Adjusting to Levothryoxine

[cherbear21]

Hi, I started Levothryoxine about 3 weeks ago. I had a weird episode that ended me in the Emergency room where they found my thyroid was low. (TSH level was 64) Anyhow I thought I would feel some kind of releif by now. I am up to 75 mcg and will start 100 in 2 days. I feel as though my symptoms have intensified (irrability, depression, muscles aches & Pains & fatigue) A couple days ago I thought I was going to have to commit myself to the hospital and I didnt even feel that was at the start of all this. I dont see my doc for another week or so. Not really sure how I should feel...miserable I guess??? I understand that it takes awhile until you feel better but I feel things went the other way. Can someone give me some input?? Thank you...

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

This is all likely from the severe hypothyroidism.  It may take 1-2 months to start feeling better and the dose will need adjustment.  Likely 100-125 mcg will be the right long-term dose (depending on your weight, other meds and absorption of the levothyroxine).  Using brands such as synthroid, unithroid or levoxyl, etc -- is preferred over generic which may not be as consistent.

[cosmicsoul]

Your TSH is dangerously high. Please be patient. It will take you months to feel better and your body a year to get back to normal. If you are not better on the synthetic - please consider other options. At least adding Cytomel (T3) to the levoxyl or switch to Armour. Armour is harder to get it prescribed as many doctors are against it - they should listen to people (the majority of them) who feel better on Armour.
I say it will be weeks (say over a month) until your TSH gets in the normal range which is below 2. Hang in there - you are very hypo. Also, make sure they check for antibodies to see if you have Hashimotos. Good luck!

[Maggie2007]

I started generic levothyroxine about a month ago and felt worse than when I wasn't on any meds at all. I was more tired and VERY, VERY irritable which could be a symptom of depression. I mentioned this to my doctor and the fact that MANY people recommended that I take a brand name (including my brother who has the same condition) for the same symptoms that I described. The doctor basically dismissed what I was saying to him and said that generic is the same as brand. So frustrating! I think I know my body better than he does.
Are you on a brand name or generic?
Also, if you feel very depressed like you want to hurt yourself, call/page your doctor immediately or go to an ER.
Keep us posted.
I hope you (and I) feel better soon!

[cherbear21]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have been on 100 mcg of Levothyroxine for a couple of days now. I feel better than I did as far as mentally and I have noticed that Im not quite as lethargic. I actually went out visiting people today which is the 1st in a long time because I didnt want to be around people. I see my doc on the 26th of July and I will see how I am by then. If I feel the need I will suggest the other meds. My doc is pretty good about listening to me. So what TSH level did you guys have?? I was curious about what other peoples were. I know the doc at the ER said my thyroid was barely working.. Well once again thanks everyone.  :D

[Maggie2007]

Glad you are starting to feel better. To answer you question about TSHs. Mine was a 32 before treatment and my latest was a 2.4 if I remember correctly. I know that my antibodies are still "very high." I'm still trying to learn more about all of this.