Letrazole and Hot Flushes

Hi Daisy24

I did have hot flushes as a side effect of Letrozole - I now realise I'd been luck so far with my peri/menopause symptoms but after a few weeks on Letrozole I was having night sweats, waking up at 2am and finding it impossible to get back to sleep. My consultant prescribed Venlafaxine - 37.5mg - which really helped me. I'm still on both drugs about three years down the line. The hot flushes have receded. I've been advised to stay on the Venlafaxine for as long as I'm on Letrozole and the process of coming off it will be managed nearer the time. It sounds like it's not had such a marked improvement for you. It may be an idea to discuss with your GP and/or Breast Care Nurse to see if they have any suggestions, including getting advice on increasing the dose - apparently 37.5 is a 'baby dose', so it's worth discussing. You don't need those hot flushes on top of everything else! 

I hope you can get it sorted soon.

Diane.

Hi Diane, thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Good to hear that you have done well taking the 37.5mg dose of venlafaxine. When I came of the HRT, this dose did the trick for me too and really helped control the flushes. They have only increased now that I've started the letrazole. I might stick with the low dose of venlafaxine for the time being and see if things improve over time. If not, I do have the option to increase the dosage if I need to. Xx

Hi Daisy24 , I’m on Anastrozole which is similar to letrozole. Hot flushes are a common side effect of these drugs, unfortunately. I had a course of ear acupuncture at the maggies centre at Addenbrookes and that helped a lot. I also slept better. If there’s a support centre near you it’s worth asking if they offer this. Love and hugs, HFxx

Hi HappyFeet1, not sure if there's a Maggie's nearby, but will look into it. I would certainly be willing to give acupuncture a try, so pleased to hear that it was helpful to you. Xx

Hi Daisy24 , I think I saw on another thread that you’re going to start radiotherapy at Mount Vernon? That’s where I had mine, nearly 6 years ago! There’s a Macmillan centre on the site, worth checking out. I had a reflexology session there during my rads sessions, I really love reflexology and it was a nice treat during that time. And the staff there were lovely. It’s a shame there’s not a Maggie’s centre near you, I found them really helpful at the one at Addenbrookes. It was an hour’s drive from where I live but well worth it. Good luck with your radiotherapy, (I hope I’ve picked that up correctly, apologies if not!). Xx

Yes I do start radiotherapy tomorrow at mount vernon, not looking forward to the travelling, as most of it will be during rush hour. Will have to look into the reflexology, I've been feeling a bit anxious at the moment. I don't understand it, I was quite calm through chemo and surgery. Now the cancer has been removed I'm suddenly anxious, it makes no sense. I've had reflexology before and found it really relaxing. Xx