Feeling "blue" on tamoxifen

@Christabel03 thank you so much for taking the time to update, I'm so glad you were able to get some relief, and know for sure it was the Tamoxifen.  I hope things go better for you on the new medication xx I have been keeping busy the past few weeks with my progress appointments, I am currently awaiting my 6 months progress MRI (1st one since diagnosis) so that is causing alot of anxiety but I did meet with my radiation oncologist and he was amazing, it's like a therapy session he is so intouch not just with the medical practical side of things, but also the emotional.  He can see the change in me too.  My GP has written me a script for antidepressants.  I guess I will commence.  
Thank you again for your bits of advice and updates, it helps so much knowing I am not alone in this journey xx

The link below explains Tamoxifen 

I have been on it twice 

https://www.bcna.org.au/metastatic-breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-therapy/

@Christabel03 that is interesting regarding Tamoxifen.  I never tried Tamoxifen, but had a lot of issues on both Arimidex and Letrozole.  It is just a matter of finding the right one for you.  Tamoxifen is not an Aromatase Inhibitor, and works a bit differently on the body.  Not being a medical person I won't even try to explain how it works.  @laurie123 I hope you also get to a solution that works well for you.  

@laurie123 thought I would give you a little update. The three weeks off of Tamoxifen was interesting I felt like a different person, and noticed it within the first week as well. So did my husband who unfortunately has been on the receiving end of my endless mood swings and snappiness! So safe to say the tears, anger and edgy aggressive feelings were all thanks to Tamoxifen. I have been back to the oncologist today and we have made a decision to start on Exemestane (?) and see how I go. I'm hopeful that I feel better taking this one but I guess we will see. It really was so nice to feel semi-normal for a while! 
I hope things have improved for you and that you are feeling better, it is such a lot to deal with xxx

I had asked a GP I was seeing at the time for a script for anti-depressants, but I ended up not filling it.  I then proceeded to see a psychologist who told me perhaps to start taking the anti depressants as they may help me in the short term.  Her goal and her agenda turned out to be was to get me to return to work, which was not the help I was wanting at the time, being over 65 and being completing burnt out.  
 

@laurie123 I think it is important to find out why exactly you are depressed and only a good counsellor can assist you with that.  Or perhaps you are suffering some loneliness, I know that is the case for me.  It really isn't easy navigating all this, is it? I wish you all the best to get the correct assistance so you can keep on top of all you are going through at present.  

I had an appointment with my wonderful radiation oncologist, discussed everything including my low mood and side effects.  He recommended speaking to my GP about going on an anti-depressant, given where I am at, don't want to slip any further downwards. I agree, except the last time I spoke to my GP about this, she recommended counselling. Which I am having, it helps for a short while, then I slip back.  I don't think she wants me on anti-depressants, I've never taken them before, but I do feel like I need extra help for this stage of my life.  

Thanks ladies for your replies - extremely appreciated.
@Christabel03 thank you for the updated, I hope the 3 weeks goes well for you.  Will be interesting to see how you feel on your T break.  If you can, please update, it may be something I need to also look into trialling xx
@lamberly sorry to hear you are also struggling with anxiety.  I too am a born worrier, but this is next level. With my 1st upcoming scans, I am not sure I am strong enough to face. Insomnia is kicking in with me too, although I exercise daily.  The struggle is real hey. Big hugs to you also xx
I had another counselling session with cancer council, when she asked me a series of questions it made it cement in a little more when I answered how often do you feel down the past 2 weeks, the answer is daily.  and losing joy in things I used to enjoy.  Not all day every day, but definitely daily.  I want to be ok and I know I will never be my old self, but I want to feel a little joy each day, I don't quite know how to put it into words,  I really do think I may need some extra help more than I can achieve on my own through my own measures, I am meeting with my onc this week to discuss and see what his thoughts are. 
Thanks ladies, have a great weekend :-)

Hi @lamberly - welcome to the blog!!!  If you go to this thread, there is a bunch of stuff for you to check out - even funny stuff (we all need a laugh!) Also bits if you have furkids, are into art & craft, fishing & a bunch of other things .....  including 'tick sheets' to fill in before you see your health professionals next time. 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

I have massive tinnitus/ear ringing & it is a real pain.  I actually use a 'squishy' ear plug in my left ear & it sort of halves the 'canaries' so I have a better chance of sleeping, at least!  I also take a bit of 'magic oil' too and that definitely helps too!  My hearing tests indicate there is nothing wrong, even tho I know that one ear is much 'better' than the other!  grrr

I am not on Tamoxifen tho, so can't blame IT! Ay yi yi!

Take care - if you feel 'too blue'  make sure you ring our help line on 1800 500 258 or contact your breast care nurse to arrange an appt with a counsellor or Psych so they can give you 'coping mechanisms' xx

Hi @laurie123, I have been on tamoxifen for about 3 months and experiencing the same. I've had anxiety for years but on tamoxifen, I find my daily anxiety baseline is higher. I definitely have days of feeling flat and down which is quite unlike me. I had a lot of side effects from the meds.. a constant ringing in my ears is another one! A hearing test is next on my list to book in. 
I'm exercising every day too, I'm not sure if that helps with my mood as much but if definitely helps keep the fatigue at bay.