Anastrazole and anxiety

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.

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

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.

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. 🇮🇪🇮🇪

I was on it for 2 years and it has given me back pain and damage to my back, that will never b sorted. I started exemestane a year ago last July 2023, and a month ago I stopped taking it. I’m
On hols in Spain and I’ve ever felt so well!! The Exemestane was affecting my breathing and I could hardly walk without sitting down every so often. I sometimes have to sit down but not as bad as I was on exemestane. All of these meds cause dude effects and it’s up to you, not an oncologist or doctor, to decide what us the best for you. Best of luck 🇮🇪

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

I find this post helpful - began Anastrozole end Feb 24. This describes my emotional symptoms exactly - now feel I’m not alone or going mad. Due to very severe back /hip pain had break from it from mid July - mid Sept, now recommenced but symptoms not so severe ( or not yet!) weepiness etc not quite so hard to control as previously but still an unpredictable factor. Thank you for this post - gives me hope!

I was tired often, and I read here the medicine does that. I changed taking Anastrozole compound from morning to night time and it has worked out so much better. I also am having trouble with lymphedema so I was waking up quite often and the change lets me feel more rested. I am having a problem with weight, but am unaware of any other medicine form that can be compounded. If anyone knows of any, please advise.

Hi bright side, I am supposed to start taking one form or another of these drugs for the next five years. My first exposure disrupted my sleep, and made my bones ache.

I too need to know about my odds without the meds.
Good luck to you.

I had bilateral breast cancer, Stage 1a ILC and IDC. I had a bilateral mastectomy, no chemo, no radiation. After a decision to have a hysterectomy, I was placed on Anastrozole. I had taken Tamoxifen which caused a increase in liver enzymes. Anastrozole has been tolerable, but does cause some fatigue, hot flashes, mild joint pain in index finger and knees. I too have had some mild depression with anxiety and occasional crying spell. Never had this in my life. I have been on this drug for 1 year now. I started tracking my symptoms in January (2024) after roughly 6 months of the drug. I have found that following a strict diet, low sugar and carbs and fats, as well as working out each day for an hour helps a lot. I continue on this medicine as I was HR+ positive for estrogen and progesterone with strong staining. Oncologist believes it helps people like me. Take care of yourself and follow your symptoms, you might find triggers as I did. I am doing better understanding the triggers or times that cause me to experience greater problems. Best of luck to you. You've got this.