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Thyroid Cancer, Nodules & Hyperthyroidism (Expert Forum)
Chest pain and other side effects of Levoxyl
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Mark Lupo, MD. Topics covered include Goiter, Graves Disease, Hyperthyroid, Parathyroid/Calcium Problems, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroid Nodules/Cysts, Thyroiditis, Thyroid & Pregnancy, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyroid Tests, and Thyroid Surgery.
Chest pain and other side effects of Levoxyl
by FormerLawyer, May 17, 2007 12:00AM
(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.
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.
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., May 18, 2007 12:00AM
, May 18, 2007 12:00AM
some people have difficult starting meds so starting on a low dose is appropriate.
based on the info you give, it is necessary to treat -- you may want to repeat the labs to confirm the high TSH.
otherwise, consider synthroid to see if you are over-sensitive to levoxyl
it may take 2-3 months to get used to the medication and stabilize.
also ask endo/PCP if anything else could cause these symptoms.
based on the info you give, it is necessary to treat -- you may want to repeat the labs to confirm the high TSH.
otherwise, consider synthroid to see if you are over-sensitive to levoxyl
it may take 2-3 months to get used to the medication and stabilize.
also ask endo/PCP if anything else could cause these symptoms.
Member Comments (2)
by NYNY2020, May 21, 2007 12:00AM
To: to Former Lawyer
Just thought you might be like to know: I also experienced a weird drugged feeling when I started taking thyroid treatment (thyroxine) for hypothyroidism/hashi. I was first prescribed levothyroxine (the generic) and experienced horrible side efftects. Besides the drugged feeling, I would get a bad headache, warm burning skin (mostly across my face), mild nausea, and diarrhea. My MD switched me to Synthroid and all of the side effects stopped except the drugged feeling, that eventually stopped about 4 weeks later. Now I have no problem taking Synthroid, no more drugged feeling. I started on 25mcg and slowly increased the dosage to 50 mcg. You might try switching to Synthroid to see if some of your side effects are due to the fillers and "delivery method" of Levoxyl, just as mine were due to whatever fillers are in Levothyroxine. Hope that helps!
by bretbunch, May 17, 2008 09:01AM
A related discussion, Adverse Reaction To Levoxyl was started.
