Can Synthroid actually cause hypo symptoms?

[jb78701]

Is it possible that too-low doses of Synthroid can actually produce hypothyroid symptoms instead of relieve them? My TSH has tested >5 3 times in the last 1.5 years, and one time at 3.5. My symptoms are fatigue, memory problems,constipation, cold intolerance, low libido, depression, and just being out of it, like in a fog. Believing this may be subclinical hypothyroidism, my endo put me on .25 Synthroid (she has me splitting .50 tabs). Initially (within the first 4 days or so) I was feeling more "with it" and felt like I had a little bit more energy (placebo effect?). However, in the 2nd week of treatment, I began feel sleepy all the time. While I used to have problems falling and staying asleep, I now fall asleep easier and sleep all night. I struggle every morning with waking up. I also get really sleepy into the afternoon. This is not the same type of fatigue I experienced before; this is just feeling sleepy. Also, I feel like my memory is actually worse on some days. However, my libido has been higher and I'm not nearly as constipated. I also seem to be able to do more physically, like I don't get as worn out as fast when I go running. People close to me say they have noticed some positive change in my mood and energy. I have no symptoms of possible overdosage such as increased heart rate or too much energy. I have been on it for a little over 4 weeks. Is it possible that my memory is sometimes worse and I am sleepier because of the Synthroid? Could it be a sign that I should be on a higher dose?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

It's unlikely for the synthroid to worsen symptoms  - there may be an adjustment period when patients have paradoxical (opposite, unexpected reactions) to the medication -- generally I would increase to 50mcg then possibly 75mcg to target TSH about 1.0.

[Chocobabe]

You asked "Is it possible that too-low doses of Synthroid can actually produce hypothyroid symptoms instead of relieve them?"  I noticed when I was on Levothyroxine, which is a T4 med exactly like Synthroid, that no matter how high I got, I never ever completely rid myself of symptoms. And now, being on other thyroid groups, I am noticing that folks on these forums noticed the exact same thing!! I don't get why doctors keep putting us on T4-only meds when there is another med called Armour (natural dessicated thyroid hormones) which gives you EXACTLY what your own thyroid gives you, not just T4. I bet that if you raise your Synthroid, like Dr. Mark stated, you will get some relief. But I bet you may end up like the rest of us who continued to have hypo symptoms...and if so, perhaps you can do some research on natural thyroid hormones, because they REALLY work.

[brainfreeze]

I've stared on synthroid 25 mg  and feel similar symptoms. I've been taking this med for only a week so far... do you feel like your symptoms have improved over time however? Or do you feel the same old tiredness?