Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
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Josie - I started taking Effexor about 8 months after I started Tamoxifen to help with the hot flashes I was having at night that would interrupt my sleep. It did help that and also made me feel so much better emotionally. I didn't realize I was depressed, I guess I thought it was normal to feel so down and out after being diagnosed with breast cancer. I've been on it almost 3 years now and haven't noticed any side effects other than some joint pain in my hips which I believe must come from the Tamoxifen from what I've read on these boards.
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FlatMaddy, thanks that's encouraging.I think I was in denial for a while about my depression.Cancer affects so many parts of our lives.I started taking the Effexor today. Feel kind of like tired/in a twilight but able to function hopefully tommorow will be even better. Weird pain right behind my ear (finally went away)and headache that comes and goes .But It's manageable.
Bippy, insomnia can be common for Tamoxofin at first But try taking it in the morning. When I take it it just makes me sleepy so I take it at bedtime.When I first when on Tamoxofin I would have the insomnia. It was like being on high alert all night.Every little thing would wake me . I also learned to not take after 9:00pm or it will keep me awake.
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Flatymatty - What dosaege of Effexor are you taking? I wake up anywhere from 5-10 times a night with hot flashes and have about the same number during the day (since my bc diagnosis when I had to give up my Premarin) one year ago. I had a complete hysterctomy about 8 years ago and Premarin was the only thing that helped. Right now, I'm taking both my Tamoxifen and Effexor (150 mg) in the morning. I notice that I have more patience with my husband and at work but I'm thinking about asking for an increase or a different drug that will stop the hot flashes and let me sleep through the night. BTW - I find that a tiny fan that hooks onto the headboard of the bed and blows straight down on my head seems to help.
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Hello everyone! I have had a couple of sleepless nights this week. It had seemed that the insomnia was behind me, but I was wrong. When I took the Mylan brand the insomnia was daily, so I guess I should be happy. I am taking it in the morning now to make the chances of sleep issues less likely.
Josie123- There are so many things to cope w/ BC, that all these pains are just difficult to deal with. I hope you feel better soon!
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I have been taking Tamoxifen for 4 years. I have the common side effects, hot flashes, short term memory loss, etc. After the 3rd year I started to have joint pain in my hands mostly, also fatigue. Around the same time my blood test showed very low white cells, red cells, platelets, so my oncologist run every test under the sun, HIV, Hepatitis, etc., including bone marrow.
It turns out, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) as confirmed when the rheumatologist run more tests. What I wanted to share is what the rheumatologist told me about joint pain caused by Tamoxifen. It does NOT cause permanent damage to the joints like RA does, she said the pain usually will go away after you stop taking it, but no real damage is done. So I just wanted to calm some fears about Tamoxifen in that regard.
After my RA diagnosis I changed my diet drastically, it has been one year and my very surprised rheumatologist thinks I am in remission. I am still taking Plaquenil, but she thinks I might not need it, if I continue. The stiffness and joint pain went away and I have lots of energy. Is it the diet? or some miracle? I will never know for sure.
The other thing I wanted to emphasize is the need to have a good doctor watching your overall health. It could be you primary doctor, in my case it is my oncologist, she takes my concerns seriously and I feel that she really cares. I went to her for a second opinion on my chemo treatment and I never left. If you are not happy with your doctor ask around for a recommendation. It can make all the difference.
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Annie88, thanks for the encouragement.
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Blownaway - I am on 75 mg of Effexor. My hot flashes were annoying at night but not as bothersome as some have and I was hesitant to take another medication just for that reason. But once I realized how much better I felt emotionally after going on Effexor, I definitely don't mind taking it. Sounds like your hot flashes are way worse than mine since you've had a total hysterectomy. I still have my ovaries. Good idea putting a fan on your headboard. Hope you can find some relief soon. Waking up that much at night will drive you crazy!
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I will be starting Tamox sometime soon. Weaning off Zoloft now since it interferes. Anyone else have to do this before taking Tamox? How long does it take to get out of system? My Onc did not say. Very nervous about taking this drug as my hot flashes can be extreme but I will deal!
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Tamoxifen and quick surgery to replace a leaking TE, do I have to go off it?
Tamoxifen and claratin, can I take it? What about Welbutrin? I see Jeeper has to go off Zoloft... omg... never been on a med, besides the pill, constantly, and back then, it didn't matter what you did. Heck, no one even said anything about antibiotics...
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knmtwins- claritin shows no interaction with tamoxifen on Webmdinteraction checker. However, Welbutrin does. I discovered Zoloft interacted with Tamox on Foodforbreastcancer.com. This site also has a supplement section you can check and makes recommendations based on er/pr/her-2, but nothing for prescribed meds (except for the general statement that most anti-depressants interefere with T.) I had specifically asked my PCP back in January to not prescribe anything that would interfere with Tamox or AI-go figure. On a 'lighter' note, one of the studies on the site said light at night can reduce the effectiveness of tamox, which I will use as my excuse whenever I want to retire early once I start popping my T.
