Clinical Update 2025: Recommendations on the Use of Antidepressants in Women Taking Tamoxifen
While some antidepressants may affect the metabolism of tamoxifen into its active form, many antidepressants can be used safely in this population.
Clinical Update 2019: Tamoxifen and Antidepressants
Women receiving tamoxifen for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer should be aware of possible drug-drug interactions between tamoxifen and specific antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are used widely to treat depression and anxiety disorders in [...]
Combining Tamoxifen with Antidepressants: What You Need to Know
An updated version of this post can be found HERE. Two thirds of all breast cancer tumors are known to have receptors that respond to hormones; that is they can grow in response to estrogen. [...]
More Data on the Interaction Between Antidepressants and Tamoxifen
An updated version of this post can be found HERE. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (or SERM) which is used for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Tamoxifen’s effects in the breast [...]
Electroacupuncture Effective for Breast Cancer Treatment-Associated Hot Flashes
A recent study examined the effectiveness of electroacupuncture, in which small electric currents are applied to traditional acupuncture needles, in women with breast cancer treatment-associated hot flashes. 120 women with hot flashes were randomized to [...]
Hormonal Treatments for Breast Cancer: Do They Cause Depression?
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the preferred hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women with estrogen sensitive breast cancer. While the selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, are used in premenopausal women with estrogen sensitive breast cancer, the aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) have been shown to be more effective and safer than the SERMs in postmenopausal women.Â
Choice of Antidepressant May Affect Survival in Women on Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer
Tamoxifen is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) used in women with breast cancer; it reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall survival. Tamoxifen may also be used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. In order to be fully effective, tamoxifen must be metabolized to an active metabolite, endoxifen, by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. Consequently, any co-administered agent that inhibits this enzyme will reduce the conversion of tamoxifen to endoxifen, thereby potentially reducing the efficacy of tamoxifen as a breast cancer therapy.
Interactions Between Antidepressants and Tamoxifen
Women receiving tamoxifen for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer should be aware of possible drug-drug interactions with specific antidepressant medications (e.g., SSRI). These antidepressants are used widely to treat depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, multiple studies have shown that these antidepressants are an effective non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes; over 25% of women who are experiencing hot flashes related to tamoxifen therapy are now prescribed antidepressants to manage their symptoms.