Herceptin and Anxiety

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impark1
impark1 Member Posts: 6
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Diagnosed with HER2 BC in October of 2009.  Currently finishing remaining 3 doses of Herceptin - 3 weeks apart.  I am experiencing severe anxiety issues as a result of the Herceptin and finally had to go out on short-term disability for the duration of treatment.  After trying two different anti-anxiety/depression medications (welbutrin and busparone) over the last 3 months, and finding them only making the situation worse, weaned off them and now take 2 MG xanax only as needed.  Looking for information on others who have experienced panic attacks and/or anxiety as a result of herceptin and especially any medications other than the two mentioned above that have helped?  Thanks much.

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  • DianaT
    DianaT Member Posts: 532
    edited September 2010

    I have anxiety, but I don't know if it is from herceptin or from my cancer diagnosis.  I also take xanax as needed

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  • Rubyluby
    Rubyluby Member Posts: 74
    edited September 2010

    Hi Impark1,  

    Are you sure the anxiety isn't purely psychological? I've certainly found the emotional and psychological aspects of my diagnosis and treatment the hardest aspect of the whole thing by far. Anything that is potentially life threatening can trigger an inner alarm bell and sometimes it's hard to switch off.

    I have 7 more Herceptin infusions to go and my diagnosis was also Stage 1 - very similar to yours. I haven't had anxiety as a result of Herceptin but I do have anxiety at the thought of treatment ending and being left "on my own" as such. And I have increasing anxiety about all the needles which apparently is very common. I'd have thought you'd get more and more used to them but apparently the opposite is true. I'm not a squeamish person and I have a high pain threshold, but several times now when I've gone for my Herceptin infusion the nurses have struggled to cannulate my vein and after several attempts and blood an gore everywhere, I have felt a bit hysterical.  I was given Diazepam when I was going throigh chemo and I found this very effective - though I think it's pretty heavy duty and probably not good to be on long-term!

     At the end of the day, what I've found most effective are things like psychotherapy, meditation and making my peace with my mortality! 

    I wish you well - and send a hug your way.

    Lucy 

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  • Caroljl
    Caroljl Member Posts: 57
    edited September 2010

    I think I am going through the same thing you gals are going through, it seems for about 2 to 3 days after my chemo treatment, I get very very agitated, or maybe it is anxiety. Everything bothers me to the point, I hate myself and am making my husband miserable. I don't like it this way, I am on enough pills for pain, neurophy, and arthritis, don't know what to do except maybe wait until my last chemo treatment is done. I wonder if I will feel this way when I have to start Herceptin.

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  • impark1
    impark1 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2010

    Thank you the xanax 2 MG is all that really works for me.  But doctors' are reluctant to prescribe, despite the fact that I rarely take them fof fear when I transition back to work next week will need them.  

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  • impark1
    impark1 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2010

    Thank you.  When I googled "Herceptin and Anxiety" initally found on Web MD something to the effect "Contact your medical provider immediately if any of these severe side effect occur" (which included mental/mood swings (e.g. depression).  That was back in late May - I've struggled ever since.  The DR. said it could be my body's reactionto the herceptin as in the past I was also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and OCD but she also said it could be typical "post traumatic stress syndrome" as you alluded to. 

    I had a port put in so thankfully didn't have the "needle issue".  I had my last treatment last Wednesday and the DR said it can take up to a month for the herceptin to work out of your system, so I'm hopeful things will get better on their own.

    I am seeing a therapist once a week probably forever - thankfully she is wonderful and very helpful.

    Thank you for taking the time to reply. 

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  • impark1
    impark1 Member Posts: 6
    edited November 2010

    Yes my typical symptom is although the primary breadwinner with a busy and demanding career found I had to go out on complete disability for the last 2 months + of herceptin treatment (returning to work full time next week but very anxious).  Most days I struggle with just getting out of bed in the AM, have had full blown panic attacks which never occurred before.  Can't even seem to eliminate the simplest tasks from my personal to do list, etc.  Just want to crawl under the covers but struggle with insomnia at night when all else are asleep in the house.  Praying it goes away once the herceptin  is completely out of my system (which for me per the Dr. should be about a month from now).  Thank you for all replying and sharing.

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