Tamoxifen Significantly Reduces Mania Symptoms

Have there been any indications given as to the possible detrimental or promising effects if a bipolar patient takes a BP med (Lithium) and Tamoxifen?

I am most concerned in this regard.  I have been on Lithium for 9 years.  Now, I have breast cancer and am scheduled to begin Tamoxifen later this month.  My docs (oncology and psych) have no interest in a discussion of this nature.  I am very scared.  Too much of a good thing might be bad.  I am afraid to NOT take either one of them. 

Please scourge the experts and see if any attention has been given as to the potential effects of a combination of Lithium and Tamoxifen.

Elizabeth

Sorry to bother but I felt that my recent experience MIGHT help others.

Yes, I had many qualms about taking Tamoxifen, especially w/ Lithium, however, all that I anticipated to be did not turn out INSTEAD.....as Paul Harvey would say, "here's the rest of the story..."

I did go on the Tamoxifen...it took 3 days of 2-10mg doses before it produced a mania rage unlike any I've experienced in a very, very long time.  Wow, just those out of control feelings let me know that this would not work.  Here is where it gets interesting.  Was it the mix of the 2 that produced such a manic rage?  Gratefully, I caught the feeling and recognized the improper emotions so I stopped the meds immediately! No harm was done to others, only to myself as I felt totally yucky for the next couple of days while the drug cleared my system.

Herein lies the point that I think you and others should be aware of.  When I notified my oncologist about what had happened, his response was so simple, "don't take it."  I asked what should I be taking, to which he answered, "there's nothing else...(of which my research shows differently, but anyway, he's the doc)....we really don't know if Tamoxifen does much good for breast cancer patients.  The reports/studies are contradictory between the US and UK."  WHY ARE THEY WRITING A DRUG FOR MILLIONS OF WOMEN WHEN THEY REALLY DO NOT HAVE PROOF OF WHAT IT DOES???  This is where the old adage, "consumer beware."  Too often these drugs, such as tamoxifen, lithium, and others are prescribed on a whim and a prayer.  The docs don't really know if, how, why, when it works....just that it might work.

I felt compelled to share this with you because, if this be true in regard to breast cancer where it has been used for several years, then how certain can they be with regards to the treatment of bipolarism?

My manic side has been maintained quite well w/ Lithium for the last 10+ years and especially the past 1 year when the docs started pulling the Lithium level NPO and actually found out that I needed one-third of the recommended therapeutic dose.  Now, my mania is under control and I can function.  What a gift.

Please watch the tamoxifen thing.  From all that I have experienced and learned about tamoxifen in the past 6 mos. I can tell you that enough is not known about this drug and its effects AND the manner is which it works.

Afterall, the psych journals tout it as a pill for mania.  It actually incited feelings of mania in me...very scary.  Anyone who has ever had even one manic episode will tell you that it's an experience that they never want to repeat.

Thanks for hearing me out.

I'd be very interested in what else you are able to "dig up" on this subject.  As for me, I'm on nothing to prevent the recurrence of my breast cancer UNTIl I can find a new doc.  I just don't believe that there is only one drug to treat this cancer on a maintenance basis.  I do know that the treatments thus far have been expensive and terribly costly to me and my life (I know, I am thankful because at least I am still alive.)  However, a partial mastectomy, 36 radiation treatments, and vocal cord paralysis due to the radiation are not small prices to pay.....ones that you would pay to be alive but not so insignificant that they should be overlooked.

I laughed and told my husband, I've gone from a bipolar and the problems that go with that to a barely audible (due to the vocal cord paralysis), vision dimming (due to several different eye disorders), diminished hearing, and of course the cancer stuff----and to think that I am a certified Teacher w/ 20+ years.  It's time to diversify, huh???

Good Luck to those of you fighting your own battles.  God has the Plan, don't forget it.a