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Any Sides effects of taking Paxil and tamoxifen ?

Posted by Joanna @enaska1, Aug 29 10:00am

For nearly 15 years I was taking Paxil for my anxiety ( 20 mg daily ). After lumpectomy in December and following radiation doctor prescribed tamoxifen 5 mg. She also mentioned that I might tapered Paxil since there is some interaction with tamoxifen . So I got off Paxil. It's 3d month and I see I am getting some of my anxiety back and definitely my mind needs some help. I am easily irritated , more emotional etc. I was so proud of myself for getting off Paxil ( less drugs make my mind happy ) so I limited my meds to Tamoxifen and Atenolol but now thinking of getting back on antiaxiety medication ...
Does anyone take them both ? Any sides effects ?. Not to mention hot flashes are horrible! Day and night . Thank you all ! I wish I had strength to overcome anxiety without medication....feeling I chose wrong moment to stop Paxil.... Fear of sides effects from Tamoxifen and Paxil put me in stressful mood now . All comments will be greatly appreciated. Hugs, and healthy wishes to all of you ladies ! Joanna

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Mentor
Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Aug 29 11:16am

I can't speak to mixed drugs, but I do agree that cancer treatment might not be the time to quit anti-anxiety medication. It will also be difficult to figure out which drug or lack or is causing what side effect. See what anti-anxiety medication you can take--I'd be firm about needing something that works. I son't think anxiety can be overcome by "strength." AndI want to add it sounds like you are doing a great job with ll of this. I've had generalized anxiety disorder my whole life. Currently I treat it with therapy, daily exercise, meditation, journaling, being in nature, and more. It is a whole lifestyle. Cancer and treatment continue to increase my anxiety. I actually take an atenolol for a panic attack! PCP suggested it, and it helps. For me, fear and anxiety can make it difficult to make decisions. I think treating your anxiety is an important part of your cancer treatment. I hope you cn work this out--and check in when you feel like it.

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Joanna | @enaska1 | Aug 29 12:00pm
In reply to @mir123 "I can't speak to mixed drugs, but I do agree that cancer treatment might not be..." + (show)
@mir123

I can't speak to mixed drugs, but I do agree that cancer treatment might not be the time to quit anti-anxiety medication. It will also be difficult to figure out which drug or lack or is causing what side effect. See what anti-anxiety medication you can take--I'd be firm about needing something that works. I son't think anxiety can be overcome by "strength." AndI want to add it sounds like you are doing a great job with ll of this. I've had generalized anxiety disorder my whole life. Currently I treat it with therapy, daily exercise, meditation, journaling, being in nature, and more. It is a whole lifestyle. Cancer and treatment continue to increase my anxiety. I actually take an atenolol for a panic attack! PCP suggested it, and it helps. For me, fear and anxiety can make it difficult to make decisions. I think treating your anxiety is an important part of your cancer treatment. I hope you cn work this out--and check in when you feel like it.

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Thank you for your help ! 💕

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Sep 15 9:43am

Hello @enaska1 I have had a little understanding of this although not really any answers. I did have to change my anxiety/depression meds when I went on tamoxifen because of possible drug interactions. It didn’t change the side effect profile of either drug but wasn’t really advised to mix them. They changed my psych drugs and I spent the next 5 years on a bumpy road of depression. The minute I was switched to anastrazole, I said give me back my Zoloft, they did and all became right with my world again, 😂 well at least my brain wasn’t zinging me anymore.
I went on Zoloft during the last week of radiation, and I could not imagine how I battled through all the years before without it. I honestly say, it changed my life. I gave it up for five years and tried a multitude of others with little success.
I am thinking about you, have you talked to your doctor about an alternative drug? I know there are a bunch that work with tamoxifen safely, and you might find one even better. How are you doing now?

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