constant sinus headaches, taking Letrozole 3 days a week

srichardson1958

Is anyone else fighting these headaches? What relieves them? Nothing seems to work for me

Lula73

sinus headaches are multi-faceted. They are often caused by allergens or colds. Here's my "recipe" to treat them that covers pretty much all the bases:

1) pain reliever for the headache (i.e. Tylenol or ibuprofen)

2) long acting oral anti-histamine (i.e. Claritin, allegra, or Zyrtec) Note: while Benadryl or diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, it shouldn't be used if you're taking Tamoxifen as it cancels out the action of the Tamoxifen

3) decongestant (i.e. Pseudoephedrine - you can get this at the pharmacy counter by itself or as a combo pill with the long acting oral anti-histamine from #2 above) NOTE: if you are hypertensive or have any heart issues whatsoever, be sure to check with your dr first before taking a decongestant.

4) Flonase nasal spray

Good luck!

MargaretEleanor

Any chance what you think are sinus headaches could be migraines? I was treated for sinus headaches for about 45 years before finally being correctly diagnosed as having migraines. I saw ENT's and allergists for years and just gave up. The sinus congestion from the migraines would actually lead to sinus infections. This past November, my week old sinus headache got to the point that I couldn't open my eyes because light hurt my head so bad. My Primary worked me in then sent me quick to a neurologist, while also working on the side with my oncologist to have my head examined (brain MRI to rule out mets). I'm now taking meds (topiramate, gabapentin) to prevent migraines and sumatriptan to relieve pain when a migraine starts.

Ruby3813

When I first started taking Anastrozole (on a break now because of other issues I'm having with it), I woke up every morning with a terrible headache. When I took a break from it (the first time), the morning headaches went away.

KleeKai

I've been on letrozole since October 7, 2017.  I complained to my oncologist about headaches and she had me take a break.  The headaches went away but she had me restart again.  I was good for nearly two weeks and then the headaches started again.  I get them 2-3x a week and at least one migraine a week as well.  Advil works well for me but the onc thinks its too much/too frequently.  I have a history of migraines in the past but sumatriptan didn't work for me.  I really don't want to take more medication.  Has anyone tried anything else to lessen/prevent the headaches?

catlady44

For years I thought i was having sinus headaches until I ended up in the ER and found out they were migraines. Migraines run in my family big time! One symptom for me is sinus congestion. I've also read that sinus congestion can trigger a migraine. I'm not sure where I read that, so I'd look into that further if you want to. There are a gazillion pre and post migraine symptoms. Do you have any other symptoms that seem to coincide with headaches, even before and after the pain? Triptans are the standard treatment for migraines, but I had such bad side effects, I was switched to Fioricet with codeine. I try to alternate between that and Excedrin. Peppermint oil or tiger balm under my nose, my temples, anywhere really help me cope with the pain. It says not to do this, but once I actually put the balm on my eyelids. It hurt like hell, but at least I didn't feel the migraine temporarily! Let me know if you want anymore info. I have a million tips, etc.

stuffyc

hi-

I have had a raging headache for 21 daysthat has migraine symptoms (I don’t get headaches or migraines) and have been on Letrozole for 6 months. Glad to find others that share this side effect (so so sorry too!!)

I’m calling my oncologist Monday, this headache doesn’t respond to advil, Tylenol or excedrin for migraines. I’ll post my journey in hopes it might help anyone else.

Lula73

hi stuffy- if you don't have high blood pressure, try taking some Advil cold & sinus or Claritin D/Zyrtec D/Allegra D. The last headache I had like you're describing that didn't respond to all meds you mentioned plus my migraine meds. Called the dr and he said to try one of those (add the Advil if taking one of the D's).I took 2 of the Advil cold & sinus as well as 2 regular Advil (you can take up to 800mg of Advil every 6 hours) and it worked like a charm. (Note: You have to go to the pharmacy counter to get the Advil cold & sinus or the D's. The stuff in the aisle of the pharmacy doesn't work the same.

Also make sure you are staying well hydrated. Especially as the outdoor temps go up hydration is important. Even slight dehydration can cause killer headaches.

Hope this helps! Good luck! 🍀

stuffyc

Thanks Lula73! I'm on my way to the pharmacy for the decongestant! And get this...my oncologist called and instead of compassion and suggestions to try, he wanted me to get a brain MRI, stat. I asked a lot of questions he could not answer, then in frustration, let the f-bomb go and am looking for a female oncologist. OOPS but it could be the best thing ever as far as oncologists go.

Thanks again!

Christmascarol

I also had crushing headaches when initially taking letrozole. I switched manufacturers and to my surprise and great relief no more headaches. My oncologist also suggested if my headaches didn’t subside that a scan should be considered. I considered this to be prudent. Another option would be maybe to trya different ai. It sounds to me like your oncologist really wants to help. Passion trumps indifference even though it seems his passion did get the better of him for a moment. I hope you can find a solution. Xo

Lula73

Stuffy -Hoping this gives you some relief!!

I wouldn’t trade out MOs just yet. At least he was being proactive. Some of us would have to fight months to get them to order an mri. Better safe than sorry. F-bombs aside, if this doesn’t do the trick I’d do the mri just to be sure. Maybe he is having a cruddy day. Or Perhaps he recently had a patient who had been complaining of headaches who he kept placating month after month and delayed ordering the mri and now it’s too late to do anything for that patient. You never know....

stuffyc

Well, after 8+ weeks of crushing, migraine like headaches, I took 2 weeks off of Letrozole and wa-la. Headaches GONE. I was prescribed Celexa to boost the serotonin in my brain, that is helping a little. I did change oncologists to a FANTASTIC female that understood me and didn't immediately order a brain MRI, taking another 2 week break and then switching to Tamoxifen, even though I am post menopausal. I have changed my diet to 99% anti-inflammatory foods, and walking more than before. Looking forward to feeling better!

My new (I love her!) oncologist has two additional game plans going forward, and if the headaches continue, yes, a brain MRI.

Thank you Lula73 and ChristmasCarol for your posts and information!