Insomnia

Insomnia is a really common problem for cancer patients. Although there are very effective prescription medications out there, most have some unwanted side effects. Effective nonprescription treatments for insomnia include regular exercise (preferably not just before bedtime), a balanced diet, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga just to name a few. For those of you who are still intent on taking a little something at bedtime to help you sleep, I usually recommend some combination of hops, valerian, lemon balm, and/or passion flower. Chamomile tea is helpful as well. Insomnia is a really common problem for cancer patients. Although there are very effective prescription medications out there, most have some unwanted side effects. Effective nonprescription treatments for insomnia include regular exercise (preferably not just before bedtime), a balanced diet, meditation, acupuncture, and yoga just to name a few. For those of you who are still intent on taking a little something at bedtime to help you sleep, I usually recommend some combination of hops, valerian, lemon balm, and/or passion flower. Chamomile tea is helpful as well.

One of the doctor's main tasks is to formulate a treatment regimen that is the best fit for you. Here are options you may discuss with your physician:

You may be able to try other aromatase inhibitors, such as Femara or Aromasin. These drugs may have different side effects that you'll find more tolerable. Before following this path, your doctor will evaluate your breast cancer case as a whole including your medical history.

As your doctor mentions, you may take medications to help alleviate the current side effects from Arimidex. This may be worth a try for a short period of time to see how you react.