Natural Supplements, Pristiq & Tamoxifen

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RedemptiveSufferer
RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
edited June 2017 in Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts

All, I've been on Tamoxifen for several months now and have had insomnia and mild depression ever since. My oncologist prescribed Effexor for the depression but I had a negative reaction to it. I'm wondering 1) if anyone has had success with supplements to treat depression while on Tamoxifen, i.e. magnesium, B-complex, etc... I've been taking Vit D but it isn't helping much and 2) if anyone has tried the anti-depressant Pristiq. Honestly, I'm a tad scared to try an anti-depressant because of their side effects...weight gain being just one of them...but am getting to the point where I MUST do something. I work out about 5x a week and that helps, but I can't live in the gym.

Thank you for any insight you may be able to provide!

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited June 2017

    Sorry for the late reply. My Phone died then swimming lessons.

    Tamox only plays nicely with a few a/d. Insomnia is more likely lack of estrogen. Exercise is great. Do you do warm baths, magnesium supplements at night or sleepy time tea? Nothing is fool proof but they help. I also hold each finger for a few minutes while laying down.

    As far as my mood, I've found fish oil capsules to be the best supplement. You may have to try a couple brands to see which one agrees with you and no fishy burps. Ugh. I take mine at night.

    I'm still processing emotional fallout from my dx and it's been a few years. Journaling helps.

    Good luck.


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  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited June 2017

    Thank you, ZN4M! I'm not a bath person (I do take showers, lol!) but I do take magnesium supplements...to include at night. They seem to be helping with the depression, I'm happy to report! :-) I have tried relaxing teas, but haven't been consistent with that. Nor have I been consistent w/the fish oil. Will be sure to do that.

    FYI...I'm from Hopkinsville, KY if you know where that is; I was there this past weekend visiting my mom. And my brother and his family live in Lexington. I luv KY! :-)

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  • Zillsnot4me
    Zillsnot4me Member Posts: 2,687
    edited June 2017

    Yes I know it and I'm close to Lexington. It was a pretty weekend. Did you do the 400 mile yardsale?

    Sleepy time time is good hot or cold, anytime of day. I like it if I've had a stressful day or am up in the middle of the night. I just turn the fish tank light on and chill.

    I've not been consistent with the fish oil lately either or exercise. Need to get back to a routine.

    Yoga is wonderful. We had a cancer yoga class but you sound like you're strong enough for regular yoga.

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  • RedemptiveSufferer
    RedemptiveSufferer Member Posts: 242
    edited June 2017

    The entire region around Lexington is beautiful...my favorite area of KY. I didn't do the 400 mile yardsale but my mom did and purchased some great finds! I'll try the tea. I should attempt yoga as well to improve my flexibility. I just returned from the gym where I do free weights, machines & the treadmill. It gives me a much needed mental & physical boost :-)

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