Arimidex - Coping with the SE's
Comments
-
Lots of us complain of aches and pains, and "asthenia" (muscle weakness/loss of strength) and blame it on the AI's we're taking. But, there could be another reason why we tire more easily than before...
Those of us who are also taking a statin for cholesterol can blame the statin: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/14/do-statins-make-it-tough-to-exercise/
IMHO, this was not good news. The bottom line is that muscles might not work as effectively, and might not recover as easily from damage, when someone is on a statin drug. Apparently, the study was done in rats; but it makes sense.
otter
0 -
Wow, I am sorry to hear that. I don't need one just now but I don't know what the future holds. My mom had high blood pressure and so did my Grandma.
If you hear anything more please let us know. This is all like some enormouse puzzle put together by someone with a sick sense of humor.
Ginger
0 -
Anyone having any depression/anxiety since on Arimidex (generic)?
Ginger M.
0 -
THANKS OTTER - makes me wonder about something. I was taking SloNiacin to keep my cholesteral numbers down - did a MAGNIFICENT job, really, dropped by more than 20 points AND my fasting BLOOD GLUCOSE was UP by more than 20 points! Off the walls high, prediabetic.
So, as I was hearing the statins were increasing "prediabetes" in more than 10%, esp. of older postmenopausal women - I stopped the Niacin ( except what's in my vitamin pill). Started taking Alpha Lipoic adic, MASSSES of cinnamon, pills, power, stick in my drink all day green tea - blood glucose back to almost "normal."
AND, here's what makes me think a LOT about what NYTimes article Otter posted is about - have had MORE ENERGY, and feel stronger when using free weights...
DAMN - this stuff is getting SO complex...
Giniger_mea - yes. Just one of those facts of life we never learned as kids. Removing ALL estrogen from a woman's body is NOT great for mental, emotional health. Don't forget, a postmenopausal woman is STILL getting estrogen from Adrenal glands, and body fat. We've got NONE. Nada..or nearly none....
0 -
Ginger--anxiety is a known side effect of arimidex, as is depression. Lovely what estrogen deprivation will do to us phsychologically as well as physically. Obviously medical science does not know EVERYTHING that estrogen does in the body.
0 -
Niacin is a vitamin. I didn't want to mess with statins, which is why I am taking it.
Here is some information on nicain (from Mayo Clinic site).
Niacin, a B vitamin, has long been used to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or the "good," cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps sweep up low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the"bad," cholesterol, in your bloodstream. Although niacin is readily available and effective, it hasn't gotten much attention compared to other cholesterol drugs. Most discussion about cholesterol focuses on lowering your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol. That's still an important goal. But boosting your HDL level can be just as important as lowering your LDL cholesterol. Taking niacin - either by itself or along with other cholesterol-lowering medication -may help control your total cholesterol level.What is niacin?
Niacin (nicotinic acid) is a B vitamin that's used by your body to turn carbohydrates into
energy. Niacin also helps keep your nervous system, digestive system, skin,
hair and eyes healthy.What impact does niacin have on cholesterol?
Niacin can raise HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol - by 15 to 35 percent. This makes niacin the most effective drug available for raising HDL cholesterol. While niacin's effect on HDL is of most interest, it's worth noting that niacin also decreases your LDL and triglyceride levels. High levels of LDL and triglycerides are significant risk factors for heart disease.
0 -
Kathy, I felt dizzy and very weak and fatiqued the first week on generic Arimidex too. I was yawning all day at work and fighting horrible tired feeling, strong med! So I decided to try taking it at night instead and it worked, so far anyway. I sleep through the side effects and fatique.
0 -
Ruthbru
It's a VERY VERY VERY complicated situation.
"
The effect of niacin on type 2 diabetes is more complicated. People with type 2 diabetes often have high levels of fats and cholesterol in the blood. Niacin, often along with other drugs, can lower those levels. However, niacin may also raise blood sugar levels, which is particularly dangerous for someone with diabetes. For that reason, anyone with diabetes should take niacin only when directed to do so by their doctor, and should be carefully monitored for high blood sugar.
Read more: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/vitamin-b3-000335.htm#ixzz1pF59C9dd
0 -
Yikes......and even without diabetes, you should first get your doctor's OK and then be monitored by him/her.
