Arimidex question
At any rate - I started Arimidex in January after having a complete hysterectomy in Dec 2011. I had been on Tamoxifen prior. Since being on Arimidex and since the hysterectomy I have gained weight... and had some emotional ups and downs followed by a bit of anger bursts. Then on top of that - HOT FLASHES!! Now my MO suggested Effexor to "help" with the hot flashes. I had declined for months and now wondering if I should entertain the idea... not only for the hot flashes, but with the emotional outbursts and ups and downs.
Has anyone experienced the same? Have suggestions?
In between this I have been juicing off and on. I've also been taking a variety of vitamins... D3, B12, BComplex, Multi Vitamin, to name a few (there are many more).
Any help or feedback is appreciated... Thank you!
Lisa
Comments
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hot flashes
I SO feel your misery! I am on tamoxifen almost 3 years and continue to have hot flashes.
My onc. tried me on effexor but the side effects caused me additional misery, so.... I do the best I can. Maybe you can give the effexor a try. It does work for some.
Good luck, Jean0 -
Arimidex
Hi, I just started the Arimidex about 6wks ago and so far no real issues. I always think something is wrong with me because I only have mild occasional hot flahes????? I'm not complaining, just wondering why? I've heard a variety of things that can help, but I think everyone just reacts different. I do exercise regularly, walking and doing light yoga so maybe that helps too. I eat handfulls of blueberries all the time, always have, and someone once told me that helps reduce hot flashes...don't know if there is any truth to that or not, but as I said, I have few. Good luck, we'll be thinking of you.0 -
Thank you!!
I don't exercise as often as I should.. Was diagnosed with plantars facitis in November of last year and so going through physical therapy. I do try to get a daily walk in even if I can do only 30 minutes.
My hot flashes weren't too bad in the beginning of Arimidex and over time have gotten worse. Now it could be just the fact that I live in AZ and the weather is warming up... lol plus I notice if I have more sugar than normal it kicks a hot flash in gear. So, I'm trying to watch my sugar intake.
I may give Effexor a try. I had to be on it, briefly in 2007, after the birth of my preemie daughter. It didn't work well for me then... but it's possible I didn't give it enough time. I just don't like to rely on RX. ugh!!!
I appreciate your input ladies. I hope you all have a fantastic day!0 -
Hey Lisa
I understand completely what you are going through. I started Arimidex in March and the side effects were bothering me so much. I had just about every one of them with hot flashes being the worst.
I have a suggestion for you .... try taking the Arimidex at night. I started taking it after 9PM and that's when I get a hot flash or 2. The other SE's seem to be minimal now. My body still aches but I seem to be handling them better with the late night pill pop.
AND .... I did start Effexor about a week ago. It takes at least 2-3 weeks before you get the full effect because you start with a low dose for 1 week and then it increases for another week and then you are taking the highest dose. I can tell that it is working for me already. My mood has changed. I no longer feel like I am in a dark tunnel and can't find my way out. My hot flashes have all but disappeared. What a relief!
Please talk to your doctor. It is worth a try.
xoxo
Mary0 -
Hoping that if you tryldpettit said:Thank you!!
I don't exercise as often as I should.. Was diagnosed with plantars facitis in November of last year and so going through physical therapy. I do try to get a daily walk in even if I can do only 30 minutes.
My hot flashes weren't too bad in the beginning of Arimidex and over time have gotten worse. Now it could be just the fact that I live in AZ and the weather is warming up... lol plus I notice if I have more sugar than normal it kicks a hot flash in gear. So, I'm trying to watch my sugar intake.
I may give Effexor a try. I had to be on it, briefly in 2007, after the birth of my preemie daughter. It didn't work well for me then... but it's possible I didn't give it enough time. I just don't like to rely on RX. ugh!!!
I appreciate your input ladies. I hope you all have a fantastic day!
Hoping that if you try Effexor that it will work for you Lisa!
Good luck,
Diane0 -
MaryMsGebby said:Hey Lisa
I understand completely what you are going through. I started Arimidex in March and the side effects were bothering me so much. I had just about every one of them with hot flashes being the worst.
I have a suggestion for you .... try taking the Arimidex at night. I started taking it after 9PM and that's when I get a hot flash or 2. The other SE's seem to be minimal now. My body still aches but I seem to be handling them better with the late night pill pop.
AND .... I did start Effexor about a week ago. It takes at least 2-3 weeks before you get the full effect because you start with a low dose for 1 week and then it increases for another week and then you are taking the highest dose. I can tell that it is working for me already. My mood has changed. I no longer feel like I am in a dark tunnel and can't find my way out. My hot flashes have all but disappeared. What a relief!
Please talk to your doctor. It is worth a try.
xoxo
Mary
Thank you... I hope the Effexor continues to work for you. I see the MO on Tuesday so will def talk with her about it. UGH I hate taking more meds to help other meds...
Arimidex at night... might be a great idea. I already took it today so will try nights tomorrow. Thank you for the tip!!
