Tamoxifen and anti-depressants?

[Delatron]

I've been on tamoxifen for about 3 years for breast cancer, following mastectomy and chemo. I am really struggling with fatigue and depression. I guess it's hard to know if the depression and fatigue are down to the cancer treatment or the tamoxifen!

However, as it doesn't seem to be getting better, if anything I'm getting worse, I am going to blame the tamoxifen! Has anyone got any experience of having a successful outcome with anti-ds whilst being on tamoxifen? I honestly think it is the fatigue which is making me depressed and when I look at the side effects of some anti-ds they list fatigue! The last thing I want is to be more tired! I am also very stressed and anxious.

I've tried the natural route, I exercise, meditate, eat well, did acupuncture. Nothing is working and it is effecting my whole life.

Are there any anti-depressants which boost your energy?! Thanks.

I'm on Tamoxifen Delatron. I haven't tried anti-d's on it, but I'd bet someone will be around soon to natter. I just thought I'd mention iron levels. Have you had them checked? All the changes to your body can make you anaemic and that can make you feel lousy. I know to my cost..!

Thanks smee, that's a very good point. Have suffered anaemia in the past after child-birth and then immediately after treatment so seem a bit prone to it. Haven't had levels checked for ages so will definitely get them checked. Have been struggling to get off the sofa the last couple of days. Arrrgghh! Thank you!

Hi Delatron - I was on tamoxifen for five years (I just changed to letrazole this week) and I was on citalopram at the same time. I have found it has helped quite a lot with my mood, and hasn't made me more fatigued - of course there are several anti-d's that would be available to you, and different one's may have different effects.

I'm sorry you are feeling so fatigued - it is a lousy feeling I know, I thought I;d just mention that in my case the fatigue from chemo etc lasted about 3-4 years - its very frustrating I know. Another problem I had - an dit might be worth getting it checked, is that the chemo affected my thyroid - it was initially underactive, then became overactive and I was diagnosed with Graves disease - both under and over made me feel very ill and tired - so could be worth mentioning to your GP that you;d like a test (especially if your weight has been up and down at all as well)

I think the anti-d's have definitely helped with my anxiety and stress -and those things are very normal after cancer - in fact I think it is more stressful once your active treatment stops, you have more time to reflect and think about what has happened, and its a pretty big shock to the system, that takes a while to work through IME.

I think I have a leaflet form a talk I went to at my hospital cancer support centre, - which gives a few tips on dealing with fatigue, - if you want to PM me your address I will happily look it out and send you a copy (I won't be at all offended if you would rather not give your address to an internet stranger though - so don't feel you have to PM or explain if you are uncomfortable with it - just ignore )

Thanks kurrikurri, it's good to hear you had good results on citalopram. I think it's time to tackle all this as I seem to be getting worse not better!!

It's is reassuring that you too felt fatigued for quite a few years after treatment. I guess the whole process takes a huge toll. I have a very unsympathetic DP who thinks I should be all better by now and that is really not helping!

Interesting about the thyroid, it does feel there is something out of whack with my body. Will defo get that checked too. Thanks so much for offering to post the leaflet, that's so kind of you. Will pm you.

I felt wiped out for years too. I finished treatment in December 2010 and it was only last summer that I realised I felt kind of okay again. I still get really tired. I think it's normal but nobody ever tells you. Still, we're still here even if we are all a bit knackered.

True! I think if they tell you this at the beginning of treatment you probably wouldn't go through with it! I finished July 2011 so hopefully it won't be too much longer before I feel better.