Cramps with Tamoxifen

Hi Lily

I haven’t had cramps (I don’t think) but have had been taking Tamoxifen for 4 1/2 years. The way the drug works affects your body’s ability to absorb oestrogen , which triggers menopausal symptoms which can include cramps. So it’s not really a side effect, merely the drug doing it’s job. The symptoms I got did settle down , but you may find that you need something else to help , your GP should be able to help you with possible other drugs to offset the cramps. I had read many, many articles over the years (I am a librarian so it is part of my job at times) and exercise does seem to help offset some of the symptoms - so if you don’t do much exercise I would definitely recommend you doing some -I think the magnesium should also help , but I would call your GP and ask for some blood tests to make sure it isn’t something else either? 

Offering you sympathy !

Jo x

Thank you so much for your reply Jo . I do walk a lot , well did walk a lot before treatment, but slowly increasing my pace . 

I will do some specific leg exercises and see if it helps . My consultant today recommended quinine tabs . 

Keep safe n thanks again 

Lily x

Hi,

When I was on Tamoxifen I had THE WORST cramps in fingers,toes and legs.First at night but then during the day as well. It was so bad It was waking me up at night and so strong I couldn't walk sometimes.  I was telling my oncologist and I was taking magnesium and potassium pills but nothing was helping much. It was slightly better when I was doing stretching daily so maybe try yoga? Since I am off Tomoxifen for past 4months everything went back to normal. My doctor switch me to zolandex (Im premenopausal 36 years old)and letrozole instead as there was concern that Tamoxifen wasn't effective in my case.

Good luck

Hi Lily

I get cramp in my leg at night but it seems to vary from brand to brand, honestly every brand seems to produce some sort of side effect and what suits one doesnt suit another so maybe ask to change brands.  I was told it would take about 3 months to get used to the drug and occasionally get cramp but nausea is my worst side effect.  Good luck and hope the Tonic water and Magnesium works.  

Thank you for your reply , have started stretching exercises before going to bed .

Wishing you good health x

Thank you for your reply.  I totally understand about the brand so will make a note on that.  I have not experienced nausea as such ,do you take it after food ? I feel.the combination of stretching exercises,  tonic water and magnesium have helped .

Wishing you good health x