Can't find relief for constant Tamoxifen headaches

LoveandLightinLA
LoveandLightinLA Member Posts: 80
edited October 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello ladies,

I recently started taking Tamoxifen for about 2.5 weeks. I noticed I started getting headaches from day 1, they were initially pretty dull and mild, but have progressively gotten worse. I spoke to my oncologist, and she told me to take a 1 week break from the Tamoxifen to see if I would feel better. Unfortunately, the headaches have continued, and feel like they are getting worse. I've had constant headaches all day and night for the past 3.5 weeks. I called my oncologist again, and she told me to take another week off Tamoxifen to see if I will feel any better.

I saw my primary care doctor a few days ago re: the constant headaches, and she said it is a tension headache and that I should get a massage. I got a 1.5 hour massage yesterday focusing on my neck and shoulders where I carry a lot of tension. It hasn't helped the headaches at all.

I don't know what to do to get relief. My doctor recommended 600mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day, it doesn't really help. I am going to try acupuncture next. If you have also experienced Tamoxifen headaches and found relief, please share. These headaches are starting to drive me crazy.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited May 2017

    Trying backing down to 10mgs on your daily dose, then add another 10mg back at a different time of day. If your doctor would let you take 10mgs for 2 weeks, then increase, your body could adjust a bit better.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveandLightinLA
    LoveandLightinLA Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    Thank you Michelle! I will definitely try that once my oncologist lets me start taking it again. Really hoping these headaches will go away soon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2017

    I get headaches every so often.For a tension headache, I've used peppermint oil. Rub a few drops at your temples. I rub a drop in my palms, hold palms over nose, and then take a deep breath.

    For tension in the neck and shoulders, try this:

    image

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveandLightinLA
    LoveandLightinLA Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    Thank you SerenitySTAT! I will try both of your suggestions!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited May 2017

    Lovelandlight....just a thought. could it be allergy related? I have seasonal allergies and having headaches, itchy eyes and fatigue. Hope you find an answer. You could always just try an antihistamine and see if it works. Good luck.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • exercise_guru
    exercise_guru Member Posts: 716
    edited May 2017

    Hi I had something similar happen after my oophrectomy and starting AI. It was a constant nagging headache and went on for a few months. The concern grew and I had a brain MRI that was negative. I went off AI and after 6 weeks the headaches went away. I started Tamoxifen and I do have a headache again it is very similar. I atribute it to the loss of estrogen. If I drink a lot of water and take my Tamoxifen around noon with lunch it seems better than when I took it in the morning or evening. I have considered trying the 10 mg morning 10 mg night idea as well.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LoveandLightinLA
    LoveandLightinLA Member Posts: 80
    edited May 2017

    dtad- Thank you, yes I do have allergies too. I am taking an antihistamine and nasal spray, but it doesn't help much. I did wonder if it was allergy related but I don't think so.

    Exercise guru- Thank you for sharing your experience. I will try drinking more water. I will try acupuncture soon and let you know if it helps!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ML1209
    ML1209 Member Posts: 241
    edited October 2017

    I started taking Tamoxifen in August and also started having headaches. Not fun. I see my MO in 2 weeks so will be asking her about this. Sorry you are going thru this - wish none of us had to be here.

    Prayers and hugs all around ♡

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories