed with me.. but there are a lot of other medications out there... so don't just settle for tamoxifen. Take care and remeber, its your life.
  • kamehameha6470
    kamehameha6470 Member Posts: 33
    #3
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    I am 32 and was also having a lot of problems with tamoxifen: insomnia, extra periods, and severe depression. I'm trying to find out some possible alternatives to taking this drug. Any suggestions? Been off the pills for almost 2 weeks, and I see the Doc in a few days--don't want to go see him without a good round of alternatives.
  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd Member Posts: 950 Member
    #4
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    kamehameha6470 said:

    I am 32 and was also having a lot of problems with tamoxifen: insomnia, extra periods, and severe depression. I'm trying to find out some possible alternatives to taking this drug. Any suggestions? Been off the pills for almost 2 weeks, and I see the Doc in a few days--don't want to go see him without a good round of alternatives.

    I've heard a lot of women on this site complain of tamoxifen side effects.
    You might ask MD about aromatase inhibitors... Femara, Arimidex and Aromasin. These are very good drugs for ER+ tumor treatment, BUT... I think you have to be, or it's reccomended that you are postmenopausal.
    Personally, I elected at 40 to have hysterectomy, was already on aromasin, not having any more kids...I had to switch from tamoxifen to aromasin, cause tamoxifen quit working. Also remember, extra period may be related to tamoxifen, as other complaints...OR...
    you may have a touch of anxiety/depression. Totally different condition that may need to be addressed on its on...boy, what a way to end a note. Talk about depression, LOL.
    If it makes you feel any better I take an antidepressant. I also take xanex for anxiety and to sleep at night. Sounds like I'm a good one to get advice from, eh? LOL
    Praying doc has wisdom to treat you with 'just right drug'. God bless. hummingbyrd
  • geral
    geral Member Posts: 130
    #5
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    Hi Daisy!

    I'm sorry to hear that you and others are having a tough time taking Tamoxifen. I took it for 9 months and had to quit. I had absolutely horrible hot flashes. After I stopped Tamoxifen, the hot flashes got alot better. I still have them, and they're still very frustrating, but they're not nearly as bad or often as before.

    I hate to admit this, but I have not been taking anything in its place for over 1 year. I recently got a prescription for Femara but have not filled it yet. I'm hesitant because I don't want to feel any worse than I do already (I have alot of other health problems including chronic breast pain due to lumpectomy 2.5 years ago.). I do plan on giving Femara a try because I don't want to risk the cancer returning. I'm just 'dragging my feet' on doing it.

    I hope you find relief soon!

    Take care,
    Geral
  • kamehameha6470
    kamehameha6470 Member Posts: 33
    #6
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    hummingbyrd said:

    I've heard a lot of women on this site complain of tamoxifen side effects.
    You might ask MD about aromatase inhibitors... Femara, Arimidex and Aromasin. These are very good drugs for ER+ tumor treatment, BUT... I think you have to be, or it's reccomended that you are postmenopausal.
    Personally, I elected at 40 to have hysterectomy, was already on aromasin, not having any more kids...I had to switch from tamoxifen to aromasin, cause tamoxifen quit working. Also remember, extra period may be related to tamoxifen, as other complaints...OR...
    you may have a touch of anxiety/depression. Totally different condition that may need to be addressed on its on...boy, what a way to end a note. Talk about depression, LOL.
    If it makes you feel any better I take an antidepressant. I also take xanex for anxiety and to sleep at night. Sounds like I'm a good one to get advice from, eh? LOL
    Praying doc has wisdom to treat you with 'just right drug'. God bless. hummingbyrd

    Thank you so much hummingbyrd. I'm gonna print out your advice, so I can remember to bring it up w/my doc in a few days. Gonna try to see the councelor while I'm at it too. You take care and I'm sure your prayers will help a bunch too.
  • tee
    tee Member Posts: 2
    #7
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    Hi! Daisy my name is Tee and Im 34 years old and I take Tamoxifen, I also have a rough time with it.
  • monkeyboymommy
    monkeyboymommy Member Posts: 14
    #8
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    Daisy, I'm 42 and on tamoxifen for 6 months. I have dcis. Tamoxifen is driving me nuts, how long are you on it for? I'm supposed to take it for 5 years. Sometimes I'm not sure I will make it. This weekend was really rough. My monthly time has become like Hell week. Never before in my life have I been so uncomfortable!! And I believe that my brain takes that week off!
    My weight has been hard to handle, and I am holding water? Anything sound familiar, let me know.

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