Tamoxifen & Sleep Meds

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exercise_guru
exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
edited November 2016 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I am hoping for some suggestions for sleep medication that I can take with Tamoxifen. I have a very hard time going to sleep and staying asleep. I also have a lot of anxiety. For now Ativan has been working but my Doctor told me it is habit forming and I need to switch to something else.

Besides Melatonin any one have ideas?

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  • stephincanada
    stephincanada Member Posts: 228
    edited November 2016

    how about imovane (aka zopiclone)? It is supposed to be quite safe and effective.

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  • etnasgrl
    etnasgrl Member Posts: 650
    edited November 2016

    I use ZzzQuil and it works great for me! It's non habit forming and my oncologist told me it's safe to take with Tamoxifen.

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited November 2016

    guru - One thing that I do that I learned about on these boards is that I sleep with a silk sleep mask. It feels so smooth and I just sink into the darkness. I read that complete darkness helps with melatonin production. I haven't slept so soundly in many years. Good luck finding something that works for you.

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  • Tmh0921
    Tmh0921 Member Posts: 714
    edited November 2016

    I'd recommend staying away from zzzQuil. The active ingredient is Diphenhydramine, which is the same active ingredient as Benadryl. Diphenhydramine/Benadryl is known to inhibit the metabolism of Tamoxifen and can make it less effective if taken regularly.

    Magnesium is a good supplement for sleep. I take it before bed with my Tamixifen.

    Tracy

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2016

    I second the sleep mask. I take melatonin as well.

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  • tsoebbin
    tsoebbin Member Posts: 474
    edited November 2016

    i take time release melatonin. Super helpful for me.

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited November 2016

    BTW, when I first tried melatonin, I used a 1 mg pill and it didn't make a difference. Now I take 3 mg and it works for me. just an FYI. Also, in the first 3-6 months post-Tx, I was still pretty anxious, adjusting to the "new normal." So I think that contributed to some of my sleeping problems too, unfortunately.

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  • Lovinggrouches
    Lovinggrouches Member Posts: 530
    edited November 2016

    I take ambien. Melatonin didn't work on me

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  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited November 2016

    Thank you for responding. I have always had a hard time sleeping. I do use a sleep mask and melatonin but to little effect. I still wake up frequently and it takes me over an hour to fall asleep. I go to my sleep apnea doctor this week and hope to try something that will not interfere with Tamoxifen.

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