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Amazon_Warrior_'s avatar
Amazon_Warrior_
Member
13 years ago

Side Effects? Dexamethasone and Insomnia

This is the first time I have written a blog entry although I have had an account since I was diagnosed with early breast cancer three years ago for which I underwent a left mastectomy including total axilliary section, six three-weekly TAC chemo sessions and then 12 (I think) radiation sessions, followed by a five year prescription of Tamoxifen.

About six weeks ago I discovered that the pesky C was back; Liver mets.  It appears that my body became imune to the Tamoxifen but not only that, It played havoc with my liver (which was how i found the mets).  I had, only the week earlier, been given the all clear at my six-monthly check up with my surgeon.  Go figure!

The above is some background to my story, but not why I am posting.  I often find myself digressing...

So, here's the thing.  This time I have weekly Abraxane chemo.  After the chemo I am given an intravenous dose of dexamethasone.  I have been having some difficulty sleeping which is gradually increasing.  (It is now almost 4.30am and I went to bed at 10pm, was unable to sleep, watched some video, cleaned the house, etc. - as you do)

I finally decided to jump on the net and see if insomnia is a side effect, and find that it is.

Has anyone else noticed worsening insomnia?  Out of all of the side effects, from any of the chemo regimen, this is the only one that is having any impact on me (with the exception of fatigue, but I was always a good bet as a contender for an Olympic sleeping team).

Except that I didn't relate my sleeplessness with DEX until tonight I would have asked my oncologist today when I saw him.

On top of the insomnia I have a headache - probably through needing sleep, but I still can't switch off :( 

I don't usually whinge!  Honest!

 

8 Replies

  • MandaMoo's avatar
    MandaMoo
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi there I too am on Abraxane. I get my den before the chemo - 4mg I think into my drip. I find I'm often awake on chemo night too though a lot better now than when they had me taking it orally too. I find if I can't get to sleep I take an Ativan and that helps me nod off. Wishing you the best. A xx
  • Chris's avatar
    Chris
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Jackie, before my chemo started my oncologist prescribed Temaze, they are the same as Tem tabs. I was to take the Dex at 8 am and then again at 12md. He suggested that I take 1 or 2 of these each night that I would take the Dex. They worked a treat, and I just assumed that all oncologists prepared their patients the same way. It is a miserable enough time without loosing sleep as well. Good luck with everything. Love Chris xx
  • Amazon_Warrior_'s avatar
    Amazon_Warrior_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Cheryle, Thanks for taking the time to reply to me.  This was the first time that I had thought to jump online and seek advice and am thrilled to see that it works! As well as getting back some kindness and good advice it also seems to act as a cathartic release. As they say, a problem shared... :) Thanks again - Jackie xox

  • Amazon_Warrior_'s avatar
    Amazon_Warrior_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Mich, Thanks for taking the time to reply to me.  This was the first time that I had thought to jump online and seek advice and am thrilled to see that it works! As well as getting back some kindness and good advice it also seems to act as a cathartic release. As they say, a problem shared... :) Thanks again - Jackie xox

  • Amazon_Warrior_'s avatar
    Amazon_Warrior_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Jandy, Thanks for taking the time to reply to me.  This was the first time that I had thought to jump online and seek advice and am thrilled to see that it works! As well as getting back some kindness and good advice it also seems to act as a cathartic release. As they say, a problem shared... :) Thanks again - Jackie xox

  • Amazon_Warrior_'s avatar
    Amazon_Warrior_
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi Deanne, Thanks for taking the time to reply to me.  This was the first time that I had thought to jump online and seek advice and am thrilled to see that it works! As well as getting back some kindness and good advice it also seems to act as a cathartic release. As they say, a problem shared... :) Thanks again - Jackie xox

  • Cherylek's avatar
    Cherylek
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hi Princess, I've just finished Taxol five weeks ago and can totally relate to the lack of sleep whilst having Dexmethsone. I spoke to my Oncologist who was able to slightly adjust the dosage; I did eventually get prescribed TemTabs which are a mild sleeping tablet. I took these on a Monday night and although I didn't always drop off to sleep straight away they did relax me and stop the mind from whirling. I also found if I had an early appointment for chemo. say around 8am this helped to give extra time to get the Dex out of my system. Hope this helps, Cheryle :)
  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    13 years ago

    So sorry to hear about your situation. I found that dexamethasone kept me awake too when I was having my chemo. At first I thought I wasn't sleeping due to anxiety but my chemo nurse said it would be due to the dex. Apparently this is quite common. My oncologist prescribed some mild sleeping pills which helped a bit I suppose. Best of luck with your treatment. Fingers crossed for you.