How do I manage severe hot flashes and anxiety on Arimidex?

Managing side effects from aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole can be challenging, and reaching out to your oncology team is absolutely the right approach. Many in the breast cancer community have found relief through various strategies including cooling techniques for hot flashes, gentle exercise for joint pain, stress management techniques for anxiety, and sometimes medication adjustments - sharing experiences here can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate these symptoms.

I had no side effects… but my first round of breast cancer was when I was 33.. I’m 52 now and have metastatic. I took Arimidex for 2.5 months and had progression even with 90-100% ER+, I’m starting a clinical trial soon… think of the side effects as proof the drug is working and change your mind to be grateful for them. It will make you feel differently about them and might help. Everytime you have a symptom… be grateful the drug is working. And it’s better than chemo.

For joint/bone Pain, i was advised to use Claritin. I take it daily and gave had no issues. Everyone is different, but i find that exercise works best for my anxiety. For hot flashes, I have bedn doing acupuncture. It is working great. Ask you oncologist about referring you to integrative oncology.

I have my first appointment with integrative at the end of the month. Very excited. Odd that Claritin works. I had not heard that. I need to check it out!! That pretty cool. I am about to start a clinical trial. I need to check with them too. Thanks for the info!