Has anyone found that Anastrozole causes emotional volitility and/or depression?
Question posted by CalyxArts on 30 Jan 2011
Last updated on 29 May 2023
7 Answers
Yes Anastrozole Has made me very quick tempered and emotional. I’ve been on it six months I have a 10 to 15% reoccurrence right if I don’t take it but do you wanna live your life not have life but me miserable so I don’t know what to do about stopping it doctor didn’t say take it every other day I thought might that might help wish I had some suggestions.
I’m sorry you’ve experienced this too. For me I started to feel better a little bit each day after having been on Anastrozole for 6 months. A year and a half later my volatility has decreased dramatically. Hold on / you should start to feel better soon!!
I have noted that my partner displays less patience, and is quicker to become angry/argumentative since she has been on this drug. She can become "short-tempered" more often and more easily. Just wanted to mention this in case anyone else has noticed this type of change in temperament in themself or a loved one taking this medication.
Started it a few days after radiation. Stopped because of sadness thinking it was still after effects of radiation. Started again 5/12 and QUIT 3 days ago (7/10). All I've done for 2 months is cry and be sad. This is not me. 3 days after stopping I am back to my happy, upbeat, positive self. I'll deal with the 10% risk of reoccurrence versus the 4%. Will be discussing with doc but will not live life in tears.
I’ve been taking Anastrozole for a few weeks now and I’ve noticed it’s made my energy levels much lower than before and given me a depressed mood I haven’t experienced before. It’s like a dark feeling and what is strange is, I am also taking an antidepressant.
Me too but still sad. Stopped after 2 months and feel like me again. Good luck
Absolutely and getting no help from my chemo doctor
Short-tempered. Angered more easily and more intensely.
Hello
A serious side effect of this medication is depression, you must seek medical attention asap once again this is a severe side effect.
Do not forget to contact your Dr. as soon as you are able to.
List of side effects for future reference:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/anastrozole-side-effects.html
I truly hope you get well soon.
All the best and take care.
MASO is right and remember as he said don't forget to call you doctor soon~
I am a very upbeat, cheerful woman. Even when diagnosed with breast cancer, I was empowered to address the situation head on. After researching what was being proposed, I chose Anastrozole as the first step toward my healing to stop the growth of my tumor. I was told it starved the cancer. It is working. I am in my 6th month and the tumor is 1/5 or less of the original size. However, this past month, beside the thinning of my hair, I began noticing a depression from time to time for no reason. I wasn't sad about anything. I wasn't upset over anything. The work I am doing with my condition is working, albeit slowly. So there is nothing to be depressed over. In fact this condition is why I googled anastrozole and depression and found this blog. So YES. It can make you depressed. I am empowered just knowing it is the drug and NOT me. But it is a drag. I will let my doctor know the next time I see him.
But what can he do? Until the cancer is gone, this is the best he can do other than surgery. So I am now looking for supplements that may help and yet not hinder the drug. I have noticed wheatgrass uplifts me. Best of luck.
I wish you well in your journey. Unfortunately knowing what I know about Dr.'s he/she is likely to tell you that it is in your head. I believe you though. Anti-aromatase inhibitors (i.e. arimadex, letrozole, etc.) are well known by its actual users to cause depression, but not so much Dr's. I really hope he/she doesn't dismiss your experience as just the cancer or chemo causing the depression. Unfortunately all aromatase inhibitors can cause depression so if it were me, I would keep taking them since they are working, and hope that it shrinks the tumor to the point where you wont need it anymore.
In the meantime, explain to your husband or partner that you are going to be irritable and tired due to the medicine and try to counter the the depression with possibly an SSRI anti depressant.
Best wishes and congratulations on winning your battle:)
Related topics
Further information
- Anastrozole uses and safety info
- Anastrozole prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Anastrozole (detailed)
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