Prostate cancer and Zoladex

[anasplicanka]

Is there possibility that taking Zoladex injections for more than 2 years could alter someone’s personality?

[LearnAll]

YES. In most people on any type of andrgen deprivation Therapy such as Lupron, Eligard or Zoladex. there will be altered personality. The cause of this change is very very low levels of testosterone caused by these drugs.

In different people, the extent of personality change varies and type of personality change varies.

In my case, I became more emotionally sensitive and could feel peoples tragedies more intensely ...to the point of getting tearful. ( My wife used to say.."you don't have tearglands") so she was suprised.

In some men, change comes as anger, short temper, irritability and even full blown clinical depression. If thats the case, depression should be treated with medicines.

Some very effective and reasonably safe medicine to control depression are SSRI meds ( celexa,lexapro ,effexor etc) and trazodone which also gives good sleep. Anti depressant meds also reduce hot flashes and anxiety.

One should only take anti depressant meds after discussion with a doctor, preferably a psychiatrist.(MD)

[Tall_Allen]

Yes. Men can become more emotionally labile - cry or get angry at the drop of a hat, happy or sad more easily. It's similar to a menopausal woman. But there are also psychological effects, like anxiety or depression, from living with cancer.

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

I have been taking Zoladex for nearly seven years except for a few months when I was on Firmagon (degarelix). I like to think I was the same person I was before diagnosis but after reading the responses, I realize I am not. I can be emotional, choke up, sometimes even tearful. I can also be irritable but I really can't say that I am depressed. However, if this self isolation continues who knows?

Hope this helps!

[Horse12888]

Yes, it changes the personality of most men, and in a lot shorter time than two years--normally within the first two months. "LearnAll" here has summed it up nicely.

Keep in mind that all these personality issues float around over time. I was tearful almost immediately, but not depressed until about 8 months in.

Antidepressants helped me, but I urge you to get a DNA test to determine which one(s) will work best.

I also urge you to ask about intermittent therapy, as well as tE2, i.e., parenteral estradiol.

[LearnAll]

There are mainly 3 major types of Antidepressant medicines:

(1) SSRI type (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro) These have least side effects of all. Can be used for many years without serious problems.

(2) SNRI type: (Effexor, Cymbalta, Pristiq ) They can cause rise in blood pressure ,so not a very desirable in people who are on Zytiga or have high Blood pressure.

(3) Others (Wellbutrin, Trazodone, Remeron) Anxiety and agiation can occur with Wellbutrin. Remeron causes a lot of weight gain. Trazodone gives solid sleep but can cause grogginess in morning and low blood pressure.

It is obvious that people with PCa, SSRI type are most suitable. They all can reduce hot flashes and mood swings.

IMO, there is no need for any DNA testing as in 90% of people, only SSRI type meds are needed. DNA testing is unreliable and a waste of money.

[j-o-h-n]

This is your first post since you joined us in August 2018. Would you please be kind enough to give us some info/bio about yourself. All info is voluntary but it helps us help you and helps us too. Thank you...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 04/06/2020 7:45 PM DST