I just started taking tamoxifen in the last few weeks and have noticed that I'm feeling a bit depressed and anxious. I did have a problem with depression and anxiety before BC but was managing it ok with anti-depressants. I still take the anti-depressants but am wondering if its the tamoxifen that's making me feel more anxious than usual and if it will settle down soon. Has anyone else experienced this??
Sorry for the late reply, I hadn't logged on here for a little while. Thankfully, I have settled down now. My GP upped my antidepressant dosage and I think I got used to the tamoxifen after a few weeks.
Interestingly, my anti-depressant is the one that helps reduce the physical side effects of tamoxifen, so that's a good thing!
Thank you so much for your good wishes! You're right, this is a tough thing to get our heads around!!!
Hi Wildflower,
I logged onto the forum today to see if anyone else has had concerns with anxiety and depression while on tamoxifen. I was stable on Zoloft (an antidepressant) which was changed when I started tamoxifen in November. I have had moments of heightened anxiety but assumed it was just fallout from such a massively shit year. But, in the last week I've really crashed, with serious anxiety and depression causing my treating psychiatrist (who is part of the oncology team) to review me.
The psych actually said that tamoxifen can cause the symptoms of anxiety and depression that I've been experiencing. I'm really annoyed that noone mentioned that when I went on the tamoxifen. As a person with a history of mental illness, I should have been told what side effects to look out for and monitored regularly by the oncologist - I haven't seen him since October when he put me on the tamoxifen.
So, my heart goes out to you if you are still struggling and I also want to reassure you that the tamoxifen might be the cause of your psychological distress - it's best not to assume that it's down to you. See your doctor as soon as you can and hopefully it doesn't snowball! Sending you best wishes and love, this time after treatment is terribly difficult!
Thans Karen. Good luck to us both with tamoxifen!
Hi Wildflower,
I've just popped my first tamoxifen pill this morning!!
It's been a massive year, but speak to your Dr if you notice more changes in your emotions. Take care beautiful.
Karen xx
Thanks Emma. I think you (and the other great ladies who've responded to me) are right. It's been a long and crazy year and tamoxifen is the last hurdle. Hopefully it all settles down soon :)
Hi Wildflower,
I have been taking tamoxifen for about six weeks now at first I was a bit anxious but it's hard to say if it was the tamoxifen or just a culmination of everything that has happened this year! I am feeling a lot better now, it's the night time hot flushes which are making me a bit crazy hopefully this too will settle down at some point!
Emma Xx
Thanks Jude! Congrats on finishing the tamoxifen :)
Hi Wildflower. It is a very stressful journey you have begun, and I understand your anxiety. I had not had any depression but was suffering with side effects of Tamoxifen so was out on an antidepressant which was to help with the hot flushes etc etc. it didn't stop them completely but I felt calmer because of the medication. I have now been off Tamoxifen for 3 weeks after taking it for 5 years. Hurray!!! Be positive and keep as fit and healthy as you can. Wishing you all the very best.
You're right Kim. I'm totally over the treatment (it's been a looong year) and wasn't looking forward to starting tamoxifen so perhaps I'm just overanalysing how I'm feeling.
Thanks!
Hi Wildflower,
i have never had depression but BC treatment would make anyone anxious! I have had a panIic attack, can not drink coffee and totally over aware of myself. I to have just started Tamoxifen and I have not noticed any changes or side effects yet, and hopefully I will not. May be mention to your doctor or breast care nurse how you are feeling.
be kind to yourself there is a lot of adjusting to do and so much to get your head around.
kim
