(1)Is this normal medically, (2) how long should i expect these side effects to last, and (3) will taking Levoxyl ultimately reduce my drug-induced temporary high blood pressure in the long term, or will it raise it?
Facts: Hashimoto's (TPO Ab = 220) that has resulted in hypothyroidism (TSH of 18.44)with hypo symptoms (fatigue, muscle aches, depression, weight gain, increased total cholesterol level). Last year was borderline, took 25 mcg levothyroxine which resulted in normally low BP of 110/70 skyrocketing to 188/88, so I stopped it. Endocrinologist said that I HAD to be treated now that I'm hypo, and that I probably wouldn't have adverse effects now because I'm no longer borderline. She prescribed 25 mcg Levoxyl and said to take only half (12.5 mcg) for the first week, progressing to one tablet thereafter. I'm now on Day 11, during which I have NOT increased the dosage. My face flushes intermittently, my heart is racing, I've had squeezing chest pain (in middle of chest, far above stomach, not esophageal), I've had a headache, and I haven't taken my BP because I'm afraid I'll get too scared if it's high. Even when my heart is NOT racing, I feel weirdly "drugged." I don't have any of these symptoms when I'm not taking meds. I am on NO other meds, and my heart is otherwise healthy. (I have had a thallium stress stress test and echocardiogram, both of which were normal.) She's out of town, PCP only works 2 days/week.