Time of day to take Tamoxifen?

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Dovely
Dovely Member Posts: 91
edited December 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello ladies, I just got my first bottle of Tamoxifen, and I’m wondering what time of day you take it and why. Thanks!

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited December 2018

    Great question! I'd love to know too. I just started two weeks ago. I've been taking it in the evenings, on the general idea that it would make side effects less annoying, but without any real basis. FWIW though the only side effect I've had has been dry skin/eyes, and that's probably winter-related too.

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  • MLAnne
    MLAnne Member Posts: 83
    edited December 2018

    I also just started taking it. The information said to take it once daily BUT the handout from the pharmacist had the "AM" box checked. So that is when I've been taking it, in the morning. I honestly don't know if there is a specific reason though.

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  • DanceSmartly
    DanceSmartly Member Posts: 69
    edited December 2018

    I have been on Tamoxifen for 7 months. I take my little white pill in the evening at suppertime. I have had at least 3 doctors tell me that most people tolerate it better if taken at night and with food.

    I haven't heard any fantastic explanations for this, but it seems most peoe feel that if there are going to be side effects, they are most likely to occur shortly after taking the pill. By taking it at night, you might get lucky enough to sleep through them!

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  • rachelcarter35
    rachelcarter35 Member Posts: 368
    edited December 2018

    I take mine after breakfast. I have trouble going to sleep every evening and my theory has been that taking it in the morning might give me time to get it out of my system before bedtime. Who knows. I think the most important thing is to take it at the same time each day consistently.

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  • wanderweg
    wanderweg Member Posts: 549
    edited December 2018

    I start Tamoxifen today. I’m going to try it with dinner for a few days and switch to mornings if that’s a problem. I was reading that women can become tamoxifen resistant if their melatonin levels are low (if there is light in their room at night from a computer screen or something), so I think I will also invest in some blackout curtains, and ask my MO about taking melatonin since I don’t sleep well.

    Also, has anyone read the list of meds contraindicated for Tamoxifen on this site? It includes most antidepressants and my beloved benedryl! I sure don’t want to take anything that will make the tamoxifen not work.

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  • MLAnne
    MLAnne Member Posts: 83
    edited December 2018

    Interesting tidbit about Melatonin and Tamoxifen. I already take Melatonin and a Tylenol PM to help sleep at night. I have noticed I don't sleep as soundly since I started Tamoxifen.

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  • Dovely
    Dovely Member Posts: 91
    edited December 2018

    I took my first one this morning with breakfast, curious if and when it may affect my sleep. I take melatonin and magnesium and I also have diazepam if I really can’t sleep. We’ll see..

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  • ksusan
    ksusan Member Posts: 4,505
    edited December 2018

    I take it at breakfast because that's my most consistent meal time.

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited December 2018

    MLAnne, check the ingredients on the Tylenol PM. The PM part is likely benadryl. There is evidence that it reduces the efficacy of tamoxifen. It's probably no problem to take it once in a while, but if you're taking it every night, it's not good. Try talking with your doc about other options?


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  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 827
    edited December 2018

    I take it in the morning because I am more likely to remember it then.



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  • Dani444
    Dani444 Member Posts: 522
    edited December 2018

    wanderweg- That is definitely interesting about the melatonin. I work nights so maybe I should invest in black out shades! I don’t start until after my rads. But I like to hear what is working for people

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  • PrincessButtercup
    PrincessButtercup Member Posts: 200
    edited December 2018

    I take mine at night before bed, simply because that's when I remember to take it. I started out taking it in the morning, but found that I was forgetting some days. Since switching to night time, I haven't missed a dose.

    Even if there is a medical reason to take it earlier in the day, I'm thinking that it's better not to miss doses.

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  • wanderweg
    wanderweg Member Posts: 549
    edited December 2018

    princess - I think you are absolutely right about that. My understanding is the most important thing is taking it consistently.

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited December 2018

    I take mine in the early evening. In the beginning I did a.m. but felt a little dizzy about 4/5 hours later so I switched to night figuring by the time that would kick in it would be at least 10pm and more than likely I'm in bed by then. Just be consistent

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