Tamoxifen and insomnia

Jenpolk

Hi,

I have been on Tamoxifen since November of 2016 and have struggled with sleep since then. I have tried ativan (works some but has long term side effects that I dont want) and Melatonin did not work. Has anyone had the same struggle and found some solutions?

Thanks,

Jennifer

Iniah

Hi Jenpolk,

I have been on Tamoxifen for 3 years, then Femara for one year and now Tamoxifen for my 5th year and yes, I can't sleep. I have used Ambien occasionally as well as Xanax which both help very much. I quit Xanax on my own (was on minimal dose) after many years of taking it. You could try taking the Tamoxifen in the morning or splitting your daily dose in half and taking it twice per day. I have used Melatonin but it does not help me either. I take half an Ambien and take "Ambien breaks" for a few days to make sure I don't get too used to it. I found that sleep is important for functioning and healing and I could not go without it. I have also used Passionflower extract, meditation, and breathing exercises to induce relaxation. Hope you find some good "zzzzs" and maybe somebody has a good suggestion for both of us?

All the best,

Iniah

Coolnana

Just starting it this week.... restless leg and also problems with sleep....frustrating

Coolnana

Just started tamoxifen....terrible restless legs... haven't been able to take the other meds.... think I might be done. Dr. said 25 percent of women can't handle side effects... think I'm one of them

exercise_guru

I truly understand. I started to have severe insomnia with Arimidex and then it came back when I switched to Tamoxifen. It continues to give me severe insomnia. I have tried a few things but they don't agree with Tamoxifen. Right now I am using Ativan but my doctor suggested

Gabapentin as it helps with neuropathy and sleep and is fine with Tamoxifen

The other suggestions were

Docapin

Silenor 10mg

There were two more suggested I will have to look them up one started with an R but many of these are counterindicated with Tamoxifen.

Michelle_in_cornland

For those just starting Tamoxifen, ask your doctor to start you on 10 mgs and work your way up to 20 mgs. If you are sensitive to meds, this may be the way to go.