I had severe depression.....like a big black cloud that came over me shortly after starting and didn't lift. I held out a bit before stopping because after all.........cancer, surgery, treatments......thought they could all cause depression but just a couple days after stopping the drug, no more depression (except for the usual nonsense.....).
Hugsa1

@karendb
Hi, Karen. Yes, I have had a few bouts of depression, too, but I am unable to determine if that is due to the Arimidex or due to the issues from chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. My solution was to recognize it for what it was (a likely side effect as opposed to a serious mental issue) and then increased my exercise regimen. Some people on this blog have noted that their oncologists have recommended stopping the Arimidex for two weeks in order to reset their bodies. I would suggest that you ask your oncologist if this might help... and also try doing more and varied exercise each day.

I was on arimidez for a study after breast cancer diagnoses and prior to surgery. The depression was terrible, but stayed on for 6 months. I stopped taking right before lumpectomy surgery and depression improved within days. After surgery had chemo and currently doing radiation. My oncologist wants me to take arimidez again when radiation is done and I will probably give it another try, but very concern about depression side effects.

Laurie

@karendb - Hi Karen, yes, depression is one of the many side effects I have. It's always difficult to determine what is a side effect and what is life happening!