Hot flashes are the WORST!! and living in AZ... is not helping that at all. lol However, better here than where it is humid during the summer. Oh my... not sure how I would handle hot flashes AND humidity! LOL0 -
MeganMegan M said:Hi Lisa! I am not on
Hi Lisa! I am not on Arimidex, but, I know that many pink sisters on here that have the hot flashes do take Effexor and it has helped some of them, so, you might try it and see.
I hope you find something that helps with them.
Hugs, Megan
Can I just say I LOVE your profile pic... too cute and I couldn't have said it better myself0 -
I do hopeldpettit said:Mary
Thank you... I hope the Effexor continues to work for you. I see the MO on Tuesday so will def talk with her about it. UGH I hate taking more meds to help other meds...
Arimidex at night... might be a great idea. I already took it today so will try nights tomorrow. Thank you for the tip!!
Hot flashes are the WORST!! and living in AZ... is not helping that at all. lol However, better here than where it is humid during the summer. Oh my... not sure how I would handle hot flashes AND humidity! LOL
taking Arimidex at night gives you some kind of relief. I live on the east coast and humidity is an issue! I will be living through my first summer on this drug this year. SHould be interesting.
Keep in touch. I pray your doctor can help you with your symptoms.
Mary0 -
Effexor
So, I spoke with my MO Tuesday and she is setting me up with Effexor. However, my insurance will not cover it unless prescribed by a psych dr. GRRR So, my MO office is trying to get an exception since it's for HOT FLASHES. Fun!!
Hot flashes are INCREASING daily... darn heat... I can't even imagine adding humidity on top of hot flashes... to you ladies that have to... YUK... and good luck this late spring/summer!!0 -
I forgot to mentionldpettit said:Effexor
So, I spoke with my MO Tuesday and she is setting me up with Effexor. However, my insurance will not cover it unless prescribed by a psych dr. GRRR So, my MO office is trying to get an exception since it's for HOT FLASHES. Fun!!
Hot flashes are INCREASING daily... darn heat... I can't even imagine adding humidity on top of hot flashes... to you ladies that have to... YUK... and good luck this late spring/summer!!
that I went to my PCP to get the Effexor. I've read on this site that many ladies have been able to get this drug from their MO with no problems. If you can't get this prescription filled by your MO, you might want to try your primary doctor.
I sure hope you get some relief SOOOOON ...
Mary 0 -
Believe it or not, my hot
Believe it or not, my hot flashes I have had for 5 months are getting better I take tamoxifin at night the ankle swelling and leg cramps went away afterone month or so and then I had hives for a few weeks and the whole time I had horrible hot flashes But the past few weeks I have been sleeping much better with only a few minor hot flashes So there is hope that it will get better with the side effects though every one is different been on tamoxifin since Dec 2011 Alaska long summer days are here .... yay!
Hope you get some relief somehow ... hang in there! Prayers! SUE D0 -
Hisdukowitz said:Believe it or not, my hot
Believe it or not, my hot flashes I have had for 5 months are getting better I take tamoxifin at night the ankle swelling and leg cramps went away afterone month or so and then I had hives for a few weeks and the whole time I had horrible hot flashes But the past few weeks I have been sleeping much better with only a few minor hot flashes So there is hope that it will get better with the side effects though every one is different been on tamoxifin since Dec 2011 Alaska long summer days are here .... yay!
Hope you get some relief somehow ... hang in there! Prayers! SUE D
I am like Mary, a few weeks ago I switched to taking my Arimidex in the evening but in my case it was because of afternoon fatigue. My hot flashes are more like hot spurts... My oncologist suggested to me at that time to take "Evening Primrose" if they got worse. Evening primrose is an over the counter med and can be found in the vitamin isle at most department stores or pharmacies. Not sure how efficient it works but it's not a script drug... My main side effect now is the joint pain and my evening walks help in that matter.
Good luck, I can't wait to hear how much of a difference changing your dosage to evenings is going to make...
Hugs,Lorrie0 -
D3 and sore jointsbutterflylvr said:Hi
I am like Mary, a few weeks ago I switched to taking my Arimidex in the evening but in my case it was because of afternoon fatigue. My hot flashes are more like hot spurts... My oncologist suggested to me at that time to take "Evening Primrose" if they got worse. Evening primrose is an over the counter med and can be found in the vitamin isle at most department stores or pharmacies. Not sure how efficient it works but it's not a script drug... My main side effect now is the joint pain and my evening walks help in that matter.
Good luck, I can't wait to hear how much of a difference changing your dosage to evenings is going to make...
