Pain & Anxiety

[djk0811]

I started synthroid and vytorin about 90 days ago for high cholesteral and hypothyroidism.  It started out OK but for the past week I have had muscle & joint pain.  I am a hypochondriac by nature and fear the worst.  I have no other symptoms other than the pain and at times a needles & pins feeling in my arms and face.  As my anxiety increase I get tremors in my legs.

I have heard that these may be side effects of the drugs - I am a 42 year old male.  Strength & weight seem fine, no tripping or dropping things and my speech is fine.

I'm just really scared and want to know why I hurt so much.

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Vytorin is more likely to cause muscle aches/pains than synthroid -- and if the thyroid is out of normal range, the muscle aches may be even worse -- esp if hypothyroid.

Also -- hyopothyroidism causes high cholesterol -- so rather than starting synthroid and cholesterol meds at the same time, usually the thryoid is treated first then cholesterol is re-evaluated.

Holding the synthroid for a few days may be helpful, but you may need to be on some synthroid, perhaps at a lower dose -- follow-up with your doctor on these issues.

[Ga7]

I had the same problems,Taking brand Synthroid 150mcg and Vytorin, Doctor changed my meds to Lipitor, still having pains after 5 years of this .I had also heard bad things about Vytorin, but most cholesterol meds will give you Muscle pain. Taking Zanac for Anxiety.2.5mg as needed.

[djk0811]

An quick update:

I gave blood Friday and just got a call from my Doc saying my thyroid is being over treated and to stop the synthroid.  I do not have any numbers yet but will meet with him on Tuesday.

I stopped on my own on Saturday and feel a little better.  I had a real bad bout with tremors and anxiety last night but today feel better.  I hope it does not take long to get this drug out of my system.  I can deal with the pain but the fear and anxiety are crushing.

[pjgovitz]

I've been overtreated with synthroid a couple times, it takes about ten days for you to notice much of a difference as it takes a while for the tsh to change, but it will get better. Tremors are generally a good sign to watch for when you're on synthroid as it means too high of a dose.

[djk0811]

Thank for the info - the tremors are the one thing that really have me freaked out.  

[GravesGirl]

If you STILL have muscle and joint pain, it also could be the Vytorin. They tell you to ask your doctor as this is a serious side effect and you need to switch brands.Although I've heard synthroid does this, or just being in hyper ranges. This is the opposite with me, I have muscle pain when I'm in hypo range. I guess your body feels "normal" at hypo and mine is better at hyper, go figure! Good luck!

[djk0811]

The tremors are my big concerns as they make me fear a diagnosis of ALS.  I get them in several spots mostly at rest.  Did your ever clear up?

[djk0811]

Thanks, I do not have my most recent blood work (I should get results Thursday.)  My doctor did call to tell me to stop the synthroid and that we were "over treating" it.  My biggest concern is the anxiety and nervousness.  I still get the shakes but they seem to be deminishing some what.  If I had too much thyroid hormone, would that make me hypo or hyper ???

[pjgovitz]

It would make you hyper...they will clear up, I had to have RAI, because I had hashitoxicosis, if you are med induced hyper they willl subside by stopping or owering your dose...hope you feel better soon.

[djk0811]

Thanks to all - I have been off my meds. for 6 days and feel like a new person.  Saw my doc on Thursday and we are re-evaluating the treatment plan.