1. < Breast Cancer

Tamoxifen side effects

Posted by Rom828 @jgallagher04921, Jun 25, 2023

Just started Tamoxifen last night. Was so nervous thinking I was going to be sick after. I have anxiety of not knowing if or when side effects will hit. Those who got side effects, did they begin right away? Or after a while of taking?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

christie73 | @christie73 | Jun 25, 2023

I had some mild hot flashes and that was it. I think probably within a few days if starting. Now it also made my periods start to spread out and for my last period (had a complete hysterectomy in September) it was 3 months without one and I got one 10 days before surgery. It couldn’t just be done. LOL. So I did not mind the Tamoxifen side effects because they were mild. After surgery I tried all 3 AIs and they caused bad joint pain. Back on Tamoxifen now. Hope that helps.

REPLY
salamander | @salamander | Jun 25, 2023

Why a hysterectomy? Was that related to hormone therapy?

REPLY
dick61 | @dick61 | Jun 26, 2023

Bad headaches for a year and a general malaise for several month. Didn't care about much. Then decided to change my attitude and get on with my life. Haven't had a drink of alcohol in 2 years (length of time taking the drug). Some loss of libido. I wear support, knee high stockings when driving or flying and stop every 2 hours, exit car and walk a few minutes to prevent blood clots. I exercise regularly, eat low fat and have come to terms with this drug. It is saving my life. Yes? Lower your anxiety and keep positive. Good luck. I am 83.

REPLY
mchler73 | @mchler73 | Jan 20 5:09am

Anyone ever have throbbing shoulder pain after starting Tamoxifen?
I have been on it a couple weeks now and besides the mood roller coaster, brain fog and Charlie Horse type pain in my feet and toes, (which a friend of mine said she also experiences all of those)
I have started having this strange shoulder pain…..

REPLY
1 reply
bjohnson511 | @bjohnson511 | Jan 21 9:10am
In reply to @mchler73 "Anyone ever have throbbing shoulder pain after starting Tamoxifen? I have been on it a couple..." + (show)
@mchler73

Anyone ever have throbbing shoulder pain after starting Tamoxifen?
I have been on it a couple weeks now and besides the mood roller coaster, brain fog and Charlie Horse type pain in my feet and toes, (which a friend of mine said she also experiences all of those)
I have started having this strange shoulder pain…..

Jump to this post

I’m taking anastrozole. Same thing here a month and a half in and things are getting a little better but they say it takes 2 to 6 months just seems crazy to me that they cannot come up with any kind of drugs without all these side effects. It’s changed my life, hang in there !

REPLY
1 reply
mchler73 | @mchler73 | Jan 21 9:44am
In reply to @bjohnson511 "I’m taking anastrozole. Same thing here a month and a half in and things are getting..." + (show)
@bjohnson511

I’m taking anastrozole. Same thing here a month and a half in and things are getting a little better but they say it takes 2 to 6 months just seems crazy to me that they cannot come up with any kind of drugs without all these side effects. It’s changed my life, hang in there !

Jump to this post

@bjohnson511
Thank you for your response. Good to know I am not the only one. Thought I was losing my mind for a bit.
I agree, the amount of side effects are crazy! Every few days I notice something else!
Take care!

REPLY
Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Jan 21 10:11am

I found side effects kicked in more at 3 weeks and then a new level at 3 months. This is consistent with what the researchers say they find about the “steady state” of tamoxifen.

My experience with side effects, many years post menopause, will probably be different than yours. I lowered my dose to reduce the major brain fog and headaches, but that may affect my risk level 🤷🏻‍♀️

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.