Anastrozole and depressed mood
The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received 14 reports of depressed mood associated with the use of anastrozole (Arimedex®). In the Summary of Product Characteristics of Arimedex®, mood disturbances are described. However, the Dutch Patient Information Leaflet of Arimedex® doesn’t mention mood disturbances or similar reactions as an adverse drug reaction of anastrozole.
Anastrozole is a non-steroid aromatase inhibitor indicated for treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Anastrozole acts by lowering serum oestradiol concentration. As the growth of many breast cancers is stimulated or maintained by oestrogens, this mechanism of action results in a reduction of growth of these types of breast cancers. This mechanism of effect could also result in mood disturbances as with postpartum mood disturbances. Depression is described as an adverse drug reaction of letrozole and exemestane, suggesting a class effect among aromatase inhibitors.