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Anyone experience mood swings and nervousness with Anastrozole?
I have been taking anastrozole for only 5 months now. I had a lumpectomy and 20 radiation treatments. Just recently I have been experiencing nervousness and mood swings. Has anyone else had any of these side effects?
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You might try a low dose of Effexor for the mood swings. It has helped me tremendously and also gotten rid of the awful hot flashes. My encologist suggested it and I'm so glad I decided to try it. I don't like being on an antidepressant but it's better than suffering with hot flashes and mood swings. Good luck to you!
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1 ReactionWe must remember that these estrogen blocking drugs we must take to prevent a recurrence of breast cancer, causes us to feel like we are going through menopause. Our estrogen drops naturally during our menopausal years, and now we are dropping our estrogen even lower by taking these life saving medications. Of course we are going to have some pretty nasty side affects. Hopefully we are comfortable enough with our oncologist to speak up about these issues. But our oncologist simply doesn’t have any other way to help us other than to prescribe the drugs that are currently available. Anastrozole was the worst for me. After trying a few of these drugs, I found Exemestane to have the least side effects for me. My oncologist has been supportive and understanding: but she is also limited because there simply aren’t alternatives at this time. Keeping myself occupied seems to help, even when I don’t feel much like doing anything: sometimes I have to force myself to keep busy. Best of luck to you in finding your own way to cope with these challenges. 🌸
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3 Reactions@christycarraway, I’m sorry to hear that anastrozole has progressively worsened depression. You might wish to look into Oncology Social Work. Read more here:
* How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/
Depression and mental health should be monitored closely with cancer patients, with your without previous history. Are you seeing a therapist at this time - someone who is aware of your history and your cancer diagnosis? Have you informed your cancer team about the worsening depression you’re experiencing? I hate that this onus is on the patient to connect these dots.
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2 ReactionsFor anyone wishing to talk about cancer and mental health, I recommend browsing the topics in the Cancer: Managing Symptoms https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/cancer-managing-symptoms/
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1 ReactionYes! Low mood and low energy. Have tried exercise (walking a lot). Doctor recommended Zoloft but that just makes me nervous. Am open to any suggestions from others who are taking Anastrozole.
I am new to support groups, but thought I'd give it a go as I've been suffering from uncontrolled anger lately. I lost my sister to breast cancer four years ago. That was bad enough, and then I got breast cancer the year after she died. My sister's cancer was aggressive and by the time it was found, it was pretty much all over her body. In short, my sister never looked after herself, ate very badly, ignored her own health, and blew off mammograms. I kept on to her all her life not to take her health for granted, but it was all hopeless; she lasted three years and was 63 with a husband and two young adult children left behind. It was, and will always be my major devastation. Then, I got breast cancer a year later. Thankfully, mine was not the same as my sister's; non-aggressive and as soon as I had symptoms I went to the doctor, and I am really health-conscious and never missed a scan. Caught early, the lump was removed and had radiation treatment. I got on with it; and didn't dwell....my husband was great, as per usual. I've been taking Anastrozole and am half way through my five years. Here's the problem; lately I am suffering from intense anger. Particularly it seems, if anyone is disloyal...I fly into a rage going from 1 to 100 in a flash. I have also turned into a control freak, but my husband says that's nothing new lol. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice; I get the hot flushes, anxiety, panic attacks .... all the lovely side-effects from taking the medication, but I try and cope with those; I wouldn't dream of coming off the medication. I am just about to go on Red Clover and Sage. I exercise every day at the Gym, have lost 20 lbs and now feel healthier; I am trying to do all of the things I need to do to stay well. If I can get this anger thing sorted, I can cope and not alienate people around me by lashing out.
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6 Reactions@colleenyoung I completely agree with your point that some heed should be given to previous diagnoses of depression etc. ,particularly where this may have a hormonal component eg those who have experienced either severe menopausal or post natal depression . I was never asked about this ( having had two serious episodes of post natal illness) and the total suppression these drugs create is much more severe than regular menopause etc.
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3 Reactions@mrsangy54321 I know how hard this is! I am sorry you are going through this. I also have gone through this, losing family to cancer and dealing with my own cancer and very early and complete menopause. I was depressed and heartbroken one minute and a fire breathing dragon the next.
I know this is not the right route for everyone but low dose sertraline leveled me right out. It didn’t solve the issues of sadness and anger that takes a fair amount of mindfulness and work but it did help me to get there.
Even today I notice within about six hours if I forget it.
I was surprised to realize that my oncologist was ready and able to understand how the hormones or lack of hormones was destroying my sense of well being. Have you talked to your doctor about this?
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1 Reaction@mrsangy54321 I found myself dealing with over reacting too! And had a host of other unpleasant side effects. I am now taking Tamoxifen for 6 months and will try to go back to Anastrazole, hoping for a reset. I am only 2 years into a 5 year prescription.
I have read that Red Clover may not be great for certain kinds of BC. So please make sure before you begin taking this supplement. Take a look at the supplement DIM.
Best wishes!
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4 Reactions@mrsangy54321 Yes, my temper has gotten worse, & my micro-management tendencies - whew. Thank goodness for understanding spouses. I warned mine that it would be as though I was going through menopause again, & there are similarities. But the anger & depression was unexpected. jwmusic mentioned walking, & I've increased mine considerably; movement & being away from people for a part of each day has helped a lot. I've had trouble with anti-depressants - increased anxiety & anger - but talk therapy takes the edge off. I feel chemically imbalanced, & figure this just may be how I am for the next 4+ years. Crap. Good luck.
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