Anxiety from Arimidex or Something Else??

enlm20Erica

I have been on arimidex for about 2 months now but I'm suffering from what feels like anxiety attacks maybe. I get a feeling of just being overwhelmed not sure exactly how to explain it but it's a feeling of uncomfort..I'm not sure if it's due to the arimidex or my recent hysterectomy/oompherectomy (brca2+) or just this whole process of dealing with, treating and living past the breast cancer diagnosis. I would love to hear any feedback or advice or even if anyone else is having these symptoms of "anxiety".

kamm

Hi Enim20Erica. I had that SE from Arimidex and from Tamoxifen as well. It was a slow build up with the Arimedex and after 4 months realized I was walking around on edge all the time, snapping at everybody and also found myself sighing constantly during the day. I also had an ooph. I went off of it because of that and many other side effects that were incompatible with my quality of life. Tried Tamoxifen as well and had that same side effect. For me and my stats, I decided to forgo hormone therapy all together instead of beginning to load on other medications to manage the side effects. There were to numerous to count and I would have had to have taken many other meds ,which isn't a bad thing. It just wasn't right for me. You can talk to your oncologist about other meds to manage that specific symptom though. Alot of women take Effexor and other meds for that specific side effect. I hope you find something to help!

enlm20Erica

Kamm thanks so much, I dread taking this medicine and certainly do not want to take another for the side effects. if I miss a day taking the arimidex I feel soooo much better but I continue to take it because it's suppose to "help me". It really takes a toll on me to I'm 33yrs old now and just can't find a comfort zone to do any of the things I really love. I wish I had the courage to stop taking it like you.

peggy_j

Sorry this is happening. I haven't had anxiety attacks but I've seen a friend have one and it's scary. And you've just gone through another major surgery PLUS the hormonal change of having your ovaries out in your 30s! You're going through a lot!!!!!!!! (plus you're so young. I was Dx'd at 46 and that felt much too young but you're even younger. That's no fair all).

FWIW, I had a lot of emotional "catch up" after I finished treatment. For me, there was a lag effect of about 2-3 months, where I was done with Tx, started tamox, tried to get on with my life and then wham, I had severe insomnia, like no sleep at all, night after night for 6 weeks straight. yee! It was awful. For me, not only was I catching up on all the emotions related to Dx and Tx, but I was looking ahead to my (hopefully) long long life and starting to worry about recurrence. What if......???? (no wonder I couldn't sleep)

I ended up talking to a counselor just one time, and that helped to have a sounding board. (and it was free through our local cancer support center--maybe yours has one too?) I never joined a full-on support group, but I went to Guided Imagery for cancer patients, and that helped a lot (being around people who understood, plus each session we did guided meditation and that helped me relax and get a better night's sleep).

Another resource: there's an old out-of-print book called "Dancing in Limbo" that talks about transitioning to the "new normal." You may be able to buy a copy online somewhere or ...find a copy in your public library or at a cancer support center. I found it helpful.

You've gone through a lot. And you can get through this too. Hang in there! (((hugs)))

kamm

I'm definitely not suggesting you stop taking it. You are young. Much younger than me. I am 51. Your situation is different given your age and your stats. I was grade one, stage one. Onco 13. For me the risk of not taking it is relatively low with or without hormone therapy. Your age alone would give me pause not to mention I see your a grade 2. I feel your pain over it though because it's really hard when you do have side effects. Especially the anxiety. Talk it over with your MO. If that's your only SE you might just want to consider taking something for that to enable you to stay on. Your age is def a consideration.

enlm20Erica

thanks ladies we all have been thru alot and it can be so much at times...so stressful especially when you try so hard to be strong. I come here to cry because I don't want to alarm my family with the things that bother me but it's alot and I'm glad I have you all. I will continue the meds and maybe ask for something to help with the Anxiety, Eventho I really really hate taking medicine of any kind.