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About 3 weeks on Tamo and other than some brain fog no other side effects. I talked to my surgeon about prevention of hot flashes and started taking magnesium a couple times a week. So hopefully this will keep preventing that side effect. Follow-up with MO Friday and do blood work again.
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knmtwins - Re: going off of Tamoxifen for surgery...I'm having outpatient surgery for BMX scar revision in a few weeks and my MO has advised to stop Tamo 1 wk before and 2 wks after surgery. The concern revolves around blood clots.
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when I was on Tamo prior to my hysto/ooph, my oncologist told me to stop taking it two weeks before the surgery.
I've been reading all of the comments and I am not looking forward to starting the Tamo again but it has to better than the aromasin.
On a lighter note, I have an appt. to see an acupunterist tmrw. I've heard really good things from other survivors. I'm hoping it relieves my many SE's.
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What makes the night 'sweats' and how to make them better. If I take it at a different time of day might it help? I'm waking up at 2am EVERY night, as well as 3 to 6 other times. Just so odd, what is it about 2am, especially since I go to bed between 10:30pm and 1am.
Are there secrets, like line your bed with sheets, when one becomes sticky, pull it off and get into a fresh one? I feel like I have to strip my bed daily, and I have a duvet cover, so a real pain. BTW - too funny, having a hot flash right now.
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Hi Jeeper4 -
I had to do the same thing (taper off the Zoloft ) prior to starting the Tamoxifen. I was on a high dose of the Zoloft. I was completely off the Zoloft for about 2 weeks before the Tamoxifen. The MO was happy that I had been decreasing it and said I could start it at that time. (Jan 22nd) 2015. At the same time I was transitioning on to Effexor.
MarieBernice6234
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Apr 19, 2015 12:39PM , edited Apr 19, 2015 12:41PM by islandmomAfter my RA diagnosis I changed my diet drastically, it has been one year and my very surprised rheumatologist thinks I am in remission. I am still taking Plaquenil, but she thinks I might not need it, if I continue. The stiffness and joint pain went away and I have lots of energy. Is it the diet? or some miracle? I will never know for sure.
islandmom, may I ask how your diet changed? What do you try to eat regularly, what do you avoid? I have had arthritis for years--way before starting the Tamoxifen last Wednesday (today was my 7th day of taking it). I've already been taking Turmeric Curcumin (1,000 mg) once/day since the beginning of March, since it's supposed to help with inflammation, and was recommended to me (not by my Dr., though) for the arthritis in my hands, knees and shoulder. I did present my vitamin and herbals list to my Oncologist, and she didn't think what I was taking would interfere with the Tamoxifen.
For the purposes of this thread, I don't have and never did have Breast Cancer, but my family history is pretty terrible, so I'm on the Tamoxifen as a preventative med. I went through menopause in 2001 (I am going to be 62 later on this year), and was diagnosed with Osteopenia several years ago and have been on Fosamax ever since. I'm supposed to be on Tamoxifen for 5 years. Since it's only been a week since I've started, I don't know for sure what my SEs will be, but lots of them that are talked about on this site are things I've already experienced due to Perimenopause, Menopause, and my age. As of now, the only thing "different" that I've felt since starting is that I get that "warm & fuzzy pre-Hot Flash Buzz" a few times/day, but so far it's never progressed to a full-fleshed Hot Flash. I stopped getting Hot Flashes after I finished Menopause, so it's been about 14 years.
Since I already have Arthritis, the muscle and joint aches and pains were already there, and I don't think they've gotten worse. I already have had incidences of Vertigo in the past, and have felt a bit "woozy" that way since the med, but again, I have a tendency to experience that intermittently. I already have had an atrophied cervix for several years, so vaginal dryness has plagued me to where it's a real problem. I don't feel any difference, and doubt I would notice it anyway; intercourse has been very infrequent for me for years...When I do manage to accomplish the act, it takes lots of lubrication that doesn't work perfectly, and lots of wincing that I try to hide from my husband {{{{sigh}}}}
So far, I'm trying to keep an open mind, and not blame my every ache, pain, sleepless night (yeah; Insomnia has also been a problem for me since Perimenopause), etc. on Tamoxifen, since my health history does have those symptoms as part of it. BUT: The good news is that I've lost almost 23 lbs. since last July 1st, on my way to lose 2 more to get to goal. I've already gotten my diet under control since July 1st, 2014 (I do log and count calories on Lose It!), don't eat sugar, grains, starches, processed foods or trans fats (I follow the Atkins diet, and count carbs on Lose It!, too), and I exercise at least 1 hour/day, 5 days/week. Anyhow, I've lost the last 1/2 lb. since taking the Tamoxifen a week ago, so my hopes are cautiously high that I can still lose the last 2 lbs., and then maintain my goal weight while on the med. If I can do that, I'll be a happy camper
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Night sweats are caused by hormone levels dipping at night. My witching hour seems to be 4 am. I found sleeping with the heat off in my bedroom and having a fan I can flip on helps me. I also have to change out my bed sheets often.
I had a oomp last month and I was told to stop taking Tamoxifen for a week before surgery and stay off a month afterwards. I find it interesting how each MO is so different in their recommendations. I also had hernias fixed as the same time as my Oomph and so had two surgeons and each of them said not to worry that the blood thinners I got in the hosp would take care of blood clots but to be safe I called my MO since is the specialist and he is the one that told me to take that long break from Tamoxifen.
