Breast Cancer, Tamoxifen and Antidepressants - New Warning

If you are a breast cancer survivor taking tamoxifen, and are also taking an SSRI antidepressant, a new study by Medco Health Solutions has been published that could make a big difference to you. The study found that women taking tamoxifen along with Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft had more than twice as much risk of cancer returning as those who take tamoxifen alone: 16% vs. 7.5%.

But women taking Celexa, Lexapro or Luvox had only a slight increased risk of recurring cancer, and other types of antidepressants haven't been shown to have an effect on tamoxifen.

If you are taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, don't stop taking Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft on your own, but contact the doctor who prescribes your antidepressant to discuss the alternatives. There are lots of other antidepressants available.

Source:
Increased Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence in Women Initiating Tamoxifen with CYP2D6 Inhibitors
Medco Press Release