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Antidepressant while taking AI (Exemestane) and Ribociclib (Kisqali)

Posted by ss21 @ss21, Dec 17, 2025

Have you been prescribed any antidepressant alongside EXEMESTANE and RIBOCICLIB? I have been taking an AI (Letrozole, then switched to Exemestane) and RIBOCICLIB since April 2024, but have suffered from low mood, anxiety over the last 6 months. I am seeing a psychologist, but my oncologist suggested started Sertraline. I am unsure if this is the best option for me and what other peoples experiences might be? Would like to hear if anyone can help me with this. Thank you

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Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Dec 18, 2025

Hello @ss21 welcome to connect. I am sorry that you are going through this but judging from the combination of drugs you are taking, you are certainly in a position to benefit from “better living through chemistry”.
It was suggested by my oncologist to go on sertraline years ago when I was a year into treatments. I took that advice and I am grateful that I did. I remained on it until I felt stronger again, and tapered off.
Fast forward a few years and we are at Mayo for my husbands second stem cell transplant a year after the first, and things were definitely not going as smoothly the second time. I saw a psychologist at Mayo who prescribed sertraline for me again. I am so grateful for this medication!
I know that some antidepressants are not compatible with certain endocrine therapy, so if your oncologist is recommending it, this is a good sign.
I can’t say it will be the miracle for you that it has been for me, but you are so courageous to continue hard treatments, and be willing to come here and ask about this. You deserve to try and be happier.❣️
Does your psychologist agree or disagree with this recommendation? Have you discussed it with them?

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ss21 | @ss21 | Dec 28, 2025
In reply to @auntieoakley "Hello @ss21 welcome to connect. I am sorry that you are going through this but judging..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris, Volunteer Mentor @auntieoakley

Hello @ss21 welcome to connect. I am sorry that you are going through this but judging from the combination of drugs you are taking, you are certainly in a position to benefit from “better living through chemistry”.
It was suggested by my oncologist to go on sertraline years ago when I was a year into treatments. I took that advice and I am grateful that I did. I remained on it until I felt stronger again, and tapered off.
Fast forward a few years and we are at Mayo for my husbands second stem cell transplant a year after the first, and things were definitely not going as smoothly the second time. I saw a psychologist at Mayo who prescribed sertraline for me again. I am so grateful for this medication!
I know that some antidepressants are not compatible with certain endocrine therapy, so if your oncologist is recommending it, this is a good sign.
I can’t say it will be the miracle for you that it has been for me, but you are so courageous to continue hard treatments, and be willing to come here and ask about this. You deserve to try and be happier.❣️
Does your psychologist agree or disagree with this recommendation? Have you discussed it with them?

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@auntieoakley thank you so much for your help. I shall definitely speak with my psychologist about it too.

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