I am taking Effexor and have since Sept 2013 to help with hot flashes from Tamoxifen. I am thinking I may need to up the dosage as the Oomph is causing its own problems with night sweats..
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MarieBernice-thanks for the reply i will wait 2 weeks as well. I will follow any updates you have on the Effexor.
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Thanks Katcar0001, that gives me hope that the dry mouth will go away!
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I'm starting Tamoxifin tonight. I'm 44 and had a unilateral mastectomy last month. I'm scared to death of fatigue and brain fuzziness. I have a young child, an intellectually challenging job and a long commute, so really need all my faculties. However, I'm going to give it a whirl and pray I do ok. I'll report back in a few weeks.
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I have been on Tamaxifen for 1 month now.. As far as I can tell the only side effect at this time is somewhat.. sleepless nights. I have my first MO visit since taking the meds and she informed me that if I don't have any other side effects at this time, I won't get any. Have any of you found that to be an accurate statement? I seem to read that people develop new side effects over the course of years. Thanks.
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Cindy, I have been on Tam for 11 months. Had some hot flashes at first, some insomnia, but both have subsided, for the most part. I'm right down the road from you! PM me anytime~
Terri
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I just got my Tamoxifen script today, have just had a 2 month drug holiday after having really bad reactions to Femara (Letrozole) and Zoladex injections. Will be interesting to see how I go. I have felt pretty good recently since coming off Femara and almost feel like throwing all medications away but too scared!
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kris44, I had the same fears. I'm 48 and I too have a challenging job and commute. So far, so good. I didn't experience brain fog during chemo either.
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Hey Cindy K and keepthe faith - I am close to you as well, I live right outside of Houston in Sugar Land.
Anyhoo, I started Tamo last Nove 2014. I am also on 37.5mg of Effexor to combat the hot flashes and night sweats. It seemed to help a lot in the beginning but not so much now. I see my onoc in July and will discuss if it is worth it to up the dosage. I feel sweaty or clammy all the time. The sheets always feel damp to me.
I also have brain fog which is causing some issues at work. I have a hard time remembering details from a week ago. I had to resign as a trainer for new hires at work as I can no longer do that and my regular work load.
I thought having surgeries and radiation was going to be the most difficult part of BC but for me, its the SE from the Tamoxifen. I am working out 5-6 days a week (since Feb) and that has helped alot with my energy levels but not so much for losing weight. If fact, I have gained 9 lbs since I started Tamo. I have cut back alochol to 95% and eat alot more healthy but I cant seem to lose a single ounce.
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I've been on Tamoxifen for about 3 months now and can't say my hot flashes are any worse than they were before I started the Tamoxifen but insomnia......been having that problem since perimenopause, menopause, hysterectomy ......but I think the sleepless nights are worse on the Tamoxifen, even though I take it in the morning. I've been dieting also for about the last 2 months and have had no problem losing weight (12 lbs) and I still want to lose 2-3 more pounds. I take Effexor 150 mg but find if I take it in the evening instead of morning, the insomnia is worse. I intend to ask MO if there is anything else to try for combatting hot flashes other than Effexor which has helped some but not alleviated the hot flashes completely. No aches or pains anywhere and no brain fog. Hi all you Texas ladies - I'm in Houston.
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Cidneyl, I also suffer from brain fog. I've been on Tamoxofin since Aug 2013 but went off for 3 months. Which I know was stupid. Well It is effecting my job. I've been written up twice and will lose my job in 4 weeks if I don't improve. I don't want to just give in and quit but it's tempting. I know it's the Tamoxofin. It helps me sleep when I take it at night but still I have to triple check myself when doing things. I have read evidence it causes cognitive disfunction and I have gained weight on it also. Belly fat. I look like I'm pregnant. And don't get me started on depression. The doc put me on Effexor and it didn't mix well with the Tamoxofin. I ended up having like 6 hot flashes and had this hot feeling going through my fingers. Weird. I would also wake up feeling like I had a hangover my head hurt so bad. My pupils were dilated too. Blurry vision. They told me to stop after only 3 days.So I woke up with a migraine today.
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josie123, is your employer aware of what is going on with you? I told my immediate managers about the side effects I am dealing with and so far, they have been very understanding.0 -
Josie, My immediate manager knows the side effects and is being very understanding. Also does anyone know if the ADA protects us for the ongoing treatments and SEs from our hormonal therapy? I have also been told iff I need to take any recovery / sick days that I can use. FMLA.
Tamoxifen now for 3.5 weeks. Night sweats are no worse than they were during chemo probably a little better, bone and joint aches have started, and can I say still fatigued but think that is just all the treatment and hammering we take from our treatment. I excerise 5 days a week
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josie123,
I would talk to HR. Maybe they can give you another position? My job has been extremely understanding, I was out on leave for a full year. I went back to the same position. They let me come in at 7:30 and leave at 3:30 because of the the joint muscle pain I really don't want to be stuck in traffic. Good luck
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