Letrozole/Zolodex and depression

[Toomanyquestions]

Does anyone think there’s a link?

[nstonerocks]

I haven’t researched it. I would think it may be very difficult to determine whether it would be the meds or state of mind. Certainly the side effects don’t help with depression or anxiety. That is why it’s so important to have coping mechanisms in place. Hope you are feeling better.

[Toomanyquestions in reply to nstonerocks]

Not really I’ve managed to get an appointment for next Wednesday with the cancer councillor. I still can’t believe this is happening to me x

[nstonerocks in reply to Toomanyquestions]

Glad u have appointment. Some days I still can’t brlieve it myself. It gets better but never easy.

[Julie2233]

I had a month on letrazole in January and felt very low, which is unusual for me. I attributed it to the letrazole. Once back on faslodex I felt better, it's worth talking to your oncologist about. Though don't stop taking your medication without their advice.

But you have been through a traumatic experience with the need for a lot of adjustment. It might be strange if you weren't feeling low.

It's hard to get mental health referrals here in the uk. I know you've been given a lot of advice on here about seeking help. My husband has suffered from anxiety and depression for many years and I know how hard it is to get help. Make sure you are completely honest with your gp or take your husband with you and let him talk for you. Don't play anything down.

My husband tried different tablets and combinations before one that suited him was found.

If you don't find the counsellor useful ask to see someone else. There are some really good ones out there, but you have to find them.

I know you probably can't think like this at the moment as you are in a dark place, it will get better, hold onto that thought even if you don't believe it yet.

[Toomanyquestions in reply to Julie2233]

Yes it has taken months! Thanks for your long reply. Your advice is much appreciated. My 8yr old wants me to do normal things now that I can get out of bed and walk etc. My mind is keeping me from enjoying (or functioning) Any activity. My other daughter is 6 on Sunday and we are having a party at a soft play place. She had just started at a new school when I got ill again so I don’t know the other mummy s. I’ve no idea how I’m going to cope! I managed an Easter service at school yesterday then woke up in a total panic this morning at 5am and the day went downhill from there. I think I’ve had a very bad start to all of this as you say. I really hope you are right that I will feel better. Thank you x

[Julie2233 in reply to Toomanyquestions]

You will feel better.

Baby steps all the time and congratulate yourself on your achievements. You’ve already come a long way.

You teach your children not to tell lies but it’s perfectly acceptable for you to do so. In social situations you don’t have to tell anyone anything. If you are worried about being asked about your situation, a vague ‘I haven’t been well but i’m getting better’ with a smile often stops questions and if pushed ‘oh It was nothing interesting, tell me about you’ usually stops further questions, people love talking about themselves and can rarely refuse the invitation

Just make sure you have loads of support for Sunday.

[Arkait in reply to Julie2233]

I am curious what the difference is between Letrozole and Faslodex? I am on the former

for Her -, ER + MBC, stage four mets in right lung and mid-chest lymph. Should I have

different side effects from Faslodex? Can you tell me the difference in side effects? Thanks\

Mary

[Julie2233 in reply to Arkait]

I'm not an expert but this is how I understand it. They both reduce the oestrogen that feeds ER positive tumours. Faslodex binds onto the oestrogen receptors and results in the cells breaking down and letrozole interrupts the production of oestrogen.

There is loads of information on the internet about how they work.

Both come with side effects and as with all side effects different people tolerate then differently. I'm lucky as I don't really get any side effects with faslodex but letrozole made me ill and depressed. Others can't tolerate Faslodex. It's about finding the drugs that work for you, it's worth keeping a note of side effects to talk over with your oncologist.

[Hidden]

Morning Ellie,

I have just had a read of the Letrozole package leaflet and depression is listed as a common side effect (may affect up to 1 in 10). I will also see if I can find out about Zoladex. I was given information about that too when I had my first Zoladex injection. I'll let you know what I find out.

Sophie ❤

[mariootsi]

I was on letrozole for five years. It caused depression and low mood for me. It may very well have a large part in your depression.

Of course this whole situation is traumatic and depressing but as many of us have said there are many options in antidepressants to try.

I wish you the best on this mbc rollercoaster!

Love,

Marianne

[Hidden]

Hi Ellie,

I have just looked up the side effects of Zoladex as well, and the patient information says that 1 in 10 patients may experience depression as one of the side effects. So it looks like the same odds as Letrozole, that depression is a common side effects of both these medications.

Sophie x

[Toomanyquestions in reply to Hidden]

Hi Sophie that is really interesting. I actually felt okay for the past 24hrs and I’m a week late having my Zolodex implant. Thank you I will bring that up with my new oncologist when I am eventually referred. X

[Hidden in reply to Toomanyquestions]

Hi Ellie,

I'm glad you are feeling better. Have you got an appointment lined up to get your next Zoladex injection? I normally have mine every 28 days. Sometimes it's 27 or 29 days, but it is usually 28. Next time you get your Letrozole prescription filled, take a look at the patient leaflet that it comes with the pack of pills and you will see depression mentioned in there as a possible side effect.

Have a good evening,

Sophie x

[Toomanyquestions]

What do you think of this: standard.co.uk/news/health/... I’ve contacted her to ask what the treatment is x

[Hidden in reply to Toomanyquestions]

Thanks for sharing, Ellie. I just read the article. I hope Helen's treatment is successful and that she is cured. That's what I hope for all of us. I am seeing an oncology dietitian on Tuesday and having a consultation with the Care Oncology Clinic in London on Friday. Then I plan to start their protocol.

[Toomanyquestions in reply to Hidden]

Wow that’s exciting. I’m so underweight I’ve actually started eating everything I can just to build up. I feel bad eating sugar again but I was like a skeleton. I think with the Ibrance it should be okay. Please let me know how it all goes (in detail!). I’ll let you know as soon as she replies. I hope she does X

[Hidden in reply to Toomanyquestions]

I'll post on Tuesday or maybe Wednesday when I have seen the dietitian. I hope you get a reply from Helen.

[Toomanyquestions in reply to Hidden]

I’d be particularly interested in what they say about dairy x

[Hidden in reply to Toomanyquestions]

OK, I'll make a note of dairy. Is there anything else you want me to ask the dietitian?

[Toomanyquestions in reply to Hidden]

Maybe if coffee is okay or not? Thank you so much for always replying to me. I’ve just heard back from Helen she is going to send a detailed reply in a few days X

[Hidden in reply to Toomanyquestions]

Yes, of course, Ellie. I'll mention coffee as well. I'll sit down properly tomorrow and make a list of questions to ask Gabriella when I see her on Tuesday. I've been keeping a good diary since last Tuesday. I'm pleased to hear you heard back from Helen. x