Forum Discussion

lindaj's avatar
lindaj
Member
13 years ago

Leg Cramps - Tamoxifin

Well its been a while since I have posted.  Have now been on Tamoxifin for 3 1/2 months, can handle the hot flushes but the leg cramps at night are getting to me.  I mentioned to my oncologist who suggested Effexor. I have previously been on Effexor prior to my diagnose of BC, didn't have any problems but my GP told me 12 months max because it is a anti depressent and quite hard to come off.  I don't want to go back on it.  Any other alternative meds for leg cramps that some ladies may be taking.Enjoyed my mothers day classic walk - 5ks was so good to get out there and do it.
tamoxifen

5 Replies

  • Pink66's avatar
    Pink66
    Member
    13 years ago

    I suffered leg cramps quite a lot in the 7 years I was on Tamoxifen.  I found that a magnesium Forte 400mg per day helped out amazingly..  When I was having cramps again thru the latest chemo (tamoxifen was cancelled by this time) My Oncologist advised to go to one in the morning and one at night.. I am now back to one per day..  cramps are banished :)

    Magnesium also assists with mild stress and anxiety.

    Hope this helps out :)

     

  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    13 years ago

    Hi ,

    my oncologist prescribed Effexor for me to help me get a better sleep, but I have decided against it after putting up a post here and also internet research.

    I also have had cramps on tamoxifen but they have gone away (touch wooe!).

    Thinking of trying Endeep which Tonya recommended but I haven't made any enquiries yet.

    Julia

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    An Epsom salts bath, magnesium supplement and a bedtime hot milo milk helps me.              Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    An Epsom salts bath, magnesium supplement and a bedtime hot milo milk helps me.              Tonya xx

  • bmc's avatar
    bmc
    Member
    13 years ago
    Hello LindaI too endured very painful leg cramping for over a year as a result of taxol and herceptin (my oncologist didn't really want to know!) and have worked out a self-help routine, just through lots of research and trial and error.I wear knee high medium weight compression stockings to bed when the pain is particularly bad. Laughable as it sounds, it helps reduce the pain.I also use Elmore Oil, rubbing it into the soles of my feet at bedtime as recommended on their website and it is working. I would happily bathe in it if it helped. Elmore Oil and cream is available online and also in discount pharmacies.I also use magnesium as a supplement. Not sure how helpful it is, but I still carry on.I do deep water aerobics three days a week and that also helps as it stretches my calf and quad muscles very nicely.A lovely warm bath before bed after a busy day also helps a bit.I use a bit of massage as well if the pain is quite sharp. Using my knuckles and some  oil works a treat.Well done with the walk. I still can't mange 5ks, 3 is the limit on my daily walk as the cramps start soon after if I do much more. Let us know how you manage.BMC