Breast cancer
posted by Resolute
24 June 2013

Tamoxifen and tiredness

Last reply: 04 July 2013 12:29

Hi everyone!

I'm wondering if anyone out there is on Tamoxifen and has/is suffering extreme tiredness?? I only started taking it a week ago and I am totally 'zonked' by afternoon Image removed. I am currently taking it after lunch and wonder if the time you take it at is relevant?? On the plus side I don't seem to have any other SEs Image removed.

7 comments

Comments

commented by Ania
24 June 2013

24 June 2013 21:26

Hi resolute, I had that starting tamoxifen, complete fatigue. More than with any other treatment, chemo or rads it was worst with tamoxifen. It reduced after a few weeks tho. I just had a great 6wk break from it cos I just couldn't tolerate it, it made me really depressed. Oncologist wants me to try it again, and she seems to think taking it in the morning will make a difference. I don't have any faith in this, and dread the torment of starting it again!! First 6 weeks were hell for me last time. I am really sensitive to all forms of meds but the doctors don't seem to believe me Image removed. I don't think tamoxifen is for me!

commented by WicklowLady
24 June 2013

24 June 2013 23:59

Just curious ad I am E- what does tamoxifen do?

commented by Neadi
25 June 2013

25 June 2013 07:46

Another tamoxifen newbie here!!
Mary, it's an estrogen blocker, basically making it hard for cancer cells to grow if your cancer is er+. pretty much what your herceptin does for you. But it brings with it a lovely host of wonderful side effects, which mimic menopause. (and other scary ones on the leaflet!!!!)

I'm doing ok on it- it's just the cold flashes (yes!) which are driving me a bit mad as they wake me up at night, and achy joints sometimes, but I'm only 4 weeks into it so maybe too early to tell.

Resolute, I'm really tired too, but it could be a mixture of radiation finishing and my body asking itself what the he'll has happened over the last 9 months!!!!!

Xxxx

commented by wilmaone
25 June 2013

25 June 2013 22:36

Hi ladies
Yes was fierce tired on tamoxifen,all I wanted to do by 2/3 in afternoon was sleep sleep and then sleep some more.other effects were not too bad although did end up on antidepressants for while
Neadi can't believe you are finished rads too where has the time gone congratulations.i did get 'cold flushes'that woke me up every morning at 6ish freezing.but they did pass.Am not on tamoxifen anymore got switched to new one 2 months ago.

Xxx

commented by Resolute
26 June 2013

26 June 2013 20:27

Thanks everyone!

Only hoping that the tiredness passes and also that I don't gain too many pounds while on it Image removed. Also, as yet I haven't noticed any hot/cold flushes .. but maybe I'm not taking it long enough yet ??

commented by sunshine71
28 June 2013

28 June 2013 20:57

I'VE CHANGED FROM TAKING MINE IN THE MORNING TO TAKING IT AT NIGHT AS MY LEGS/FEET ARE SWELLING UP A BIT WITH WATER RETENTION. NOT HAVING ANY OTHER SIDE EFFECTS THAT ARE BAD BUT I'M ALSO ON THE TABLET LYRICA FOR PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND A LOVELY SIDE EFFECT OF THIS IS IT CAN HELP STOP THE HOT FLASHES. SO ONE TRADE OFF FOR ANOTHER IN MY CASE.

commented by deefed
04 July 2013

04 July 2013 12:29

I started mine on Monday and already have forgotten one..... no symptons so far and NO SLEEP....... one or two flushes

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