Hypothyroid Overmedication

[SHGM]

Have I been overmedicated? I am hypothyroid and have taken Armour Thyroid 180 mg for 20 years.  New test results show free T4 (0.87) and Free T3 (2.9) fine with TSH < 0.01.  When I tried reducing amount taken in June to 80mg. (afraid i was getting too much thyroid based on TSH readings) my TSH went to 2.55, Free T3 (1.06) and Free T4 (0.38).  I felt terrible on the lower dosage. Switched to Synthetic thyroid to learn I didn't convert T3/T4 properly and had severe urticaria.  Went back to Armour. I have consistently showed TSH <0.01-0.3 for may years.
I just tried reducing amount again to 80 mg and have had hoarseness along with burning in throat.  Whats going on?  What are symtoms of too much thyroid when t3/t4 remain ok. Have I been overmedicated.  Also have pernicious anemia and take B12 injections monthly.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Too much of any thyroid med will cause tremors/anxiety/insomnia/palpitations and increases risks of dangerous heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation).  

A TSH of <0.01 means too much medication in most cases.  A decrease from 180mg to 80mg is dramatic, there is a 120mg dose that could be tried -- also people with urticaria tend to do better if the TSH is kept in the low normal range (ie, 0.5 +/-)

[No name22]

I do know that synthroid which is what I am on is a dependent medication so the drop in mg's could be affecting you....My dr. told me not to mess with it and I get checked every six months even at the smallest weight increas and...I stopped taking it once (forgot to refill it) and noticed w/d symtoms. Maybe you should get a 2nd opinion...