Antidepressants and Tamoxifen

Celexa

I have a couple friends with depression and they've had a tricky time finding medication that works for them.  Have your mother and doctors considered other options, like an AI? Also, has the medical oncologist quantified the "benefit" that your mother will receive from the meds? i.e. how much it will reduce the risk of recurrence, from say 15% to 10% or whatever. Since your mother has DCIS, it's not the invasive kind and it can't ever metastasize. That's terrific news. My understanding is that radiation reduces the risk of recurrence by 40%. So your mother may already have a pretty good prognosis, and may decide that it's not worth-it to take the medication. She may want a second opinion. A friend's mother was Dx'd in her 80s and opted not to do Tx beyond surgery because she had other health issues, which ultimately proved more serious.

Great, glad it was helpful. Feel free to post again if you want to discuss. FWIW, my MO had initially recommended I start tamox immediately after finishing rads, but I asked if I could wait until I did more research and...I had a two week trip planned (and I didn't want to start new meds while I was out of town.) I think I waited an extra 6-8 weeks before starting tamox. Just an FYI. I think the docs have their standard recommendation but if you feel like you want extra time to do more research on the alternatives or to get a second opinion, etc, that's an option too.  And, Stephanie, I hope you're able to take care of yourself too. It can be hard watching someone on this journey. So sending warm thoughts to both your mom and you. take care. 

I was on 100mg of Zoloft for over 10 years and recently got diagnosed with DCIS.  I will be taking Tamoxifen after my rads are completed.  I was told by my BS, PCP & Pharmacist that Zoloft does interact with the effectiveness of Tamoxifen, so I am currently weaning off.  The 3 recommended replacement meds were Effexor, Celexa or Lexapro.  I'm currently weaned down to 25mg of Zoloft and have just added 10mg of Lexapro.  I'll completely stop the Zoloft in about 10 days.  The withdrawal symptoms are difficult, so it's important to listen to your doctor about weaning, etc.  Good luck.

You may already know this, Stephanie, but Effexor can be used to relieve the hot flashes caused by Tamox.  I don't suffer from depression, but my onc prescribed a low dose of Effexor because the hot flashes were making it impossible to sleep. 

Wishing you & your mom all the best!