Does everyone suffer these SE from tamoxifen ? I’ve got 7 more rads left , no chemo but start on the dreaded tamoxifen , I’m terrified - mood swings, depression , insomnia , menopause symptoms, hot flushes, not to mention the weight gain !!! Has anyone been ok on it? Will my life be the same ? I’m quite fit , gym 3 times a week - trying to loose a stone - don’t want to put any on !!! HeLp!!!
Karen don’t panic! I’ve been on it a year and don’t get any real issues, an odd flush but I take Venlafaxine an antidepressent which Helps, My surgeon told me not to read the list of side effects! Your not likely to get them all and as with any tablet it will agree with some more than others, one tip is to take in the evening after you have eaten I started them first thing initially and it made me feel a bit sickly but once I switched I’ve been fine xx
Hi, I’ve only been on Tamoxifen for a few weeks so far no real side effects. I also take them in the evening.
Ann xx
Hi, I have finished my chemo and rad sessions, been taking tamoxifen for about 6 months and cannot believe the side effects!! The hot flushes are riculous and the weight gain is shocking, dont know how to get rid of it. Waiting to see if they will take off both breasts and take out my ovaries, but at least they would take me off the Tamoxifen!!
Karen I’ve been on tamoxifen for a little over 3 months & fine so far bar 1 or 2 slight flushes in the evening. They are just in my body & don’t spread to my neck or face where others can see. If I take my cardi off they go (not sure what it will be like in summer though?!?). I did read plenty of exercise & plant based healthy diet can help with tamoxifen SE esp. weight gain so I have done both from the start to head problems off at the pass. So far, so good xx
Everyone is different, some sail through some get every se possible. I’m one of the unlucky ones and agree with 3rdgeneration - unbearable hot flushes (full body sweats, look like I’ve come out of the gym, was happening up to 4 times an hour 24 hours a day), weight gain, very bad depression, no energy just can’t face any more. Had mx 18 months ago, chemo and rads, 5 ops later still unhappy with recon so if it’s not settled down very soon have told surgeon I want it removed and mx on other side, also discussed hysterectomy with onc today. He’s agreed no more tamoxifen and we’ll take it from there.
I had unbearable non stop hot flushes then cold chills,to the point that inthought og giving up the tamox,that is until i was sent on a course of acupuncture by my onc.Absolutely amazing,noticed a difference after the 3 rd out of 6 sessions.Honestly,made them so much more berble an have dropped how many i get and they re less intense.I was lucky as they were arranged through “Force” which is a cancer support centre based at my hospital.