Tamoxifen side effects

fighter11

Hello!

My name is Betsy and I was diagnosed with BC last February. I had a lumpectomy in April and series of radiations during the month of May and June. My oncologist put me on Tamoxifen which I have been taking for about three weeks now. I have a headache which I can mostly tolerate, but the dizziness is on and off all day long. At the beginning, I thought it was due to the bad cold I got two weeks ago. After the cold was gone, the dizziness still remains with some very bad days and ok ones. Anyone with similar experience? How long did it last and did the dizziness go away on its own or did you take other medicines? If you discussed with your doctor, what solutions did she propose?

Thanks a lot!

moderators

Hi @fighter11 and welcome. Thanks for sharing where you’re at in your treatment—it sounds like you’ve already been through a lot this year. 💗

What you're describing with the dizziness after starting Tamoxifen is something we have heard people say, and it is listed as a potential side effect so you're not alone.

Tamoxifen can cause side effects in the first few weeks or months as your body adjusts. We've heard that dizziness, headaches, and even lightheadedness or a “foggy” feeling are not uncommon, especially early on. That said, it’s great that you're paying attention and asking questions—and definitely let your doctor know, if it persists!

Here is a page that lists dizziness as a side effect of Tamoxifen

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682414.html#:~:text=Tamoxifen%20is%20used%20to%20treat,Take%20tamoxifen%20exactly%20as%20directed.

fighter11

Thank you for sharing the information above, I appreciate it. My oncologist proposed to stop tamoxifen for a week. In the meantime, I will monitor how I feel if headache and dizziness are still present.

Thank you again! It is so comforting that we have this platform to share and exchange.