Letrozole

Dear ,

I am sorry you are feeling like this, I am thinking it might be a combination of 'everything' that has gone on or is going on coming together.  That your mind is suddenly processing everything and letrozole maybe being caught up in the reasons.

Letrozole is an amazing product and given the choice I do really think you have to give it time to work and to settle in your body, for you and your body to make adjustments.  There are so many side effects that letrozole can bring, so many that poor letrozole gets blamed for and so many that are your body reacting to the reducing amount of oestrogen.

I think six weeks is 'very, very' early days.  You could ask your doctor to see if you are lacking in any vitamins or look into things like St. Johns Wort .... now I have mentioned this, I am not recommending this, as I don't know if it is good or bad for you.... I just know it does help some people with low moods.

Give yourself some praise for what you have and are going through.  Keep taking the letrozole (if you can), give it time to work - and see how things go, also, you might be low in Vitamin D - there are so many reasons and none more so than the journey you have or are travelling.  Take each day a day at a time - its all you can do, it's all most of us do.

Sending love and hugs, 
Gail W xxx

Hi

So sorry you are feeling so grotty,  I suffer with depression, badly.  I started Letrozole just a few weeks ago but, due to joint issues jeopardizing radiotherapy I stopped them for now.  Trying a different brand,but not until I've finished RT.

I felt they affected my mood too, even in the short time I took them.

Yes, there are alternative meds that do similar job.  Tamoxifen and Anastrozole.  However, I would let your Breast care team know you're struggling with depression which you feel is related to Letrozole.  Perhaps they will change your prescription to one of the two I mentioned.  I have had both of those for a few years and depression wasn't a side effect for me.

The other thing to bear in mind is to try a different brand of Letrozole.  I'm on lots of meds so I'll be ordering my hormone blockers on a different day to the rest of my meds, just so I get that prescription on it's separate sheet.  I can then take it to whichever pharmacy that has the brand I prefer, or want to try. 

People on here have found different brands affect them differently.  No one brand is going to suit everyone as the manufactures use different fillers, colourants, etc although the drug itself is the same.

I hope you find a solution as, yes, if you can tolerate them, you will reap some benefit in the longer term.  If you can't tolerate them, as I've had issues with all of them, I'm wanting to find out if there are any other ways of trying to lessen the risks of recurrence.  I'm currently being treated for recurrence!!!

Let us know  how you get on, eh?

Hey! I’m a couple of years into having letrozole. Yes at the beginning it was tough, sweats, lows...

I am now over 2 years in....yes I have achy joints....annoying but liveable. I feel tired and often frustrated by the additional aches and pains. Personally I just crack on....it’s doable.....

Hi ,

Sorry you are feeling low.Have you had depression before? It could be the effect of all your treatments.

Letrozole interacts on the same enzyme system as St John's Wort  and concurrent use with St John's wort is contraindicated.

Different brands and the timing you take letrozole also come into play.I find Accord brand fine,but the Sun brand gave me awful side effects of bone pain and tiredness.I found taking mine about midday did not affect my sleep pattern and rarely any bone pain or flushes.

   The side effects often wear off and you have only just started them.

    I hope you feel on the up soon

Not depressed really...more anxious but who isn’t! I do find brand matters....I was a bit sceptical but I have had brands that have made my joint pain so much worse. I am on accord at the moment. 
I have definitely gained weight and find it incredibly hard to lose it! 
BUT....I’m well, hobble a bit, but it hasn’t stopped me doing anything and I won’t let it!