Is Lexapro in the same class as the antidepressants that are questionable with Tamoxifen? Also I am on Arimidex. To be safe I weaned myself off the Lexapro. I am doing ok. A bit moody but I just walk more and pace myself and not allow myself to get too tired. I am a 2 yr Stage1 lobular cancer survivor. ER Positive. I am post menopausal and also wonder if anyone has any suggestions of the hot flashes other than antidepressants. I have chills at times even when I am hot. The only good thing about the Lexapro with me was, it kept my mind more at ease about a recurrence. Is this normal to sometime dwell on any pain in your body and your mind go places it should not. I have no family history and was otherwise healthy all my life. I am now used to the Arimidex but hated it at first. The main problem is vaginal atrophy and dryness and no sex drive at all. Any suggestions on that. I have gained 20 lbs in two years also but I am working on that and beginning to lose some. Thanks for letting me express my feeling. Love to all you women going through or have gone through. May the good Lord give you comfort.
- Resources
Lexapro is in the same class, but you shouldn't have to worry since you are on Arimidex. As far as anyone knows, unlike with tamoxifen, antidepressants don't interfere with aromatase inhibitors (Arimidex, et. al.) You can read about the problems of antidepressants and Tamoxifen here. If you are still worried, then you should ask your doctor about making changes. The only other thing I know of that works for hot flashes is a blood pressure medicine called Catapress. As far as dwelling on thoughts of recurrence, I think that just comes with the territory and is something we eventually grow out of as years pass. Unfortunately since you are on both the AI and an antidepressant, you are getting a double whammy when it comes to sex drive - as if cancer wasn't a libido killer to begin with! It would be nice if they would make some magic blue pills for the female population of the world, but they don't so we just have to suffer through and endure it. I'd like to think that making yourself be intimate on a regular basis eventually builds up your drive and desire, but there is nothing to prove it.
Good luck!
Angi
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