Hi, I had ER+ breast cancer. Have finished Radiotherapy and been on Tamoxifen for about 6 weeks. Am having trouble sleeping. I tried Nytol, diphenhydramine, but I found out it may interfere with Tamoxifen. I was thinking of trying Phenergan or Valerian. I prefer the herbal option as I dont like to be dependent on medication. Im 49 and perimenopausal, so I think this may be affecting my sleep. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you
1 Like
Hi
Thanks for posting on our forum
We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.
In the meantime our helpline is open until 4pm today.
If you do phone our helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you
With best wishes.
Jayne
Ask Our Nurses service administrator
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
@skyla757 you don’t say what time of day you’re taking the tamoxifen, my sleep was better when I swapped taking Anastrozole to morning.
1 Like
Hi Elsie, I was taking my Tamoxifen at night and waking up in the middle of the night so I swapped to taking it at mid day - I was waking up later but still wasn’t sleeping well. I also have Fibromyalgia - and a good nights sleep is essential to manage my symptoms. I took some Valerian last night and slept really well. I’m seeing my Oncologist in 3 weeks so will also discuss with her.
1 Like
I take magnesium glycinate which helps me. Check that it’s not contraindicated and ensure you get the glycinate version as this is best for sleep - others can upset your tum too.
I did take Nytol when I was diagnosed and needed help but have read recently that Nytol use is indicated in dementia diagnoses so will not be using it after cancer.
1 Like
I’ve been using Harrogate organics magnesium spray it really helps me to sleep also gets rid of restless legs and cramp. Natural and organic. Hope this helps. X
1 Like
Thanks brambles, yes I used to take it and was taking a normal magnesium but I think the glycinate was definitely helping my Fibro. Checked on Drugs.com and there’s no contraindications so will source it again. If you think there’s a brand worth getting, let me know
1 Like
Thanks Sarah, I have used that in the past - but couldn’t remember if it made much difference for me…
I use barefoot nutrition after reading a magnesium discussion there’s on mumsnet. Not cheap but certainly not full of fillers. I take 2 an hour before bedtime.
1 Like
Lovely, will look it up, thanks Brambles
Hello skyla757
Thank you for your post.
As you mention, being peri-menopausal and on a hormone therapy like tamoxifen can sometimes affect the quality of your sleep.
Like @elsie1 has said, some people find taking their tamoxifen earlier in the day can be helpful with disturbed sleep. As you say you’ve swapped to taking it around midday but still aren’t getting a proper night’s sleep, you may want to try taking it in the morning to see if that helps you sleep better and for longer. The important thing is to make sure that you take it about the same time every day.
We have information on ‘Difficulty Sleeping’ which you might find a helpful read. You may also find our Facebook Live session about sleep disturbance has some helpful tips on managing sleep problems.
Like you, many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to support their wellbeing. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural. However, there is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
You can search this American website, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, for information about individual herbs and vitamins. Each has sections on existing evidence and what known interaction there is with other medications.
You can also search herbal products and supplements on the American website Medicine Plus.
You may find that that some herbs have different names in America. You can find more information about Valerian here.
As you will see Valerian can sometimes affect how well the liver works. Because tamoxifen can sometimes also have an effect on the liver do speak to your breast care nurse, treatment team, or a pharmacist about continuing to take Valerian or any other supplement. If you haven’t already done so, do let your treatment team know that you have fibromyalgia. This will help them to suggest ways of managing any side effects you may get while you’re on breast cancer treatment.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am - 1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Heidi
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.