0 -
Today I gave in to the pain and discomfort. Armed with my nerve conduction studies and EMG I visited my orthopedist and we're proceeding with carpal tunnel release. This numbness is driving me batty!!
0 -
ginger mea, Yes, I have noticed that my depression and anxiety have increased since I started taking anastrozole five months ago. The anxiety level is worse than the depression. Goodness, I miss estrogen.
Nancy, Good luck with your carpal tunnel release.
0 -
Thank you all, I guess? LOL Just kidding it always helps to have affirmation by all of you that it is a side effect. Now can anyone tell me, did it get any better? I am going through a really tough time right now, it was the 3 month mark end of Feb on the Anastrozole, which I seem to read is when the s.e. get really bad. This is soooo not me! I did start seeing someone (therapist), and do have zanex to help out a bit, don't take too often makes me tired and life goes on, but.... The anxiety is terrible never had anything like this, just hearing it will get better would help me stick it out??? Ginger M.
0 -
Ginger--I had depression before bc, but not anxiety. Since starting arimidex I have had to increase my antidepressant dose significantly (from 20 mg a day to 60 mg) and have started taking xanax as needed for anxiety. And I finally found a therapist with expertise in counseling cancer patients. For me things are controlled until something happens--the last episode was a severe asthma attack. I'm still working on getting the anxiety back to a level that is managable from that episode. So while I can't say it will get better, my situation is very different and is still managable if I follow my therapists instruction to "have some mercy with yourself." While you should talk to your doctor first, I have found that taking half a xanax tablet is enough to take the edge off the anxiety and not make me tired and sleepy. The 3 to 6 month mark on the AIs seem to be the hardest time. I'm sure things will get better if you stick it out and work with your doctor. It's amazingly helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist, if you aren't already. Your cancer center should be able to help you find someone, or you can go through the American Psychological Oncology Society--their website is
http://www.apos-society.org/survivors/helpline/helpline.aspx
0 -
Ruthbru - yup, it "kicked" me into prediabetes - feeling better now, boy, cinnamon REALLY makes a difference - esp. in the amounts I"m taking. It is SUCH a balancing act, with no extrogen in our bodies.
Ginger, Elizabeth, Native Mainer - I was taking an SSRI for depression, for years - notice that with Arimidex I feel LESS depressed, and if I had the energy ( seriously) I might feel anxiety, but I don't.
THAT BEING SAID, how can any woman be dealing with this disease, and NOT feel anxiety. Seriously - it's a tough road. Something seems to happen too, once we're finished with "active treatment ( surgery, chemotherapy, radiation) I'm sure there's something in our psyche's that seems to FEEEEEEEEL "WE SHOULD BE DONE" - wrong. We've got being on the A Team to deal with - in my case for a lot more than 5 years ( per my docs) - anxiety? YES.
Seems to me, it's waht I call Plain Ole Garden Variety Anxiety ( in this strange world of 2012) AND on top of that, al the life issues we balance, there's the 'Minor Detail" We Had Breast Cancer.
Who had the marvelous tag line on their avatar, it's like the song Hotel California, you can check out but you can never leave?
I URGE, URGE, URGE anyone who can to talk with a therapist, get what ever medication will help, and learn the ART of BEING GENTLE WITH YOURSELF, especially in the early stages of living without any estrogen!
0 -
Hello, All... thanks for the welcome... I have learned so much from all of you, and thank you for sharing the wisdom borne of hard knocks! Regarding blood pressure, another dietary measure that is EXCELLENT is the use of oatmeal. At least one bowl a day, and throw some oats in anything homebaked. With the addition of cinnamon, you've got a winning combination. Some people apparently don't have to do anything else (I am assuming they are moderate on diet, etc.). Wish I could remember where I read that!
As per anxiety... that is one of my worst issues with the arimidex. I am a very laid back person by nature, so it took me awhile to figure out what was wrong, why I was in 'fight or flight' 24/7. Plus, it was more physical sensation than mental... so I could still think well, but often had to slow myself down. I, too, am using effexor, 150 mg. The anxiety is much better... but the restless legs, arms, etc., and tremors in hands are getting overwhelming. Am thinking about trying to reduce the effexor as I increase exercise. So glad garden season is getting an early start! Bless you all for all you do!
