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June1952's avatar
June1952
Member
11 years ago

Zoloft, Breast Cancer and Tamoxifen

Has anyone done any research into Zoloft (anti-depressant) and hormone related breast cancer?

I was put on 50mg of Zoloft at the end of January due to extreme stresses. This was increased to 100mg when I was diagnosed with BC in August.  I dropped myself back to 50mg after my mastectomy.

Since then I have read that Zoloft stops Tamoxifen doing its job on the naughty hormones.

My oncologist does not want to change what my GP prescribed and my GP does not want to change me from Zoloft as he says the alternatives are not as good.  It's not their body and future, though!

My 2012 mammogram was clear then in 2014 they found DCIS in 63% of my breast.  I am trying to ascertain if the Zoloft could have had some bearing on the cancer growing.

I had an emergency hysterectomy in 1997 but my ovaries were left.  Now I read that doctors are removing ovaries to prevent further hormone-related cancers.  Nothing has been mentioned to me on this subject though.  I am post-menopausal so that may be why.

I have decided to slowly take myself off the Zoloft anyway.

Any advice on this drug and breast cancer would be appreciated.

Thanks ladies.
Summer

7 Replies

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    I am doing well thankyou.I am having my 2nd pelvic ultrasound tomorrow,which is what my doctor does,because of the Tamoxifen.It is to keep an eye on any changes because of the increased risk of endometrial cancer,when you are on Tamoxifen.I took myself off for a full blood test last week,and the results were good.Look after yourself,and stay in touch.CheersxoxRobyn
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago

    Your advice/support is good.  Thanks.

    No, there is no-one who can do that for me as everyone thinks I am THE strongest and they all rely on me !  Maybe I just put on a brave face ?

    If I find my thoughts getting too much along the lines of death and/or suicide I will contact a helpline in the first instance.

    The biggest issue affecting me at the time I was put onto Zoloft has recently gone so I am confident I can get through this.  The illness and loss of our beloved four-legged kid did throw a spanner in the works, as did my own cancer diagnosis and mastectomy.

    Whilst we ladies have ups and downs (as I did recently) I know there is always someone on this network to 'talk' to.  Thank you especially to Robyn and Deanne.

    I do monitor the physical affects of withdrawal as well so will get help if needs be.

    Thanks a lot for your input.

    Kind regards

    Summer

  • Rita1963's avatar
    Rita1963
    Member
    11 years ago

    Please take care, is there a close friend who you can regularly contact, one that truely knows you and would be able to call you on a bluff.  It is difficult to honestly monitor your own mental health. As with many women, we feel we can battle on  and get through it.  Many women are reluctant to call on help, so please stay connected with as many people as you can and that way there are many looking out for you.

    Rita x.

     

  • Rita1963's avatar
    Rita1963
    Member
    11 years ago

    Please take care, is there a close friend who you can regularly contact, one that truely knows you and would be able to call you on a bluff.  It is difficult to honestly monitor your own mental health. As with many women, we feel we can battle on  and get through it.  Many women are reluctant to call on help, so please stay connected with as many people as you can and that way there are many looking out for you.

    Rita x.

     

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago

    Great to hear from you.

    Yes, the American and English websites are full of good information.  It is that particular group of anti-depressants which are the problem.  I figure if it makes Tamoxifen less effective then it must assist the naughty hormones before Tamoxifen was ever required.

    I agree, what WOULD the medicos do if it were them ?  I WILL get off the tablets by Xmas !!!

    When I was at Breastscreen a lady was also waiting for her biopsy etc and she was so funny - she said "if it were men's dangly bits then they would find the answers very quickly".  How true.  A former neighbour of mine went to the USA to work on a cure for breast cancer - and that was in the mid 1980s.

    How are you doing ?

    Hugs  Summer   :-)

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago

    Being in a rural area it is difficult to change medicos as most have closed their books.  I have made an appointment with my GP (25 kms away) - but the first I could get is 8 weeks from now.  I even rang a couple of clinics 75 kms away and they have closed their books as well.  Oh the memories of city life !!

    I have been doing a lot of reading on the issue from only reputable professional websites and books.   I am reducing the dosages for a month at a time and am monitoring myself closely.  I will eventually get there.

    Thanks.  I will let you know how I get on.

    Summer

     

     

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago
    I read on the American Cancer website,that Paxil,Prozac and Zoloft,all make Tamoxifen less effective.I don't know about Zoloft helping cancer grow,but I think it's a good idea if you CAN wean yourself off it.As you said Summer,it's our body!!!I I sometimes wonder what our doctors would do if they were in our position.Take care.Robyn xox