Alternate dosages of levothyroxine each day?

[zalue]

Hello,

I have hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) and my current TSH level is 3.5, down from a high of 6.81 earlier this year.

I started on 25 micrograms of levothyroxine in May, and that was increased to 50 in July.

After my last blood test (last week), my doctor increased my dose to 50 mcg on one day and 75 mcg on the next. So, 50 mcg every other day, and 75 mcg every other day. The intent is to move me up to 75 mcg every day in about 4-6 weeks, after another blood test. He said going to 75 per day after 50 might be too sudden, hence the alternate dosage each day.

I have mitral valve prolapse and some history of sporadic palpitations/chest pain, although my EKGs and echocardiograms are always normal. I am a 35 year old male. I am somewhat sensitive to medicines in general, but haven't had any problems so far with levothyroxine...

I've never heard of taking two different doses on alternate days. Is this a common practice? Would it be preferable to take 62.5 mcg of levothyroxine daily instead of the 50/75 mcg regimen?

Thanks!

[tegaja]

A related discussion, tyroid was started.

[Vanmel]

Hi I also made a switch form synthroid to levothyroxine and its been alot better  even though I went hyper because of the high dose i was on my doctor told me to alternate doses between 112mcg and 125 mcg, one day i take 112 and the next 125 I will start it tomorrow will come back and let you know how i did on the 2 doses, also i have heard of others that take alternating doses, good luck with whatever you decide god bless.

[Vanmel]

Hi I also made a switch form synthroid to levothyroxine and its been alot better  even though I went hyper because of the high dose i was on my doctor told me to alternate doses between 112mcg and 125 mcg, one day i take 112 and the next 125 I will start it tomorrow will come back and let you know how i did on the 2 doses, also i have heard of others that take alternating doses, good luck with whatever you decide god bless.

[charley1986]

Hey,
I was switched from synthroid to levothyroxine and never have had any effects from it, although I have heard of others that have.  May have been the fillers for that particular drug that you reacted to and that's the reason for the switch.  Good Luck to you!
Charley

[LAURIEL]

I just started treatment 4 weeks ago and my TSH went higher. I went from 10 to 18 now my doctor wants me to change medicine from synthroid 25 to Levoxyl 50 . take 25 mg. one day then 50 back and forth. I was getting red alot and waking up alot at night . That is why he changed the brand. Only thing is I dont want to have a bad reaction and loss alot of hair or get sicker. Has anyone heard anything NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE ABOUT LEVOXYL

[angel1323]

I also alternated my doses with thyroid medication i the recent past.  My doctor said this was safer than spliting especially since your levels go up or down over a period of weeks and not hours.  Hope this helps.

[Intrigue]

You should never increase your dosage of thyroid medication without first checking with your physician.  Taking too much medication can push you over the edge to heart damage, hyperthyroidism and a host of other thyroid-related problems.

[norikyaki]

Does anyone know if you can safely "score" (cut in half) levothyroxine or synthroid tablets?

I have had similar needs as zalue for "half doses" of levothyroxine, noticed that my tablets have lines through them, but never knew the safety of cutting them in half.

I was told to always check before assuming you could score a pill...

[Intrigue]

I haven't heard of that, but perhaps the doctor is taking great care because of your heart problems.  My concern would be how significant your thyroid problems are.  If your thyroid symptoms are relatively mild, I can see the doctor proceeding slowly.  But, if you are experiencing significant thyroid symptoms, it might be worth it to push the medication a little harder and quicker.  I had a thyroidectomy 1.5 months ago due to a substernal goiter and Hashimotos, so I couldn't have handled upping dosages every other month.  I started with 100mcg and the ENT upped it to 200mcg in a matter of one month. Big jump for one month, but I'm not having any problems with the sudden increase...however, I have no heart problems.  Bottom line, increasing your heart problems vs. alleviating your thyroid/Hashimotos symptoms could be a difficult balance and caution is needed. Dividing the dose certainly won't hurt you and, if you can handle the thyroid symptoms, it's best to follow your doctor's wishes.  If thyroid symptoms increase, I'd speak up and ask for the higher dosage more quickly.  Best of luck!

Intrigue

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

this is not uncommon.  1/2 of 125 would be another option however.