0 -
Restless legs? So that's from this med too? I came on here because I'm feeling so depressed and anxious this week (not the normal me at all!) and I was wondering if it was the arimidex and I guess it is. I'm almost at the three month mark and things seem to get worse each week. My right hand is becoming more numb and tingly each day and now the ring finger on my left hand is starting to cause me problems. My shoulders, neck, and knees are bothering me more too.
Every time I've tried to get myself back into my exercise routine this last month, I've ended up sick. First with a bad cold and this week with a flu-like bug...fever and even worse achiness than just the med gives me. I've also started having headaches these last two weeks and I haven't had a headache in almost four years...ever since I started on meds for my high blood pressure. I keep thinking that part of it all is that I just can't sleep well with my hands bothering me at night and the hot flashes, which are anywhere from 15 to 30 a day. They're becoming more intense too.
The list just seems to be getting longer every week. I go back to my MO next week and I'm going to talk to her about all of this. Maybe it's time to try a different AI or switch to tamoxifen...
0 -
0
-
ginger_mea....It looks like we're both close to the same point in our meds. Have you had the depression/anxiety the whole time? I think these SE's are the worst of all because it makes it harder to cope with everything else. I agree with you about Xanax. I took it for a short time 25 years ago and my doctor then told me that I couldn't take it long term because it's addictive so I guess the whole five years would be out of the question...hehe...
Someone told me that since I'm finished with my surgery and radiation I should just forget about the cancer. A bit difficult to do when you're taking meds for it that remind you every hour of the day that you've had/have cancer.
I hope you feel better soon ginger_mea..
0 -
LC-Barb, whoever told you that most likely has not had cancer!
SunflowersMA, I didn't go back - what's the scoop on cinnamon?
0 -
I did too have a lot of weird symptoms after taking my Arimidex for the first week. My MO gave me a starter bottle so its not generic. I felt fine first few days but after a wk I got such anxiety I couldnt sit still long enough to eat dinner. I felt like I was going jump outta my skin and was sleepy 24/7 but I am getting over the side effects now and may be able to tolerate this junk. I didnt take my pain meds one day and we went out for pizza,wings & wine. I drank a glass of red wine and felt better than I have felt since my surg with those stupid pain pills that constipate me but my PS told me no wine or alchohol til after all the fills about 3 mo she said. So? I just wont tell her I've been a baaddd little patient and drunk some and swept my floor. ok,I will be good and sit in my recliner all wkend.
0 -
Hi All, especially to those posting about anxiety and depression. Here are some things to think about that worked for me:
1) don't be a hero: consider taking meds for pain, depression, anxiety until things even out. I had a terrible start on Arimidex - 3 herniated discs in my neck went nuclear with the AI induced arthritis,carpel tunnel, higher b/p, big time blues, insomnia, feet hurt, knuckles got knobby ( are we having fun yet?). With my onc's approval, who, along with me, did not think that I had an addictive personality, I decided to take whatever I needed to stay moving and in a positive frame of mind. So, that meant, I took a max of 2 pAin pills a day ( often none, but with a 10 and 12 year old to ferry to fro, I took them as needed), plus Xanax or zolpidem in the evening to help me sleep, an NSAID, 1200 units of calcium, 1000 units vit D, Omega 3.
2) I also worked on my exercise and diet ( less meat, dairy, sweets, wheat)
I am now almost a year and a half in. While I a far from my old self, I am so much better than I was 3 months in. For meds, I swapped out Xanax and zolpidem, for a small dose of diazepam that does double work for me as a muscle relaxer for my neck issues and helps my mood. I recently introduced Claratin and stopped taking an NSAID which has also helped. I no longer need blood pressure medicine,.
My Newest challenge is my higher cholesterol ( HDH is good at 110, but my LDL is sky high at 218) so I am working on more diet changes and considering Niacin or statin, I would welcome more comments from folks on other options.
In any event, no one said this was going to easy , but I am coming up on my 2 year mark shortly. I am very grateful to be here and feeling healthy. Fingers crossed that it continues to continue.
