Relieving symptoms of Tamoxifen

After a week on Tamoxifen, I experience moderate to severe sleep disturbances.  I am reluctant to take a sleeping pill or add a low dose anti-depressant to my regime.  What vitamins supplements (or other remedies) and in what doses might help reduce hot flashes at night?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear SarahJane, Hot flashes may be precipitated by: psychological stress, hot weather, caffeine, spicy foods, or alcohol.   There are a number of nonhormonal medications available for the treatment of hot flashes.  Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether but to diminish their intensity and frequency.  Vitamin E 800IU daily, Vitamin B6 200mg daily or Peridin-C 2 tablets 3 times a day, are over the counter agents that may be of help.

There has been some research with the use of the medications; venlafaxine (effexor) an anti-depressant, bellergal and clonidine, for treatment of hot flashes, these would need to be prescribed by your physician.

It is important to talk to your physician before you take any medications or supplements, to be sure there is no contraindication of any of  these treatments in your individual situation.

[myrnamay]

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