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Tuesday, December 16, 2008 jeannie asks

Q: Are these drugs causing tumors?

Prescriptions Zoloft and Trazodone (50 mg each) daily since August 08; now (Dec 08) experiencing fatty tumors on legs (deep in muscles) also, more frightening, in my left breast a sensation came on initially like lactating, now the breast has hardened nodules. Nothing showed up in August 08 mammogram, but am returning for ultrasound next week just to be sure.

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12/16/08 2:24pm

Hi Jeannie

 

These new growths must be frightening for you.  I would wonder about the meds too.  You probably know what I am going to say but this is definitely a question for your doctor to answer. 

 

But in the meantime I have done some research and didn't come up with any correlation between the tumors on your legs and the meds you are taking but I did find something right away concerning changes in breast tissue and taking Trazodone.

 

Take a look at this mental health web site where they say the following:

 

"Hyperprolactinemia and breast tumors:
There is sufficient experimental evidence to conclude that chronic administration of those psychotropic drugs, such as trazodone, which increase prolactin secretion has the potential to induce mammary neoplasms in rodents under appropriate conditions. Tissue culture experiments indicate that approximately 33% of human breast cancers are prolactin dependent in vitro, a factor of potential importance if the prescription of these drugs is contemplated in a patient with a previously detected breast cancer. Although disturbances such as galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia and impotence have been reported, the clinical significance of elevated serum prolactin levels or increased secretion and turnover are unknown for most patients. Neither clinical studies nor epidemiological studies conducted to date, however, have shown an association between administration of these drugs and mammary tumorigenesis: Available evidence is considered too limited to be conclusive at this time."

 

So you just may have something there as far as the connection between Trazodone and the changes in your breast. 

 

Definitely ask your doctor about these symptoms.  I am so sorry you are going through this.

 

Thank you for your question and let us know what happens.

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