Fluoxetine and Letrozole

Question

Hello folks,I'm wondering if there is anyone in this community with experience of low mood being exacerbated by Letrozole. I have been on Fluoxetine for many years but am finding after six months on Letrozole my mood has become very low. Does anyone have a similar experience and what have you done to alleviate it?&nbsp;I have an appointment with a GP to ask about it but would like to read about other's experiences and fixes.&nbsp;

mez_bcna · Answer

MillyMollyMulbe​ &nbsp;Thankyou for starting the conversation.While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the below resources useful:
Hormone-blocking therapySide effects of letrozole (Femara)
Depression, anxiety and stress
Listen to BCNA’s podcast: Episode 1: A Mixed Dozen: Anxiety in a Cancer Context.
Watch BCNA’s webcasts:

Managing stress and improving wellbeing with mindfulness and meditation
Prioritising me - setting healthy boundaries

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Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.

afraser · Answer

MillyMollyMulbe​&nbsp;
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I did my full ten years on letrozole. It chomped away at my bone density and didn't do much for my vaginal juices but no, it didn't affect my mood. No mood swings, low mood or anything of the sort. Some do report menopausal type side effects so it's certainly worth checking out with your GP. Best wishes.

css · Answer

Hi,Within a few weeks of taking letrozole I experienced increased anxiety and then a few more weeks later depression. This is the first time I had experienced depression, so did not initially recognise that it was until I had a conversation with my GP. Thus, for 6 years I have been taking prozac and letrozole. The prozac does not take away all of my anxiety and depression but it has reduced them to a more manageable level. It is definitely the letrozole causing your very low mood unfortunately, and if you read other chats, you will realize that you are not alone. perhaps ask your GP to reassess your prozac dose while you are taking letrozole. I am a clinical pharmacologist so do have a good understanding of how these drugs work.Best wishes&nbsp;&nbsp;