How to Fight the Effects Of Fatigue From Tamoxifen

The drug tamoxifen, sold under the brand names Soltamox and Nolvadex, blocks the effects of estrogen. Because certain tumors need estrogen to grow, it is often prescribed for patients who have a high risk of developing breast cancer or who have undergone treatment for the disease. Long-term use of the drug can cause fatigue, according to the National Cancer Institute. Here are some tips for battling your exhaustion.

Instructions

Recognize fatigue

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. Other health problems or drugs, such as pain medication, can add to your tamoxifen-induced fatigue. Your doctor can change your prescriptions as well as offer other suggestions, such as trying relaxation exercises, increasing physical activity, changing your diet, drinking more fluids, adding nutritional supplements, or seeing a specialist.

• 2

  Plan your day so that you are active when you are most energetic and alert.

• 3

  Conserve energy. Change the way you do everyday things so you expend less energy. Sit on a stool to do things you typically do while standing. Choose which activities are important to you and let go of the ones that don't matter right now. Find new activities that require less energy.

• 4

  Ask for help. Let others run errands, do chores and take on some of the load. If you don't ask them, often friends and family do not know how they can help.

• 5

  Increase rest. Give yourself rest breaks and short naps between activities.

• 6

  Normalize sleep and waking schedule. Try to get up and go to bed at the same time daily.

• 7

  Try alternative therapies. BreastCancer.org suggests acupuncture, meditation, Reiki, tai chi, massage and yoga to reduce fatigue.

• 8

  Join a support group. Others in your same position can offer support and share ways they deal with fatigue.