Is Effexon Safe To Take Along With Tamoxifen?

Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 1 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am on the drug tamoxiphen after having breast cancer. I did chemo and radiation. I was paxil and they changed me to Lexapro. I had a significant amount of weight gain and slowly stop taking the drug. I have heard and read that effexon is good for hot flashes (which I have) and have become unbearable and I am feeling a lot of stress. Is effexon okay to take with tamoxiphen?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can help

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam, thanks for trusting health care magic.
Yes you can take it along but it isn't effective in all the patients and rather may not have any effect at all in some patients.
Basically it is an anti-depressant with main effect on mood swings but can help in hot flushes too.
It is a prescription drug so you will need to visit your doctor for this.
Take care
Regards
Dr Manisha

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (4 minutes later)

What are the side effects? Weight gain?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sedation and poor reflexes

Detailed Answer:
No weight is not a side effect but actually it increases lethargic behaviour which causes decreased activity in general and thus weight gain.
Bug can cause sedation and poor reflexes so driving and skilled labor works should be avoided for about 12-14 hours after intake and that is why it is advised at night time.
All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar