Bottle 'o Tamoxifen

Funny you should mention sleep issues with Tamox just now. I woke up a little while ago and remarked, to myself, how much my sleep has improved over the past month or so. I did notice that I had some sleep issues on Tamox initially. I could get to sleep but I couldn't stay asleep for enough hours.

However, I was never really sure that the Tamox was the real issue. Toward the end of chemo, I started having sleep issues too. I only had a month between the end of chemo and start of Tamox. Also, my estrogen levels dropped significantly during/after chemo. So, that could cause sleep issues too! So, I really don't know the cause of the sleep issues.

However, I am not almost three months on Tamox, and my sleep started improving, consistently, about 6 weeks ago. It might have been the chemo still in my system, while I started the Tamox. It might be my body adjusting to lower estrogen. Who knows. I thought about trying Melatonin, which my MO approved for temporary sleep disturbances, but I really wanted to try to let things work out on their own---since I had not started working at that time.

Thank goodness my sleep has gone back to normal...I started work about 3 weeks ago. I will keep Melatonin around for temporary use, however.

Hope things get better for you. I know how frustrating sleep issues can be!

I have been on Tamoxifen for 2 years now. It seems like I have turned a corner. My hot flashes have definitely decreased. My sleep is way better and some of the aches and pains I had have gone away. I don't know if it is due to the fact that my body has adjusted to it or if its due to all the chemo crap finally being out of my body. I was using CBD oil and Medical Marijuana to help with my pain as well as for sleep. I have stopped taking both of those now and am doing good.

Hang in there, it does get better.

Not only have I not been able to sleep at night, I get really tired in the afternoon. It almost feels like the same tiredness I had during rads (which continued for a month and a half or so after rads ended). It almost feels like a fog on my brain. Anyway, I just stopped the tamo a few days ago-- have been sleeping thru the night, and not so tired in the afternoon. Also, unrelated but the joints in my hands would get really stiff and sore overnight. I thought maybe it was arthritis, but that is going away now too.

Wow, I can't believe ANYONE can sleep through the night. I haven't done it since my first kid was born 14 years ago.

I'm with you, Trvler. I started waking up in the middle of the night a few years ago. Figured menopause starting to kick in. And yes being a mommy doesn't help, either.

Haven't noticed major difference on Tamox. I do take Melatonin as well.

my sleep hasn't changed; however, have only been on it a week now. initially more hotflashes earlier in week but seem to have died down some now.

Merry Christmas Tamoxifen sisters! May your day be merry and bright

I (thankfully) have not experienced joint pain. My SE are hot flashes and night sweats (!!!!!!) along with leg cramps, insomnia and fatigue. Those are the worst I have (right now). My shoulder pain I don’t attribute to Tamoxifen because I had that before I started all this.

Merry Christmas lovely ladies!

thanks Michelle, yes walking does make it feel better. i already walk once to twice daily (have a dog) for about 30 minutes. the night cramps /pain in knees seem to be getting a bit better....... hopefully haven't spoken too soon. still sore getting up and down stairs and up from sitting position. I am taking low dose asa to prevent clots so hopefully that works.  Michelle did your joint improve after awhile on it?

Merry Christmas to all! 

Hi everyone. I have a question. I recently switched to a different cancer center nearer where I live. I told the NP I am not sleeping well so she said it was ok to take Tylenol PM. She even called the pharmacist. I told her I was told by my previous Oncologist that I could not take anything with Benedryl in it which includes Tylenol Pm. I am so confused. Why do the Dr's in the different centers disagree. Anyone else been told not to take it?

Thanks

Ndgrrl I found the information on this site that you need. Found under an article bco posted about tamoxifen. Although it doesn't actually interact itcan block tamoxifen effectiveness; see below.

" Also, certain medications can block the activity of the CYP2D6 enzyme, including antidepressants known as SSRIs and SNRIs, as well as Benadryl (chemical name: diphenhydramine) and Tagamet (chemical name: cimetidine)."

Starting new probiotics can cause diarrhea until your body adjusts to them. You may want to taper onto them more gradually

Michelle, I wonder why my MO said that I couldnt split my dose? Even my husband wasn't sure why

I haven’t been sick etc. I didn’t start the probiotic until after I had the SE so I don’t think that is the cause. I think I may split the dose and see if that helps. If not, I can go back to once a day. I am extremely sensitive to meds. I am the odd ball that gets strange SE. For example, anti nausea drugs make me throw up. Have a Happy New Uear!

Anyone here ever have high liver enzymes on tamoxifen. Mine have steadily rose over the past year to twice normal high and if they get any higher, MO said he will order ultrasound of liver. Of course, in the back of my mind I worry about met