Is It Safe To Take Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat) With Tamoxiphen?
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Heller, My fiancee has been prescribed Seroxat for mild depression. However due to Breast Cancer she is also taking Tamoxifen. The first tablet of Seroxat that she took caused extreme nausea and drowsiness. I appreciate that the leaflet stated that there could be a mild side effect such as this but this side effect was not mild. Should she take Seroxat whilst taking Tamoxifen? ANSWER: Women with breast cancer who have high levels of anxiety or depression have a 360% higher risk of dying from the cancer than those individuals without the anxiety or depression. For that reason alone, treating depression is very important – whether or not she takes Tamoxifen. If the Seroxat causes side effects, other diagnoses – particularly the generalized anxiety disorder – may be present. This would also need to be treated.
