AIs and depression

[Nina]

Has anyone else experienced severe depression while on an AI? I started on Aromasin November 1 (after chemo and radiation). I was enduring the terrible joint pain, hot flashes, lack of energy, etc. But then right after Christmas I started noticing that I was having thoughts of suicide at random moments. By the middle of January (two weeks ago) the thoughts were so frequent that I became frightened and called my oncologist. I was brought in for evaluation and taken off the Aromasin immediately. The weird thing is that I was already on an antidepressant for several years (Lexapro) and both the oncologist and I had thought that would have taken care of any possible side effects like this. Now, two weeks later, my outlook has totally brightened, the joint pains and hot flashes are gone, and my energy is better, although not great. (I am still on the Herceptin every three weeks.) The onc wants me to try Femara in a few weeks, but said that there are some patients who cannot tolerate hormone treatments and they just have to take their chances. This scares me because I am strongly estrogen positive. Any input would be greatly appreciated.