Yucky symptoms from generic meds? JimLow?

[Mandy44]

Has anyone else experienced side effects from taking generic meds? Apparently in PA the pharmacy has the right to give you generic even when the doc tells them Synthroid, if the doc does not specifically say don't give generic- blows my mind. Anyway being new to meds I did not know I was on generic till last week. However, I have obviously have had hair loss, recently really bad stomach trouble, genrally anxiety in the mornings and pressure in my head (feels like a sinus infection but I just got off antibiotics so it can't be) and headaches......Usually by the afternoon it has diasppeared. Do you think any of this will disappear once I actually start Synthroid? I absolutely hate feeling this way. I just don't feel normal or myself....I am also assumng its okay to switch to brand after being on generic for a couple of weeks?
THanks,
Amanda

[patsprnk]

I took me a long time of switching doses of the real synthroid untill my doctor found a strength that almost works for me mine still stays low. I was told by my insurence co that they wont pay for name brands so that left generic my pharmest(cant spell) told me that there isnt much difference between the two. If you are new to this You really need to read everything you can get your hands on about a hypothyroid. Try mayo clnic info because it sounds alot of your problems are related to your hypothyroid. You wont believe all of the bad feelings it causes you to have. Please if you havent READ up un it. Good Health to you. Pat

[Jimlow]

Hi Mandy44,
Many Dr.s warn thyroid patients not to swtich from brand-name to generic, because they vary in strength. It usually takes a higher dose of generic, which means it puts the patient through adjustments all over again. If you get to go back on Synthroid, I'll bet your original dose will do you good and your symptoms will improve again.
Even Drmark that posted on here for a while said the above about generic Vs Brand-name.
I'm hearing a several people say their pharmacies are no longer carrying Synthroid and are going to generic. It makes me wonder what's going on.

[Mandy44]

Thanks for the feedback- I never took Synthroid though, I never got the chance the pharmacy started me on generic three weeks ago instead of the synthroid my doc prescribed, I have never taken thyroid meds before this.....Should I stay on the generic or switch to Synthroid?

[Jimlow]

Hi, sorry I misunderstood that you were first on Synthroid. Even so, I've heard people's testimonies of having bad reactions to generic but not the main brand. It would sure be worth trying a different brand, with your Doc's help. There is also "natural" hormone, called "Armour" Brand. Some people react badly to natural other to the synthetic (Synthroid) but this won't be known until they are on it long enough to see.
It is important though to make sure your symptoms are not due to inadequate dose, rather than bad reaction to the med itself! Your blood tests should show if your getting sufficient dose.

[Mandy44]

Thanks Jim- I am going to switch over to the Synthroid and try it once my generic runs out in two weeks.....Just curious what type of research have you been doing on the adrenal poblems? I read an article the other day on adrenal insufficieny and that docs need to treat the adrenal problems before they treat the thyroid problems. If I can find anything more I will send you the links. Have you looked at emedicine.com? Its a great resource for docs and patients. Its free to join and has tons of articles on different medical issues. Good luck with your research, have you thought about going to med school yourself?