Anyone experience mood swings and nervousness with Anastrozole?

Hi. I have already responded, but this morning, I read this on Breastcacer.org
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/anxiety

Also, please note that I said that I am taking Wellbutrin and this article says that this medication interferes with Tamoxifen. I did not know that. I was on anastozole.

Thank you. I just finished reading the article you posted. It was very helpful. Much appreciated.

I am 80 years old. I had a terrible menopause emotionally. No hot flashes, I was just kind of crazy I found myself sobbing because my daughter hadn't cleaned her room. I got on hormones at that time and never had any more problems. When I started the antihormones after my lumpectomy, chemo and radiation, a year ago, I was once more miserable. I told my oncologist that I didn't want to take them and he said that was okay. I don't want what is left of my life to be feeling bad every day. As it is, I feel good. I'm on citalopram for anxiety. I take Gabapentin for neuropathy in my feet and it acts like a happy pill for me. I'm guessing it is the anastrozole causing your mood swings.

Yes. It was dramatic--not necessarily "mood swings"--more like stuck down low. I tried some therapies to deal with the tears and sadness. Nothing worked--there are additional side effects. It was definitely from the anastrozole, not dealing with cancer itself. I find these choices we are faced with quite difficult--like being on the horns of a dilemma. Good luck.

Hi, i am starting this medication today and im so nervous, glad i found this site. Lots of useful information and sincere comments and experiences

I had my surgery bilateral lumpectomy, stage 1 on left side, didn't start radiation yet, however oncologist advised to start meds in meantime.
Wish me luck!

I too was worried about starting Anastrozole as I have a low tolerance for meds and typically have side effects.

Four months in and tolerating it very well. I may be experiencing some hair thinning… or I may be in the midst of telegen effluvium ( a temporary and short lived increase of otherwise normal hair shedding phase due to trauma or stress) following unilateral mastectomy in February.

So far so good. This medication has a proven treatment effect for hormone positive breast cancer so I feel grateful that I can tolerate it. Begin with a positive or neutral attitude and see how it goes for you. Good luck !

You are not alone. I experienced both depression and anxiety on Anastrozole, especially during the first year. I finished my 5 year course 9 months ago. My oncologist offered antidepressants at various times but I never went on them. I didn’t want to layer on more meds. You aren’t imagining it, so seek out whatever services are available to you, try meditation, etc. AIs are harsh and I wish there were better answers for the side effects. I hope it will ease over time for you.

Previous history of serious depression. Progressively worse on anastrozole. Should be contraindicated for those who have non aggressive cancers. Kind of pisses me off that depression as side effect isn’t monitored more closely.

I am just three months in and the anxiety and mood swings are awful. Sometimes I cry for days. I hate myself for wasting the time I have left on being depressed but it is not something I can control. It’s part of the price we pay for having MBC. So I just keep going and pray the day goes well. I pray that for all of us. M

I have just about finished 4 months of anastrozole, and I realized today just how low my mood is. I've had periods of depression in the past, but this last 2-3 week period has been very bad. I am seeing my oncologist in two days, and I'm seriously thinking about asking him to take me off this med. Thanks to all who posted about this side effect.