Already have hot flashes- How bad can it get on Tamoxifen?

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SerenityNow1756
SerenityNow1756 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I have had miserable hot flashes from the moment I hit menopause. HRT was a Godsend for me for many years- until I received a diagnosis of early stage hormone-positive breast cancer. Needless to say, no more HRT. I've been off HRT for 6 months and still struggling with hot flashes (sometimes with palpitations and slight nausea). I am supposed to do a 5-10 year stint on Tamoxifen, but given the problems I already have, I am reluctant to start. I also am not fond of the idea of pulmonary embolisms (which can kill you much faster than any cancer) as a possible side effect.

How much worse do hot flashes get on Tamoxifen? There are major quality of life issues here to be considered.

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  • Shellsatthebeach
    Shellsatthebeach Member Posts: 316
    edited June 2018

    Hi Serenity,

    I agree that hot flashes are the worse! I found that my hot flashes did not change since being put on Tamoxifen. I also have not had any SE from this medication that I can feel. I know that is not always true for everyone. I wish you luck!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2018

    Consider talking to your oncologist about rx'ing a low dose of Effexor. It's an SSRI that can relieve hot flashes brought by our AIs. I took it with Tamoxifen the entire time I was on it, rx'd by my oncologist, and it did help.

    Here's a link in case you want to bring it to your oncologist.

    Effexor is one of the SSRIs that will not reduce the effectiveness of Tamoxifen. It's not given in a "treat depression" dosage, usually something much less. A little bit seems to work well.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/effexor-...

    Claire in AZ

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  • SerenityNow1756
    SerenityNow1756 Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2018

    Thanks for your response, Shellsatthebeach. It's encouraging to know that at least for some women it doesn't get noticeably worse!

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  • SerenityNow1756
    SerenityNow1756 Member Posts: 5
    edited June 2018

    Thanks for your response, ClairinAz. I am already on a low dosage of Effexor in the day AND gabapentin at night for hot flashes and not noticing much of a difference. What dosage of Effexor were you taking? Maybe I need an adjustment.

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