I have had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. They started me on tamoxifen and have been taking for 3 weeks. I’ve struggled with daily life because of side effects. I’ve had hot flashes and chills the most with debilitating headaches. My dr told me to stop taking tamoxifen for 2 weeks to see if my headaches improve. Then maybe come in to see if we can come up with another treatment plan. I’m 2 days since I stopped tamoxifen and have tension headaches along with hot flashes, indigestion and upset stomach cramps. Are these normal withdrawals from stopping tamoxifen? Does anyone know what other alternatives there might be to tamoxifen? And has anyone had horrible headaches all day, everyday, waking up in middle of night with headaches while on tamoxifen?
Hi @palmtree77
Sorry you’re having a difficult time with Tamoxifen. I’ve been very lucky so far with limited side effects after 3 months. They are changing me to Zoladex and AI soon for other reasons - that could be an option to ask about.
I believe sometimes the brand can affect people. Each brand use slightly different “ingredients” and it may be one of those ingredients that are making your symptoms worse.
You say you have stopped taking it for 2 days? I read it takes two weeks for Tamoxifen to leave your system, so you may not notice an improvement that quickly and might explain why your doctor suggested leaving it for two weeks.
Unfortunately any “menopause symptoms” are highly likely with any of these hormone treatments. It’s the nature of the beast 
.
Hope you find a better solution soon x
Hi @palmtree77
I’m sorry but I think it will take a bit longer for the Tamoxifen to get fully out of your system so at present I think you are still in the grip of the side effects - I’m not aware that you can get withdrawal symptoms though I suppose your body perhaps just doesn’t know what’s going on at present . As a migraine sufferer I sympathise. I was on Anastrozole not Tamoxifen and found that it took over a month after starting for the hot flashes brain fog and in my case thumping heart to settle to a manageable level . After stopping it some of the side effects started to improve a bit after 48 hours but but others took quite a bit longer and I think you might be looking at another week before it’s out of your system sufficiently to make a difference. Hang in there xx