What happens when you stop taking anastrozole?

I was so ready to complete 5 yrs. The first 3 months were fine, then, fatigue hit so badly. I was a wet rag lying on the couch with encroaching depression. Then went off of drug as Christmas 2023 was approaching. Enjoyed not having that awful fatigue. Went back on Dec 29, and then finally gave up Jan 14, 2024. Having 3rd mtg w/team end of month. I'm going to opt for lumpectomy. Anastrozole REALLY worked. The sonogram nurse couldn't even find the left breast lump. Finally did, but commented on how it changed. The right breast was much larger and yet diminished by about 30%. If you can stand the drug, good for you. My quality of life was non-existent. Too tired to even join my crochet group.

A year ago I had similar circumstances. I took anastrozole for six months prior to surgery in order to shrink the tumors. When I started taking anastrozole, I had overwhelming fatigue from then on. My blood pressure went up, and I experienced insomnia for the first time ever. I stopped anastrozole several weeks before surgery, and within three days I felt great. I had energy and slept really well. I felt better than I had in over six months. I restarted a week after surgery and those side effects came back quickly. It made me question resuming it again. Because my tumors were 97% estr/pro positive, my oncologist strongly recommended it.

If you are experiencing these side effects from stopping them, you need to let your health providers know. You don’t want to go into surgery with these symptoms ongoing. I have found health care providers will do whatever necessary to get you past any problems you are having. Good luck with this and I pray for a positive surgery.

When you stop you just go back to normal no symptoms at all shortly after stopping keep us with it it does seem to be drug of choice

After stopping Anastrozole it took a while for the side effects to stop. I had extreme fatigue, hot flashes which I never had during menopause because of hrt, anything that was wrong with me doubled. I had some carpal tunnel from crochet work but after taking Anastrozole and stopping crochet work at all got worse. My right shoulder is really hurting it's right down to the bone. It's still with me after stopping anastrazole on February 16. I am now fine and I'm getting back my strength and taking walks again. Today is April 7th. The first 90 days were a breeze and then I went back for my second 90 days and as I have said before everything went South in 2 weeks. I blame the manufacturers. There's a lot of them and they do whatever the hell they want. My batch was the opposite of what my first batch was.

I am new to this forum. 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with DCIS. I had surgery to remove the nipple area as a precautionary as the very small sac was located in very close proximity.

I did not need radiation but I was prescribed Anastrozole. The first year was fine. I had no side effects at all. In the second year I began having sleep issues, extended depression and increased anxiety. My heart felt like it was jumping out of my chest at times. I’ve also experienced shortness of breath.

I decided to see a cardiologist to rule out any hear issues and am waiting on test results. I have no family heart issues and have never smoked, I do not drink and I am very active.

I thought I was the only one experiencing sides effects as my oncologist basically blows me off when I try to discuss the matter. The other option is a change to Tamoxifen which I am unable to take as I take Paxil for major depression and panic/anxiety disorder, which have all been under control for many years. Even my surgery and diagnosis did not cause a relapse in the area. I have only relapsed since I have been on Anastrozole.

Does anyone else notice any of these side affects while taking Anastrozole?

Thank you. This is a very informative group.

Stay strong and resilient!

I am new to this site and also have questions about Anastrozole. I’ve been on it 3.5 years now, and am scheduled to take it for 5 years. I’m VERY concerned about bone loss and have many of the side effects. My doctor won’t even talk with me about stopping it early, and I feel she’s not listening to me. If I make it to the 4 year mark, what is the cancer reoccurrence vs the continued side effects? I really, really want to be done with this medication.