Extremestane(aromasin) and Insomnia

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Huffpuff
Huffpuff Member Posts: 35
edited March 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Does anyone have any solutions to the lack of sleep caused by extremestane (aromasin)? The little bit of steroid in it may keep me up. Is there more than one formula for this drug? Some of the AIs' side effects are different depending on generic or which manufacturer make the AI.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited November 2017

    Melatonin, 3 mg. taken about 2 hours before you actually want to sleep. Valerian root capsules, too. I use the occasional advil Pm as well although there are reports that using PM meds every night like Advil are linked with dementia later in life...however, that might be a false cause fallacy; the jury is still out on research.

    I also make sure I have as perfect sleep hygiene as I can. Nothing to eat 2 hours before I sleep. Bed time same time every night, turn the lights down low in the living room about 1.5 hours before I want to sleep, read myself to sleep (i've been doing it since I was little so that might not work for everyone) using a low level light, and I read novels that are somewhat banal to keep me from getting riled up or overly-interested, I sleep in a very cool room, and I don't have a t.v. in the bedroom, nor do I use screens like phone or computer two hours before I want to sleep. I do watch TV up till I go to bed, but only things that make me laugh or are easy to watch.

    I take my AI in the a.m. too, with a bit of food.

    Claire in AZ

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  • Runrcrb
    Runrcrb Member Posts: 577
    edited January 2018

    Huffpuff,

    I've been on aromasin since August, having started on Arimidex. I have fewer side effects (joint pain was significant on arimidex) but struggled with sleep even with melatonin. I attributed the sleep issues to stress (work, husband's health and subsequent death). I stopped aromasin for 4 weeks when I had my DIEP flap reconstruction and the last three weeks I slept soundly. Upon restarting, within two days the insomnia was back so I knew it was the aromasin. I hunted around the message boards and found a suggestion to take my aromasin in the morning. It took about a week but since switching to mornings, I'm sleeping MUCH better. I still take melatonin (5mg) at night. If you take it at night, try switching to the morning. I did check with my doctor and there is no preference to take it at a certain time of day, just daily at about the same time. Good luck

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  • Westthebest
    Westthebest Member Posts: 31
    edited March 2018

    Hi HuffPuff,

    We have similar cases. I’ve been on Aromasin 10 months. Hand and finger arthritis. Hurts badly, came on quickly. Suggestions other than drug remedy that you may have tried? Thank you.

    Westthebes

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  • Huffpuff
    Huffpuff Member Posts: 35
    edited March 2018

    Regular acupuncture and a lot of exercise. I walk a lot and go to barre class three times a week. I feel much better after exercise. My mother uses Voltaren gel for arthritis. It is supposed to really help hand and ankles. It is over the counter in Europe, but in US you need prescription.

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  • klvans
    klvans Member Posts: 258
    edited March 2018

    Do all of the AI's contain a steroid? I've heard they have "steroid like effects" but don't know what that means.

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