Zoloft/tamoxifen

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Palsomine
Palsomine Member Posts: 16
edited September 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I’ve just returned from oncologist, I won’t need chemo or radiation, and will begin tamoxifen soon. One problem is I’ve had great success with Zoloft for depression/anxiety. But unfortunately, it doesn’t metabolize well with the tamoxifen, making it les effective. She suggested Effexor. I was taking Premarin tablets and using vaginal cream prior to BC diagnosis. I stopped cold turkey and am just now feeling the full withdrawal from that. Has anyone had to switch antidepressants? If so did you taper the current med and then switch? I’d like to figure out what side effects I’m having from what before I start stop. On top of me having BC, my husband has prostate cancer and will be undergoing biopsy in Oct. so lots going on!

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  • gb2115
    gb2115 Member Posts: 1,894
    edited September 2018

    I would go see whoever manages your Zoloft to see what they want you to do!!

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  • JoE777
    JoE777 Member Posts: 628
    edited September 2018

    These are important questions for your medical team

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  • Palsomine
    Palsomine Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2018

    Yes, all are aware of the switch, and have answered my questions as best they can. I was just reaching out to see if anyone had any experiences with it.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited September 2018

    I have experience with that question. You can take Tamoxifen and Zoloft together. There is a chance, Tamoxifen may not work to its fullest potential. There has been further research covered in the Harvard Medical Journal regarding Prozac, Paxil and Lexapro being more of a risk than Zoloft. There are varying degrees of interference for different medications. With everything you have going on, I would ask to start the Tamoxifen and see how you do on it with the Zoloft. If you do okay and can stabilize, they can look for a replacement for the Zoloft. If you don't tolerate the Tamoxifen, then there is no reason to go off of Zoloft because you can take it with AI's. I can't take AI's because I have osteopenia in my hips, and I need the zoloft for panic attacks and winter depression. I had planned to go on an AI, had a hysterectomy/oopherectomy in preparation and then did the DEXA scan. Always do the DEXA before making med choices or surgery choices. I am glad that I had the surgery, it removed fear of reproductive issues and I had a cycle every 24 days, and was low in iron. There are alot of factors, so consider them very carefully, weigh the pros and cons. Find other factors to chance that will lower your recurrence risk also.

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  • Palsomine
    Palsomine Member Posts: 16
    edited September 2018

    I think my concern with all of the medication is just the lesser of all the evils with side effects and my emotional well being with all that is going on. Effexor was suggested by the oncologist as replacement for Zoloft, as she said patients have tolerated it well and some have even said it helps with the hot flashes from the tamoxifen. Lots to consider. Thank you Michelle in Cornland! I'm just trying to minimize side effect overload, and trying the best to come up with the plan that is best!

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