Possible Side Effect of Post Cancer Med

[HOPEFULLY48]

I've had bilateral breast cancer. Left side 2002 with chemo and radiation followed up by 5 years of Letrozol. Right side 2013 with only radiation followed up by 5 years of Exemestane (Aromasin). Both tumors were estrogen positive. Now they have put me on Tamoxifen for another 5 years. I'm just wondering if Tamoxifen can cause a bit of depression? If you've experienced this can you give me some ideas on how to alleviate it......or is it just the lack of estrogen in my body?

[VicReg Partner]

Tamoxifen can cause mood swings and depression, if you think that you are experience this side effect, please speak with your doctor.

[veriterc]

Yes - definitely have a serious talk with your doctor. It is unbelievable how today's medical profession let's us take these medicines without informing about side effects, Everyone reacts diferently, but see aftercancers.com

[1965Katy]

It's good that you've already been on Letrozol and Exemestan, so you've already done lots to prevent it coming back. Yes, I've heard depression and mood swings are common side effects. Are you getting other side effects? If you aren't or are are coping with other side effects I think it would definitely be worth going on antidepressants.

I have been taking tamoxifen for 7 weeks now and I'm having an awful time. My fatigue is overwhelming - I feel so tired and heavy, even my eyelids feel as if they are weighted, plus water retention, puffy face, sore eyes, hot flushes and chills, and the list goes on. I feel pretty down as I am too tired to do anything and I hate feeling bloated. For me I think it is the side effects that are causing me to feel down. However I have friends who are on tamoxifen who are feeling fine. Everyone is different, plus I know it takes a while for the body to adjust. How long have you been taking it?

[HOPEFULLY48 in reply to 1965Katy]

I've been on Tamoxifen since March 2019, so almost a year. When I first took it I had hot flashes and all my joints ached. I discussed that with my oncologist shortly after starting them and she said to give it a little time and if those side effects didn't go away, they would take me off of Tamoxifen (since I had already been on the other meds previously). Well they did subside after a while and I seemed to be doing fine....but in the last 3-6 months my mood swings have just been horrible. I am so frustrated (with everything) which is so unlike me. I get pouty at the smallest thing! I had a friend say once "oh what I'd give for a pint of estrogen"....I can relate. Thanks for replying to me. It does help to know others are feeling what you are feeling (so you don't think you're going nuts). I see my oncologist next Thursday so we'll see what she says..........and I'll post the info she gives me here in case it will help someone else.

[Acorn72]

Definitely related - that’s what my oncologist said .

[HOPEFULLY48]

Been to my oncologist....that's basically what she said too....causes really bad mood swings. I am on a 6 week trial off of Tamoxifen, to see if it makes a difference. It does seem to be making a difference. She will either take me completely off, put me back on just every other day or put me back on full dosage but add a mild anti-depressant. What's would be your choice?