Nutrition Health Chat: Tuesday, Dec. 8th, 5-6 PM Eastern. Learn how vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients affect your health. Free live Q&A. Join us!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Tamoxifin
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Tamoxifin
by judyv, Aug 01, 2006 12:00AM
I have been on Tamoxifin (tamoxifen) since May 06. I was dx'd with infiltrative ductal carcinoma & had mastectomy on 11/05. I started a/c/t 12/05, and 1st round through me into full blown menopause. I have been experiencing very unusual body temperatures, from burning up & profusely sweating to becoming immediately icy cold. This happens @ least 4 x's a day. Is this caused by a drop in estrogen hormones or the side effect of Tamoxifen? Also, what can I do besides grinning an bearing it? It has interfered with my sleep. Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Aug 01, 2006 12:00AM
Dear judyv: The temperature variations you are experiencing could be described by menopause. Tamoxifen, which is an estrogen blocker may also contribute to your symptoms. You should discuss this with your doctor. Some types of antidepressants, called SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), which can be very effective in treating depression, may sometimes may help with hot flashes and with sleep disturbances. These drugs can take several weeks before they are effective and should not be stopped abruptly. One such drug which is may be used effectively with tamoxifen is venlafaxine (Effexor). You might ask your doctor if this would be appropriate for you to try.
Member Comments (2)
by judyv, Aug 01, 2006 12:00AM
I am already on .75 Effexor, but this has not helped w/ hotflash symptoms or these cold onsets.
