Capacitabine and insomnia

[Lnlc]

Hi everyone and happy almost weekend, I was switched to Capacitabine last week after progression on Verzenio. I'm happy that the side effects so far (light nausea) are much better than the Verzenio. But...for the past three nights I've had insomnia, which is very unusual for me. Anyone else have this? Thanks in advance for any help and wishing everyone well. Ellen

[Shelby4now]

Hi Ellen

When I started Capacitabine I defiantly had insomnia. It did pass overtime but I had progression within 3 months so I had to go off this drug. I did not have any nausea. Has your doctor changed any other drugs you have been using .... Perhaps a steroid ?!?!?! I hope this passes and you find a solution Take care

Be safe

Shelby

[Lnlc in reply to Shelby4now]

Hi Shelby -- the switch was from Verzenio and Faslodex to Capacitabine so it could be that my body is just trying to adjust to the new meds. I have been on Cap. before and do not recall insomnia so I'm hoping, as you said, it's a passing thing but I'll mention it to the oncologist when I see her on Monday. Thanks! Ellen

[queeneee]

You may have tried this, but I find that cycling, and a small amount of jogging. Or walking reduces my pain and helps with sleeping. Not nice to be a awake at night, I hope you find an answer.

[Lnlc in reply to queeneee]

Hi -- I have been upping my exercise and cutting off caffeine, which does seem to help. Thanks! Ellen

[SeattleMom]

Hi Ellen! I’d suggest high dose of melatonin one half hour before bedtime. Linda. 💗💗🙏🏻🙏🏻

[Lnlc in reply to SeattleMom]

Thank you, Linda. I'll check this out with the oncologist when I see her on Monday. Ellen

[SeattleMom in reply to Lnlc]

Would love to know what she has to say. Have a good weekend, Ellen!XXOO

[LGIA]

Ask your doctor to prescribe a sleep aid such as lorazepam in a mild dose (.05 MG). I’ve been taking this throughout my time with Xeloda. You need a good night’s sleep.

[Lnlc in reply to LGIA]

Thank you -- I'll ask the oncologist about it Monday when I see her. Ellen

[Topood]

I had lost weight on my previous treatment (Afinitor) and had absolutely no appetite (ending 62 years of gluttony!) and I’d lost 25 pounds, so my doctor put me on Romerol, which is an appetite stimulant AND it helps with sleep! It HAS really helped me with both (I’ve gained 7 pounds back, and can bear to look at myself in the mirror again)....so if the insomnia persists, maybe you could ask you doctor about Remerol. Good luck! Capacitabine has worked for me so far....I hope it works for you! I really like it.

[Lnlc in reply to Topood]

Thank you!

[ChrisVict]

I wake up in the middle of the night. This 2nd week of Xeloda and last night slept straight through but went to bed later. I just keep busy and fall back asleep so far not too interruptive.

[Lnlc in reply to ChrisVict]

Thanks ChrisVict -- yes, it's more annoying that anything else, except that I get up to watch a little TV and last night I ate almost a whole sleeve of Saltines with butter. Not good on so many fronts!

[Topood]

I love Saltines with butter! I had forgotten about that delectable snack....it will help with weight gain! There’s still a lot that I once loved that repels me now...

[Lnlc in reply to Topood]

It's so strange what these meds do to our appetites. I love fruit and vegetables but couldn't stand them during the months I was on Verzenio. So far, not having that problem at least with Xeloda.

[Topood in reply to Lnlc]

Good!

[Corgi3]

Are they prescribing anything for the nausea & vomiting? I was given Compazine & I reacted to it. I wasn't able to sit/lie still. Very fidgety. Called 1st Nurse and stopped Compazine & took Benadry.....the reaction was definitely interfering w/my sleep. Best of luck to you! :)Bev

[Lnlc in reply to Corgi3]

Hi Corgi3 -- I was given meds for nausea but was afraid they would make me sleep so instead, I've been taking a OTC prilosec every day and so far, no nausea!

[Scandia68]

Try taking melatonin before bed

[Barbteeth]

I wear a sleep mask and wear earplugs...and banished hubby to a spare bedroom!!Sleep like a log

Barb xx

[Lnlc]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my question about Capacitibane and insomnia. As always, it was good to know I wasn't alone, with this symptom, and of course, with this disease. I was able to try a couple of your suggestions before I saw the oncologist yesterday and what worked best was Melatonin. I even cut the dose last night (1/2 of a 5 mg) and it worked great. The oncologist feels that the insomnia might go away as my body gets used to the new meds. Thanks again! Ellen