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I have been reading these posts because I have realized that I have anxiety and am wondering if the anastrozole could be causing it. I also take bupropion...which is supposed to be for anxiety I think. Long story short, I have had BC twice...in 2007 and 2018. I was out of control nuts after the second diagnosis. My first oncologist from the second occurrence did prescribe anastrozole, but would not give me anything for anxiety. He told me to take Xanax even though I pleaded for help. He wanted me to go for psychological therapy. After other issues with him, I asked my PCP for help and she immediately prescribed bupropion. Thank God! I finally started feeling in control of myself and much better mentally. I got rid of oncologist #1 and oncologist #2 and now have an excellent doctor that listens and helps me. I then found out that I had a genetic mutation that could cause breast cancer, so in 2020, I had a bilateral mastectomy with diep reconstruction. The fear of getting cancer again has greatly diminished which I thought was part of the reason for my anxiety. I have been lucky with the anastrozole in that I very seldom have physical issues....occasional pains in the wrists and minor lack of movement as well as minor shaking occasionally in the left hand. I get plenty of exercise and that may be why the physical issues are easy for me. The anxiety is a problem and I never gave a thought to the fact that the anastrozole could have something to do with it until last night when I was telling two different friends about a minor continuing problem I have been having with my car and how upset I was over it. The one told me to just calm down and it is very fixable. The other friend (who has also had cancer) suggested that my anxiety could be enhanced because of the drugs I am taking. She did not know that I have had cancer. I have been taking other drugs for long term unrelated issues and have not had increased anxiety because of them. So, I feel that this anxiety could be affected by one or both of these drugs. Has anyone else felt hyper anxious on the anastrozole?
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I read everything that I could find on anastrozole, including hours spent on Google Scholar, and haven't seen anxiety mentioned as a side effect. Anxiety is sometimes triggered by menopause, e.g., lowering estrogen levels, so maybe a consequence of that effect,, but that tends to decline. General anxiety levels certainly increased from covid, lockdown, political polarity, inflation, etc.
And you're dealing with more than one issue personally so that's a challenge too. I'd review the meds you're taking with your PCP and maybe pharmacist as well to see if there are any contraindications or anxiety side effects. But also realize that you've survived a lot and sometimes the body experiences delayed anxiety as a kind of relief and safety valve. If that sounds possibly explanative, you can put it in perspective and gain distance from it, while doing a lot of self-support stuff like meditating, nature walks, drawing, and other activities to kind of stay grounded in the present that you can control. It sounds simplistic but can be empowering.