Paxil and Tamoxifen?

tunkylala

My onco prescribed just prescribed me Paxil for some minor issues. I looked up Paxil and Tamox and found that it is not recommended because studies have shown it increases your chances of recurrence. Any other ladies out there on Paxil and Tamox? Was this a huge mistake?

momoschki

I am not on Paxil myself, but ALL SSRI's are contraindicated while on Tamoxifen.  These antidepressants can render the Tamoxifen less effective.  There are other things you can substitute.  Wellbutrin's no good either, altho not technically an SSRI.  You should ask your doctor about substituting something else... this is pretty common knowledge, so it strikes me as odd that your onco doesn't seem to up on it.

jo1955

I find it difficult to believe that your onco would prescribe something that does not work well with Tamoxifen.  I am also taking Tamox and I am on amitriptyline (antidepressant) for permanent nerve damage from rads.  That medication is safet to take.  If you really are not comfortable taking the Paxil, let you onco know and see if he/she can either come up with something else or show you in writig that Paxil is safe if for nothing else but your own peace of mind.

tunkylala

Yes, I was a little shocked too. The nurse called yesterday to tell me that is what he recommended and called it in. I immediately looked it up and saw the problems with it. I called this morning and spoke with another nurse about my concern. She called back and said DO NOT take the Paxil and I infact was correct  about the problems with Tamox. The dr is calling me monday. I am now getting worried about my onco and my treatment plan. I don't like feeling like I have to double check everything that he says. But hey...this is cancer...this is my life. Maybe I am overreacting.

Anonymous

It is pretty scary when we have to correct our doctors! .... Effexor is often prescribed and does not interfere with Tamoxifen.  Suggest that to your doc in case he has trouble finding an answer for you.

peggy_j

Wow tunkylala, sorry you went through that. FWIW, I don't think you're overreacting. Nothing wrong with considering another MO, if that's what you'd like to do. You could just shop around to see if you like anyone better. FWIW, when I wanted to switch MOs, I asked my BS for a referral; she was a little uncomfortable at first (saying something bland like "they're all good"; I think it's probably a touchy subject for them to show preference among their colleagues). Anyway, I switched to another MO in the same medical group and like the new one much better. Your call though.

whippetmom

I would be very concerned about an oncologist who is not aware of a finding which was well-published over a year ago!  Eeek!!!

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/treatment/breast/tamoxifen-and-SSRIs0510

terrij152

I was on Paxil prior to my diagnosis and when I started on tamoxifen my Oncologist recommended that I be taken off the paxil and onto another SSRI that wouldn't intefere with tamoxifen.  My family doctor put me on Lexapro which my oncologist said was fine.  I would definitely let your doc know that you're not comfortable with taking paxil and also ask him why he put you on it.

Miles2Go

Find another oncologist!  If your present doc is a solid citizen, he/she will support your choice to seek a 2d opinion; if not you surely do not want him/her treating you!  Trust me, your present doc gets 2d opinions for his diagnoses.  You don't have to tell him you're feeling threatened & uncomfortable with treatment, simply state a friend suggested 2d opinions are valuable.  Educate yourself (as you are) and advocate for yourself.  I fired a physician (an internist) when it dawned on me altough she was a lovely, well-intention woman, she was a lousy physician due to one glitch after another.  My very best to you.  Colorado Morning Glory

memory

I have a nice pharmacist who knows me by name. I have asked him about drug interactions in the past, and he is very knowledgeable. (Naturally.) A fail-safe in the future may be asking your pharmacist re drug interactions, though cancer is certainly a different ball of wax.