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Anastrazole and anxiety

Posted by momandrph048 @momandrph048, Jun 14, 2023

Has anyone else taking an aromatase inhibitor been dealing with crying very easily, and anxiety that comes out of nowhere?? It doesn’t seem to be related to anything, it just appears out of the blue.. My oncologist has me on Effexor, but it doesn’t seem to be doing that much and I really don’t want to increase my dose.. Can anyone share a similar story? Counseling isn’t really for me, I just need to deal with it on my own, and I really feel that the medication is the reason for it.. Mostly because my dr had me stop it for a couple weeks due to joint pain and everything got better.. Thanks for your input!

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sally484 | @sally484 | 6 days ago
In reply to @kimogi57 "I had the same outbursts with Anestrozole. I was so mean. I've always been known as..." + (show)
@kimogi57

I had the same outbursts with Anestrozole. I was so mean. I've always been known as being too nice. My hips, feet and legs hurt. I tried every other day but my side effects were the same. I quit it for over a month and my life went back to normal!! Now I am on the AI that starts with an E. I am full of anxiety. It's such an awful feeling. I can't remember anything and I'm afraid I'm getting dementia. In the back of my mind I know it's the meds because I've only been taking it about 1 month. I can't sleep more tha 4-5 hrs per night because of the anxiety. I always feel as though I've drank 10 cups of coffee. Exemestane is the medication. I may just stop. My ILC was caught early and I insisted on a dbl mastectomy. No lymph node involvement. I wish we didn't have to go through this. Hugs to all

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If you are talking about Exemestane, I take that also. I feel like someone threw my brain out the window. My memory is atrocious and it's quite embarrassing and frustrating. I also get upset easily. I am 70 years old and hopefully, this is not age related as I have to wonder sometimes if I am getting dementia also. I was on Anastrozole first and changed because I was so emotional. But, to be honest, they all mess with your hormones so there probably isn't much of a difference. I am also gaining weight on this.

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kimogi57 | @kimogi57 | 5 days ago
In reply to @sally484 "If you are talking about Exemestane, I take that also. I feel like someone threw my..." + (show)
@sally484

If you are talking about Exemestane, I take that also. I feel like someone threw my brain out the window. My memory is atrocious and it's quite embarrassing and frustrating. I also get upset easily. I am 70 years old and hopefully, this is not age related as I have to wonder sometimes if I am getting dementia also. I was on Anastrozole first and changed because I was so emotional. But, to be honest, they all mess with your hormones so there probably isn't much of a difference. I am also gaining weight on this.

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We are close to the same age. I'm 68 next May. I do have to say that during my times off from both, my memory came back. I felt like my old self. I feel exactly as you about being embarrassed because I'm so forgetful, emotional, and for me, mean. I see my oncologist in 8 days! Hugs

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katrii | @katrii | 5 days ago

Reading everyone’s emotional, memory, and bone/joint symptoms is so reassuring. I’ve experienced everything I’ve read, and it’s so hard at age 70 to suddenly change so much. I’ve given Lexotrole and Anastrozole chances of about 6 weeks each. No way will I ever take those again. My joint pain was out of control. Just stated Exemestane, but every other day. This is 7 months post-lumpectomy and radiation, and I’m hoping this works. I find a glass of wine (or 2) really helps me relax. I don’t think it’s advised, but for me it helps me chill out and deal with all the life stressors of everyday life.

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sally484 | @sally484 | 4 days ago
In reply to @kimogi57 "We are close to the same age. I'm 68 next May. I do have to say..." + (show)
@kimogi57

We are close to the same age. I'm 68 next May. I do have to say that during my times off from both, my memory came back. I felt like my old self. I feel exactly as you about being embarrassed because I'm so forgetful, emotional, and for me, mean. I see my oncologist in 8 days! Hugs

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I'm so glad you started getting your memory back! I don't think I'll be off these AI's anytime soon. I'm scared to just stop taking them as I try to do what the Dr. says. We'll see what they say at my next appointment. Big hugs to you!!!

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mjeang | @mjeang | 3 days ago
In reply to @rosa1935 "I Eason Anastrozole for 2 years and it has done untold damage to my back and..." + (show)
@rosa1935

I Eason Anastrozole for 2 years and it has done untold damage to my back and joints, but particularly my back. I was put on exemestane a year ago, july 2023, and stopped taking it a few weeks ago. I’ve felt so well as I do, now. I can walk without loosing g my breath. I still need to sit down for a minute when I’m walking but I’m in such a better place. I only recently discovered that exemestane causes heart problems.. hence my shortness of breath. I’m not saying you or anyone on here shoukd do what I’ve done but my quality of life on these meds, was literally, no life. Best of Irish luck. 🇮🇪🇮🇪

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Hello Rosa, i hope you continue to improve! I feel better evevyday after stopping Anastrazole, i had 3 years remaining on this medication and just knew i couldnt bare the aches and pains any longer.. the best of luck

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