I hope that you all have a fine weekend! Best, Beau0 -
The daily oatmeal is good for the cholesterol, also for bone & colon health eat a serving of prunes (or 'dried plums' as they are now called) every day!
0 -
Hey there,
I haven't been here in a long time. But I've been reading some of the most recent posts and I can relate. I've taken Anastrozole since May 2011 and I feel like I'm 80 years old (I'm 54). Every joint and muscle hurts and aches. It hurts just to roll over in bed. It's hard to open jars and water bottles. It's hard just to get up from a chair and walk to the office copy machine. Arg. I've put on weight through this and was told last week that I just crossed the line into prediabetic. That was a shocker. So I'm trying to get back into walking, and changing my eating habits (which have included too much comfort food). I hope to get back to using my elliptical machine. Haven't made it yet, but I'm hoping to. Who am I and what happened to old me? Or maybe I should rephrase that....what happened to the young me?
Its not very nice of me to only come here when I need to complain!! LoL!! Sorry.
faithroad
0 -
Come over to The Let's Post Our Daily Exercise thread and/or Wednesday Weigh In or one of the other threads on the fitness forum. You can get back to a healthy, youthful shape and feeling, but you do really have to make a commitment and work at it. (I know, that is not what anybody wants to hear, but it is true.)0
-
I'm going to try starting my exercise routine again and hopefully, this time I won't get sick!
0 -
ruthbru,
Ok, thanks. I'll check it out.
0 -
Patoo
Cinnamon is really REALLY a factor in reducing blood sugar. I use it ( fresh chopped up sticks) in my green tea, I drink a lot all during the day. Also add ( thanks for the reminder Ruthbru, will add prunes too!) to my daily oatmeal. I buy the "dense" oatmeal in bulk from local health food store, used to use the smaller "kernels" but it was too much fiber for me ;-)
Check out the "natural" suggestions ( I just googled it) for controlling blood sugar. Confirmed by my naturpath friend, the alpha lipoic acid mayb be helping too? It's gotten to the point where I'm taking SO many supplements, who KNOWS what's making the most difference
Just know the cinnamon really DOES help.
0 -
ginger_mea - Sorry you're struggling. I've been on anastrazole since April 2011. I've had some dark days since my BMX, which I mostly attribute to a rocky post-surgical course and just coming to grips with BC in general. I did notice an increase in anxiety at about 6 months, which seems to be tapering off. I do still have very "antsy" days where I just can't quite get anything done and the brain is just churning away. But, they are fewer and further apart. I have always eaten well and I've been exercising daily so I know that helps.
Hang in there!!!
0 -
Hi
Has anyone had problems with Arimidex increasing their blood pressure? I have been on Arimidex for 18months and it has been an issue from the beginning (along with all the other side effects that come with this drug) I had well controlled hypertension prior to starting on this med. (one drug was all it took to keep it under control) Onc told my PCP that I had 15% chance of BC reoccurance without the Arimidex but was willing to give me a drug holiday for a couple of months to see if blood pressure improves (I am on three different meds to try to keep it down, but am having trouble tolerating side effects from BP meds) They are talking about Tamoxifen after my little holiday..BTW I am 57, eat pretty healthy and weight not an issue...any words of wisdom?
0 -
Hi all. Thank you for having this thread. I haven't been on BCO for some time. Finished chemo 3years ago. I was on tamoxifen for 3 years. In Feb. Onc switched me to generic arimedix. In mistake short weeks, I'm feeling the pain in my joints,feet, back and hands. So far I only have to take something for pain occasionally at night so I can sleep. Lots and lots of hot flashes. I've been on effexor since my dx in '08.
I do have a couple of questions.
My onc told me the "new standard" for post menopausal women is 3 years tamoxifen and then 2 years on an AI. So it's 5 years total treatment. Initially he told me it would be 5 years of each. I originally started on tamoxifen because the AIs were cost prohibitive for me. Has any one else been told this?
My other question is, since arimedix is a "reversible" drug, what happens when we finish our time
on it? We have nothing blocking estrogen and nothing to stop production of estrogen. Are we just assuming that after 5 years any little cancer cells have starved to death? Or are we getting a 5 year repreve and then just hope for the best?
Sorry my first post on this thread is kind of a Debbie downer type thing. I'll bea little more upbeat next time.0
