Anastrazole and anxiety

I took Aromasin (Exemestane) for about 5 months after a DCIS diagnosis. My mood was definitely impacted. I could cry very easily and my anxiety worsened. As someone who already deals with anxiety I found this to be very difficult. I just over all did not feel well. As my risk of recurrence is very low ( I had surgery and radiation) I decided to stop the medication. I try to exercise daily, try to eat better and leave it at that. My situation is not everyone's situation of course, but this decision is the best for me. I agree that adding a med to tolerate a med seems strange, but if it works then that plan is best for individual patients.

Dear Momandrpho48
I was having the same issue on Anastrozole. It was called Brain Fog on the list of possible side effects.
Mentally I was just not me. I cried when alone and felt like I was saying ‘who is this person?”

In my research as to why I was experiencing such joint and muscle pain in my knee, I read how blocking estrogen for the sake of
breast cancer made me think of rephrasing the saying - damned if you don’t (take Anastrozole) - damned if you do. I learned that your brain and jounts/muscles are 2 vital parts of our bodies that estrogen plays a very important part and was being denied . While I didn’t go on my current hiatus because of brain fog, it has become one of the changes that I am most aware of and grateful for. As with the incremental recuperation from muscle/joint pain , the brain fog recovery isn’t instant but is very evident.

Just wanted to share what seems to be our similar experiences with Anastrozole and hope it helps you.
I have found it a problem that in order to alleviate a side effect of Anestrozole, we are prescribed or made aware of another drug to include in addition.

You seem very aware of yourself. Stay strong and remember you reached out here when you rightfully questioned what was going on. You can get comfort from this group but you more importantly can be made aware.
I hope you will stay tuned! ❤️

All the very best!
Gini

Your situation is similar to my past experience.. I was treated for breast cancer Her2+ hr - I had chemo therapy and radiation. After this period I was put on Anastrozole for 5 years . I too had anxiety and cried at drop of a pin. I was put on Effexor (still am many years later).
I found Effexor to relieve my anxiety and have no wish to get off of it in fear my symptoms come back

I am so happy I could be of help. It is a scary road but totally doable.

Thank you so much, this was exactly what I needed to hear today.. 🌸

I too was on lexapro after very serious brain aneurysm. If I can do it you can stay on anastrazole. Stay in the company of those that make you happy. Be good to you. This anxiety will pass.

I’m on Effexor, which initially helped quite a bit, but not for that long, if I try to increase the dose, I end up with more side effects.. Maybe it’s time to talk to my oncologist about switching to something else.. Thanks for your input, it always helps to know I’m not alone!!

I came down with anxiety and depression, not to mention bad joint and muscle pain, when I was on Letrozole. I have been switched to Anastrozole and am now also taking Lexapro to handle the emotional symptoms of this drug. I initially fought going on Lexapro, but I decided that I needed to do whatever I could to stay on my aromatase inhibitor. Good luck with your own journey!

Thank you! Good advice! Photography is my passion, so I’m trying to get a little side business started.. I just have to remind myself this is part of the journey and I just need to find what works for me to manage it! Thanks for understanding!

I had very little side effects with anastrazole. Very warm and losing hair gradually Not terrible. I am off now after five years.