Taking Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)? Why Paxil and Other Antidepressants Could Pose a Problem

Lila de Tantillo Caregiver Journalist, Caregiver I am a journalist living in Sebring, FL. I have a one-year-old son... Send Message Subscribe: Lila de Tantillo

Monday, June 01, 2009
View All of Lila de Tantillo's Posts

Tamoxifen (or nolvadex) is a drug commonly prescribed to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer, but a common side effect of the treatment is hot flashes. As a result, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - a class of drugs that includes Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetin...

Hide Comments | Add comment

Drug interactions
Jolene Boyd
Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 12:19 AM

Lila,
Thank you so much for bringing this into the spotlight...I had posted a couple of weeks ago about research I had just discovered about this issue...when I called my onc, he told his nurse (who told me) that he hadn't heard of any interactions, except maybe with Prozac. Obviously he missed a few research articles. The nurse said they would be researching the topic and we will discuss it at my appointment on Monday 2/4...we'll see if he actually followed through. I am encouraged that the Mayo clinic seems to have this knowledge, since I live in MN and will switch to Mayo if I need to in order to get what I think is the most effective care for myself.

Thanks again! Jolene

Monthly Breast Self Exam
Debbie Mormino
Friday, February 15, 2008 at 07:35 PM

Lila,
I am a breast cancer advocate and work with women and men educating them about Monthly Breast Self Exam and the breast exam kit. It helps people do a more thorough breast self exam. We talk to people about examining their breast and the gift of early detection and how it saves lives. Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about this life saving kit. You can visit: www.breastcanceradvocate.com We also can have donated kits given to non-profit organizations for distribution to needy people or used for fund raising. Thanks, Debbie

re: Monthly Breast Self Exam
Lila de Tantillo
Monday, February 18, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Thanks so much for letting us know about this lifesaving venture! Best wishes as you spread awareness about the importance of self exams.

Arimidex
Optimist
Friday, June 05, 2009 at 08:24 PM

I was taking 10mg of Lexapro for 6 months and I am also on Arimidex. I read about the anti depressants not interacting well with Tamoxifen. Is Lexapro also on the list and is Arimidex considered the same benefit as Tamoxifen. I weaned myself off the Lexapro. It did not help my hot flashes anyway and kept me awake at night so I am just exercising more and will take a 1 mg of Ativan as needed every day which is usually about 3 a week. I think to be safe, I did the right thing concerning Lexapro. I was Stage 1 hormone receptive with lumpectomy and rad treatments. I am a 2 yr survivor. It was Lobular instead of Ductal which is less common. Any comments on the Lexapro or any studies about it with the Arimidex. Thanks