HYPOTHYROIDISM

[rikitik]

What are normal starting dose of synthroid?    What are side effects of synthroid?   How long do i have to take it before i feel better


This discussion is related to Hypothyroid and confused about Synthroid dose.

[goolarra]

"Normal" starting doses of Synthroid vary.  Usually, initial dose is based pretty much on your weight since there is no track record to go by at that point.  I believe the recommendation is somewhere around 2.3 mcg per pound.  However, this comes with a caution:  if you 1) are over 50, or 2) have been hypo for a long time (or suspect so), or 3) have a history of a heart arrythmia, then the starting dose should be much lower...I'll be happy to explain further if any of those apply to you.  Also, if you have a known sensitivity to meds, you can probably assume that thyroid meds will be no different, and once again start lower.

Google "Synthroid + side effects" to get a complete list.

Sometimes it takes a while for symptoms to go away.  It also often takes a while to get to the correct dose since this is a trail and error process.  The initial dose has to be given four to six weeks before retesting.  If the initial dose has to be adjusted, your symptoms may persist for a while longer.