tamoxiphen

How can client who take tamoxifen and who suffer a great deal from hot flushes, sweats, & sleeplessness control their symtoms (symptoms) best?
thanks,
mollie

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Mollie, There is no one best way of controling these symptoms however some of the methods tried with varying success include: Over the counter treatments that some women have found to be helpful in managing the symptom of hot flashes are: Vitamin E (up to 1200 IU a day) , Vitamin B complex 200mg daily , Peridin-C 2 tablets 3 times a day or ibuprophen.  Black cohosh has also been used but has estrogenic properties that may not be recommended for women with a history of breast cancer.   Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether but to diminish their intensity and frequency.  

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.

Hot flashes may be precipitated by: psychological stress, hot weather, caffeine, spicy foods, or alcohol.

Another resource you can look to is www.chemocare.com, on that site you can check out information regarding tamoxifen.  There is also a section on managing side effects that has some information specific to these side effects mentioned.







  

[seven7]

Effexor has helped me a lot,  but it is an expensive medicine.
I do not know if I will get the prescription filled again, since with our health plan we pay for our drugs we purchase.  I already take tomoxifen and vioxx.  Hate to add more expense.