Tamoxifen side effects

Hi Ladies

I expect there is a thread on this somewhere, but having scrolled through many pages, I’ve yet to find a general thread. So I hope this is useful to those, like me, who have just started on tamoxifen, or those further down the line.

Having been on letrozole for 4 years, I was switched to tamoxifen just before Xmas, because it is gentler on the bones. So now, after a few months I’ve been experiencing a few things, which could be tamoxifen or my ME/cfs getting worse.  I’m really struggling with fatigue, to the point where I’m not really going out. And with this comes anxiety. 

So I was wondering if anyone else is having this problem, and for those of you who have been taking it longer, does it ease over time as you get used to it?

Thanks for any replies.

Sue xx

Hi Sue 

I had chemo, then surgery followed by radiotherapy, and I started Tamoxifen at the same time as radiotherapy. I was tired at that time but couldn’t say whether it was the treatment or Tamoxifen, or probably a combination of everything. However, my energy levels did recover quite quickly. My oncologist told me to hang in there if I had any side effects, and that often they ease after the first 3 months. I really hope the fatigue eases for you too. Out of interest, have you thought about switching brands as some people have different experiences with different brands?

Happy to answer any more questions, please feel free to ask. Evie xx

Hi Sue, 

How are you getting on with the fatigue? 

I’ve been on tamoxifen for 3 weeks and am really struggling with tiredness.  It comes over me on waves. Feeling useless at the minute.  Cancer is not what I thought! Waiting on surgery date but nothing really wrong with me other than…I can’t stay awake!

Hi Sue

I’m sorry you’re feeling fatigued and anxious.

I’ve been on Tamoxifen for nearly 3 years now, the first 6 months were awful, fatigue, lethargy, sore joints, depression, anxiety and low mood.  My GP was amazing and she was convinced it was all the side effects of the drug and that I wasn’t going mad!   I started on a course of Mirtazapine, I still have blue days and tired days but they’re rare and I’m back to loving life. 

I’d encourage you to speak to your GP, it’s not you it’s the meds!

good luck

Maggie x