Hugs,Lorrie
Some survivors are low on vitamin D3 and get joint pain. It can be helpful. Mind you, some folks are going to have problems with the aromatase inhibitors because of genetics. But since this is a great drug for stopping the dragon in its tracks, it is worth getting tested for the low D3 before your joints are really inflamed. I waited almost 2 year with foot problems before an onco nurse told me to go get tested and how common low D3 is in breast cancer patients. Two days after I started the prescription D3 (I was THAT low), the foot pain was gone. Unfortunately, the D3 doesn't stop the hot flashes. I kept wet washclothes near the bed, a ceiling fan over the bed, and wore light layers that could come off quickly during the day. With surgical menopause and aromasin, the flashes were constant for about 2 years. I made the 5 year mark and am currently off all meds for bc. The flashes still happen, but no longer constantly. Good luck!0 -
Hi, because of my leukemiacabbott said:D3 and sore joints
Some survivors are low on vitamin D3 and get joint pain. It can be helpful. Mind you, some folks are going to have problems with the aromatase inhibitors because of genetics. But since this is a great drug for stopping the dragon in its tracks, it is worth getting tested for the low D3 before your joints are really inflamed. I waited almost 2 year with foot problems before an onco nurse told me to go get tested and how common low D3 is in breast cancer patients. Two days after I started the prescription D3 (I was THAT low), the foot pain was gone. Unfortunately, the D3 doesn't stop the hot flashes. I kept wet washclothes near the bed, a ceiling fan over the bed, and wore light layers that could come off quickly during the day. With surgical menopause and aromasin, the flashes were constant for about 2 years. I made the 5 year mark and am currently off all meds for bc. The flashes still happen, but no longer constantly. Good luck!
Hi, because of my leukemia drugs i cannot take effexor. I had my ovaries out in oct due to the fact I could not metabolize Tamoxofin. The hot flashes came on immediately and severly. My oncologist put me on gabapentin, which is an epilepsy/pain med. it has made a huge difference in my hot flashes and other than some occasional mild light headedness I have not noticed any side effects. Good Luck, Jayne0 -
Hot flashescabbott said:D3 and sore joints
Some survivors are low on vitamin D3 and get joint pain. It can be helpful. Mind you, some folks are going to have problems with the aromatase inhibitors because of genetics. But since this is a great drug for stopping the dragon in its tracks, it is worth getting tested for the low D3 before your joints are really inflamed. I waited almost 2 year with foot problems before an onco nurse told me to go get tested and how common low D3 is in breast cancer patients. Two days after I started the prescription D3 (I was THAT low), the foot pain was gone. Unfortunately, the D3 doesn't stop the hot flashes. I kept wet washclothes near the bed, a ceiling fan over the bed, and wore light layers that could come off quickly during the day. With surgical menopause and aromasin, the flashes were constant for about 2 years. I made the 5 year mark and am currently off all meds for bc. The flashes still happen, but no longer constantly. Good luck!
So I broke down and got approved for the Effexor. I started it Friday. I have already noticed the hot flashes aren't nearly as bad. Hopefully it just keeps getting better. This wasn't my idea of a great solution. I have taken Vitamin D3 over the counter... do you think a script of it is better? What dose are you taking? I didn't try changing the meds to night time. I found I would forget... and in the morning I started a routine with meds/vitamins. UGH creature of habit.
I saw another post about Primrose... I haven't tried that... wonder if I can since my cancer is hormone driven (her2neu+)
Thank you all for your input... I have my final chemo 6/4... lots of emotions tied to it. I'm sure some of you can relate.
Lisa0 -
Hot flashesldpettit said:Hot flashes
So I broke down and got approved for the Effexor. I started it Friday. I have already noticed the hot flashes aren't nearly as bad. Hopefully it just keeps getting better. This wasn't my idea of a great solution. I have taken Vitamin D3 over the counter... do you think a script of it is better? What dose are you taking? I didn't try changing the meds to night time. I found I would forget... and in the morning I started a routine with meds/vitamins. UGH creature of habit.
I saw another post about Primrose... I haven't tried that... wonder if I can since my cancer is hormone driven (her2neu+)
Thank you all for your input... I have my final chemo 6/4... lots of emotions tied to it. I'm sure some of you can relate.
Lisa
I too feel your pain. I have been on Arimidex for almost 2 years. The first few months were the worst. (hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues) but now the hot flashes are predictable - like clock work 2 hours after I take the medication. I try to plan my activites around it. Especially, no scheduled presentations when my face is beat red! Keeping hydrated and avoiding any caffine helps. Hang in there - it will get better!
Pink7550 -
Pink755Pink755 said:Hot flashes
I too feel your pain. I have been on Arimidex for almost 2 years. The first few months were the worst. (hot flashes, mood swings, sleep issues) but now the hot flashes are predictable - like clock work 2 hours after I take the medication. I try to plan my activites around it. Especially, no scheduled presentations when my face is beat red! Keeping hydrated and avoiding any caffine helps. Hang in there - it will get better!
Pink755
Thank you so much... hydrating helps... and cutting down sugar. I notice when I have sugar I get more hot flashes.
Have a great weekend!
Lisa0 -
Hello
My sister also is on Arimidex (total hysterectomy in Jan 12). She also takes Effexor to help with the hot flashes and although she does still have them, they are very livable!!! She also takes Ativan to calm her and ease her mind. She is 39 and stage 4 with mets to brain. Ake the Effexor... I really believe it will help you! Best of luck to you!!
Traci :-)0
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