Medication Dosage Increase

[myliljay]

I started 25mcg of Levoxyl in July 2007 when TSH was 7.2. In August TSH was 4.64.  On 09/19/07 TSH was 3.76.  (all other t3,t4, antibodies etc labs normal.) Doctor increased my med dosage to 50 mcg but after 4 days of taking it, I couldnt sleep and I noticed I had 4 days of joint and body aches. Now Doc said to alternate between 25 mcg and 50mcg, going by week, taking 25 mcg 4x a week and 50mcg 3x a week. As long as I take the 50mcg 3 time a week. Now my question is, is this ok, can you take 50 consecutively for 3 days or vice versa. My next appointment is in December. I had RAI for graves in 2001 and thyroid was normal for 6 years! Now, should I expect hypothyroidism to get worse and medication dosages to increase?  Thank you!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

There are many ways to divide up T4 medications -- so alternating or consecutive is fine.  May be easier to get the 75mcg levoxyl tab and take 1/2 daily though -- provided that you need a dose between 25 and 50.  

Over time the dose will likely need to increase though.

[Svet]

did your doctor told you to take iodine along? Mine did not , and I read some comments  here- it helps. Anyways, I am going to start supplementing my diet with iodine. Good luck