CommunitiesBreast CancerHas anyone experienced severe dizziness from anastrozole?

Has anyone experienced severe dizziness from anastrozole?

JF

Community Member

4 months ago

I am new to this site after having a lumpectomy with margins clear and lymph nodes clear. I am now on anastrozole for the 5 years. I have taken for a few days with no problem but am now having a problem with the dizziness it causes. After many hours I lie down and the dizziness upon sitting up is overwhelming and lasts for a long time. Any others have a similar problem?

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16 comments
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accepted answer

Accepted Answer

Dizziness can be a challenging side effect that some people experience with anastrozole, and it's understandable to feel concerned when symptoms like this develop. Many community members have shared experiences with various medication side effects, so reaching out here is a great way to connect with others who may have similar experiences to share. It's always important to discuss any new or concerning symptoms with your healthcare team, as they can help determine the best approach for managing side effects while continuing your treatment plan.

3+ patients found this helpful

KI

Community Member

4 months ago

Hi Jeannie…I had the same issue, as well as joint pain after about three weeks in. Tried different aromatase inhibitors and had same problem. I take tamoxifen now and so far so good. I wish you well!

SS

Community Member

4 months ago

Just started anastrazole and kisqali a few days ago. Also experiencing some lightheadedness. It's not been intolerable yet so I'm hoping it's just temporary until I get used to the medications.

JF

Community Member

4 months ago

The first couple days were no problem.. After that every evening after a short nap I had to sit up for at least 10 minutes before attempting to move because the dizziness was so bad. I hope you do not have the same reaction. I was told this was just temporary but after 4-5 days my doctor has changed the medication. Take care, I wish you well!

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BE

Community Member

4 months ago

I had my reconstruction surgery on the 14th. I will be honest, I regret the decision I made. If you are younger ot you can tolerate pain better than me. This was the most painful experience of my life. All of this just to have two breasts. It wasn't worth it for me. Maybe someone else can take it, but I never had this much pain with my c sections. I'm 65. I'll go without a breast. My breasts are not symmetrical and they are talking further surgery. No way! I am what I am.

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SH

Community Member

4 months ago

After trying all the aromatase inhibitors and suffering from dizziness and even getting lost while driving home from the grocery store I was switched to Tamoxifen. Within 6 weeks I developed a blood clot in my leg. The tumors were small and lymph nodes clear and the decision has been made to stop the drugs.

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CS

Community Member

4 months ago

My daughter age 52 had a double mastectomy and then went for a reconstruction. She ended up with 17 surgeries, visibly scarred for life and said it’s the biggest mistake she ever made. She also got a blood clot and nearly died. I personally would rather have my life than implants.

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NT

Community Member

4 months ago

Hi Betsy, I'm sorry about how you feel. Did you have reconstruction on the same day? I didn't and I regret it because I have to go back for reconstruction and back to more pain. I can relate as I had a right breast mastectomy on June 12th. I still feel awful and I didn't even have reconstruction yet, I have an expander. Your surgery is for the other breast, correct? All of it is a lot. Wish you all the best.

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SS

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Susan S, I am also on anastrozole and kisqali and wonder if you noticed weight gain ? I am wondering if the anastrozole is contributing? Sarah S

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SS

Community Member

3 months ago

Sarah Sterlacci, I've been on for 2 weeks now. Have gained half a pound. That could also be because I ate like crap this past week. I know that the list of side effects dud include potential weight. Gain. I just started weight training again this past week. Had to take a break from it during radiation per doctor's orders. I'm hoping that as my fatigue wears off and I increase activity that I can help keep weight gain under control. How long have you been on the combo and what has been your experience with side effects? I am hoping that hair loss doesn't hit me.

CS

Community Member

3 months ago

I have been told that all of those drugs will cause up to 10 pounds of weight gain.

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RK

Community Member

3 months ago

Hello.. I have been taking Letrozole for the last 6 months.. I talked with my oncologist 2 weeks ago about dizziness, joint pain and quality of life… my mammogram a month ago was benign but because of the dense breast they set up an ultrasound in Dec..we have a big family party mid August and she let me go off the medication for 3 weeks.. we will discuss another med after that..I just wanted to enjoy myself at the party and feel somewhat normal…I am alittle afraid I might be making the wrong decision? Thoughts?

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DA

Community Member

3 months ago

Hello Rebecca please let me know what your oncologist will prescribe as I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and I'm being told after the radiation 16 treatments that I will be getting letrozole I'm a little skeptical as you can imagine especially after reading the dizziness part and quality of life did it happen to make you gain weight also by any chance thank you

RK

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Daisy… Letrozole puts you back into menopause.. I feel like maybe I can get through it? the joint pain is real..my friend (hairdresser) told me to drink powder collagen everyday for hair and joints… I feel like it is helping..plus calcium and D3.. I try to keep moving to lessen the pain, which helps..I can deal with hot flashes, I get up from bed slowly so I don’t get dizzy..nausea occasionally..she let me go without for 3 weeks and then I see her…I feel like I may have gained some weight but the last 2 times being weighed I was down pounds?? I’m sorry you were diagnosed.. prayers that it all goes well for you… I had 21 days of radiation..just the fatigue was hard and it continues.. I don’t want to scare you, everyone is different.. you may tolerate it fine 🙏🙂

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SS

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Susan S, I have been on anastrozole and kisqali for 11 months. My side effects have been pretty mild. I have experienced fatigue and arthralgia ( achiness) “brain fog” dry mouth and constipation . I will stay on the oral chemo regime for 2 years as the expected results are better as long as I can tolerate the meds.I was nervous about losing my hair and have noticed it thinning but thankfully I dont appear to be losing very much . One thing that my Oncologist reccommended for the arthralgia is tart cherry supplements up to 5000 units . I have found capsules and gummy chews and I Have noticed they seem to be helping . I am taking 2000 units . Im finally getting back to normal exercise and Im hoping that can reverse this weight gain. Its so hard to take off and easy to put on . My self care has been to take it easy and rest when I am tired and Aleve helps too. I passed my first year post surgery and treatment and there is no visible sign of disease so I am very grateful for that and for having access to these cancer drugs. I wish you good luck in your journey and hope your side effects will be minimal. Be gentle and good to yourself . Sarah S

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SS

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Susan , I have been on the anastrozole and kisqali for a year now. Most of the side effects have subsided but I still experience general pain and athralgia with fatigue. Yoga , walking and exercise have helped. I have had hair thinning but thankfully not complete loss . My Dr explained that most side affects show up in the first few months and that it is recommended to stay on this regime for 1-2 years , as long as I tolerate it , so hopefully Im half way there. After the one year bone density test, mammogram and kidney / liver blood work I am grateful that there have been minimal affects and no damage or evidence of any cancer concern . Its a huge relief , one day at a time 🥰

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CA

Community Member

25 days ago

Dizziness can be a challenging side effect that some people experience with anastrozole, and it's understandable to feel concerned when symptoms like this develop. Many community members have shared experiences with various medication side effects, so reaching out here is a great way to connect with others who may have similar experiences to share. It's always important to discuss any new or concerning symptoms with your healthcare team, as they can help determine the best approach for managing side effects while continuing your treatment plan.

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