Bottle 'o Tamoxifen

I started taking Tamoxifen this week - This thread has been informative and scary all at the same time. Thank you to everyone who shares their experience - both the good and not so much.

Interesting, Michelle. This is the kind of stuff my doctor dismisses. I might get her to write a 10mg rx next time just to see.

you can just get the 20mg and use a pill cutter to split it if doc says no.

Hi All, I have been following this thread because I am almost done with radiation and will be starting Tamoxifen mid February. I am 52, 53 in February, and post menopausal. I had a hysterectomy about 8 years ago and they did leave one ovary in. I had blood work done before I started radiation and it showed I was post menopausal. Even though I am, my MO still said to take Tamoxifen. I have been dreading the hot flashes, because I have so many a day now. She did prescribe Gabapentin 300 mg as needed at bedtime to help with the hot flashes, but I have only tried it 3 times and I felt so tired when I woke up that I haven't used it again. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experience on Tamoxifen!

yes...I get TEVA at CVS...

I’ve been on Tamoxifen a week tomorrow AM. So far I haven’t noticed any side effects yet. I get hot flashes at night anyway so I haven’t noticed if they are more frequent. I’m going to start trying taking magnesium that Michelle mentioned. Anything to help reduce even one hot flash at night would be welcome! So not fair we women have to endure hot flashes after years of dealing with periods. WTH. I sure miss sleeping great every night like I used to be able to. Hot flashes are just brutal punishment

taranee, i use this corrective concealer from Physician formula. I love it. There are different brands but i find this one blends better. It is a different color so you might need to blend and try it out.

Trver - keep the tips coming. They're helpful.

TaRenee, I just saw a product last night that could possibly help. It is called Pure, and it is gel patches that go under the eye. They seem to reduce dark eye circles and puffiness. I have not tried them, but was interested in finding out more about them. There are 15 pairs for 19.00 and if you have Amazon Prime, shipping is free.

Here is a blurb on the use of magnesium to treat migraines. For those of you that have headaches with Tamoxifen, magnesium might be worth a try.

Found on google:

Symptoms of being low in magnesium include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, muscle cramping, tingling, and muscle contractions. Low magnesium is also linked to headaches and migraines. ... Magnesium, and particularly magnesium oxide, is sometimes used to treat and prevent migraines.

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I am taking the Magnesium Oxide, 125mgs which is 1/2 of a 250mg chalky tablet. As always, ask your MO before starting any new supplements, herb, therapies, etc. I did some digging, and there are no contraindications between Tamoxifen and magnesium (low dose).

Here is a you tube video on how to deal with a hooded eyelid, that also has some good tips on camouflaging the under eye area.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfQ4n_Ko-fY

I have been on Tamoxifen since September and have a number of SE although none of them severe - just a little annoying. One thing that has been more bothersome, and I'm looking for tips, is some swelling in the ankles. My MO says it's probably my body leaping into menopause (I'm 48 and was regular until this roller coaster ride). On the vitamin front, I take D, B6 and Mg in addition to a multi. Besides drinking lots of water, what suggestions do you have? Anyone else having this issue?

Ghionik, yes. The big T may cause hair thinning on the scalp, and may encourage extra hair in other places, a SE I hope I miss! The theory is that the blockade of estrogen means that androgens can be more active at the hair follicles, reducing hair growth on the scalp and increasing it elsewhere.

I have an increase in dark circles, almost purple like someone punched me and dry skin. found putting Nivea(round, blue container) has done wonders with helping me with moisture. I also found a concealer/corrector that Target carries called Pixi. Its a makeup dupe for high end concealer. It comes in a light peach or med. I put it on after I have dabbed on some foundation, then put it on, then a lighter concealer, then a dab more of foundation to blend.

edited for spelling

Blownaway~ You are not a weak link! You are doing the best you can. I hope that you and your new onc find some solutions.

Trvler

I had severe sleep problems during the last part of chemo and for a coupie of months after....at which point I started tamoxifen too! It made me frustrated and irritable, and I was just not myself. All through chemo, I resisted taking anything to help me sleep.

However, I finally relented and spoke to my doctor about various things such as melatonin, Ambien etc.

It so happens that by the time I suffered enoughbto agree to take something, things got better. However, I was willing to get medicinal help, if it meant getting some sleep.

So, I just want to encourage you to try some alternatives to help you sleep while taking Tamox. Who knows? Maybe your body will reset and you won't need the help for the long haul.

Hope you rest well during your break from Tamox. The drug has a long half life so it might take a while to leave your system to relieve your sleep, but I hope you feel a difference sooner rather than later.