First Time Taking Low Dose Tamoxifen - Side Effects
I started 5mg of Tamoxifen today and within a few hours had several side effects: dry mouth, headache, light headedness, nausea, bad tinnitus, and feeling cold. It seemed pretty quick. Has anyone else developed side effects so quickly? Thank you!
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@desertdeeva, we are sorry for what you are going through, but glad that you found us. Welcome!
Having noticed side effects so quickly, it's understandable to be concerned. But you're in the right place to get connected with others who have had similar experiences, so we hope you'll hear from members soon who can share their insights and support. In the meantime, you might find helpful information on our Tamoxifen page to learn more about what to expect and tips for managing side effects, here:
Hope this helps! Please, come back to let us know how you're doing.
The Mods
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I'm 56 yr old, newly dx stage 1 invasive ductal, rt breast. Scheduled for a lumpectomy tomorrow, 12/27. Possible breast reduction. ( We discussed at fist appt, nothing as been said since. ) I will start radiation as soon as I'm healed. After reading about the side effects, I'm not sure I want to do the hormone therapy. I will know more after my tumor is removed I guess and I can go from there. Is there anyone that has not done the hormone therapy? If so how are you doing now?
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Welcome, @furmom27! We're so sorry for what brings you here, but we're glad you've found our community and hope it can act as a source of support and encouragement for you.
There are several threads in both the Hormonal Therapy forum as well as other treatment forums, where members discuss their decisions to forgo some recommended treatments, as well as members discussing their experiences on treatments like Tamoxifen and other hormonal therapies. We recommend utilizing the search bar and searching for the particular drug you're considering, and you'll find multiple threads from members who are on it, or who decided not to take it.
We know it's a very big decision, and also a very personal one. There are a lot of things to consider, including your particular cancer, your age, menopausal status, and other factors that may contribute to your risk of recurrence. Of the utmost importance is making a decision that you are most comfortable with, and one that you feel is best for you. Your doctor can talk to you about risk and benefit of the proposed treatments, we recommend discussing this with your team. And it's also important to note that while the side effects can be daunting, they are not a guarantee! Many, many people, including many of our members here, do not experience the full spectrum or full strength of the possible side effects. Every person is different, and your tolerance of and reaction to your treatments will be unique to you.
The Mods
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I’ve been on it for a few weeks now. Started with 20 mg and had to reduce to 10 mg. I am also experiencing really loud tinnitus! It has decreased ever so slightly since reducing the mg. I also developed depression and anxiety. Prior to starting I have had very little anxiety and no depression. I know it’s risky to not take it but I feel that depression and anxiety can be just as risky for recurrence. Keep us updated!
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Hi @hollybel, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!
We're sorry you have to deal with tinnitus, anxiety, and depression; but we're glad to hear that reducing the dose has helped a bit. You’re right, mental health is so important too. Please keep us posted on how you’re doing. We're all here for you!
The Mods
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I tried 2.5mgs (down from 5mgs) for 4 days in the hopes that my body would start to adjust, then went back to 5mgs for 3 days. I continued to have side effects on the 2.5mg dose (light-headed, queasiness, dry mouth, fatigue). When I started the 5mg again I had those same side effects plus felt very foggy and had bad insomnia. Overall, I felt drugged. I have now stopped and feel so much more myself. I am planning on going back to taking DIM and other supplements, keep refining my diet, and have an appointment with a naturopathic doctor.
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Hi @desertdeeva, have you considered talking with your doctors about seeing if you're a candidate for an Aromatase Inhibitor instead of Tamoxifen?
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Both of my oncologists suggested 5mg Tamoxifen. They did not mention an aromatase inhibitor. I have osteoporosis so I don't think I'm a good candidate.
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