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469689 tn?1207355779

Increased symptoms with medication

I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroid for about three years. When I was first diagnosed, I was having chronic problems but still "functioning" although very tired. My TSH was 144 at initial diagnosis. Over several months, my medication was gradually increased until I acheived a TSH of 1. Between diagnosis and achieving the "1", I felt worse. The most notable symptoms were extreme vertigo, nausea, muscle and joint pain, etc. The vertigo was so bad that I stayed in bed a lot. As the TSH leveled out, I noticed I felt better and better.
Currently, I have had to increase my medication as my TSH slipped to a 20 after a medication adjustment. (my physician was worried that I would go hyperthyroid). I knew my TSH was off several months ago and requested a blood test, she said it wasn't time. After increasing the dosage (currently 175mcg Lavoxyl) my symptoms again increased and worsened.
Logic indicates that I should feel better with the medication; not worse. My family and coworkers look at me like I'm a hypochondriac. I hardly ever catch colds or the flu. Until my thyroid went crazy, I was rarely ill.
My question is.... is it normal for symptoms to increase when increasing medication?
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314892 tn?1264623903
Let us know what you find out.
I think the "subclinical" adrenal insufficiency is more common than is believed.
Helpful - 0
469689 tn?1207355779
So far, I've linked by vertigo bouts to medication increases or when I miss meds for a day or two. I have a couple other conditions that randomly appeared in the last few years that seem to support the adrenal insufficiency or some type of autoimmune issue. Definately time to follow up with the doctor.
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314892 tn?1264623903
Hello!

I have had vertigo off and on for 14 years. This last bout has been since 6/06. It was terrible at first and gradually improved. All other causes ruled out.
My current Synthroid dose is 62.5, waiting to go to 75 once my adrenal issues are addressed. My endo, I think, is not like most in that  he is willing to treat something w/o it being in black and white on a lab result.
Adrenal insufficiency can cause nausea and vertigo. My endo was very careful to ask if the latest dose increase from 50 to 62.5 increased my vertigo. Now I know why.
My TSH was always between 3.8 and 4.7 before diagnosis. It finally went to 5.96 and I officially "qualified" for treatment according to my first endo. It has steadily drpooed since treatment.
I still have the dysequalibrium, which this endo thinks could be from the low adrenal function. (My other possible diagnosis is Neurologic Lyme Disease)
Check out PAS-2 or Schmidt's Syndrome. My endo thinks this may be my problem. I have had issues since I was a kid and suffered from Alopocia Areata.
Helpful - 0
469689 tn?1207355779
Vertigo has been my most troublesome symptom with medication increases.  This time around, I've also been getting many migraines and daily nausea. Thanks for the info on the adrenal insufficiency as I'm going to follow up.
I don't have an endo and don't think there's one in my area but will find out. Last I looked the nearest was a 4-5 hour drive.
I'm curious about your synthroid dosage currently. Is it a high dose? Do you get abnormally high TSH levels when your level is off?
Helpful - 0
314892 tn?1264623903
Hi.

My endo believes there is such a thing as subclinical adrenal insufficiency. That is, not full blown Addison's.This is akin to having subclinical hypo, but not yet going into overt hypothyroidism.

I had an ACTH/aldosterone Stimulation Test. I am waiting for the results.

The endo said the test misses 25% of adrenal insufficiency. He said he may treat me with low doses of hydrocortisone and possibly fludrocortisone (depending on aldosterone results) for 6 months and see if I improve. My lingering symptoms are fatigue and dysequalibrium (vertigo).

The thyroid and adrenals are very closely related in terms of function. The endo said he will not increase my Sythroid dose until he sees the adrenal results (or treats me) because I could go into an adrenal crisis with more thyroid hormone in my system.
Helpful - 0
469689 tn?1207355779
I suspect that the medication messes with our hormones but I'm not a doctor. However, TSH affects many systems in our bodies, hence all the wonderful symptoms.  I have never had anything additional checked, adrenal or otherwise. I once asked my doctor about the possibility of Hashimoto's and she said it didn't matter whether I had it or not because I'd still be on the same medication. I still think I need further testing especially because I react so strongly with medication changes. If I miss a day of meds, I know it by how my body responds. My symptoms are getting better since my last increase however, I still have bad days that knock me on my butt and are very frustrating.
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Avatar universal
That's an interesting point about worsening symptoms you made. Just wondering what you think of this - i have been on levothyroxine for 4 months and for the 1st 3.5 months all my symptoms got worse, especially my headaches, although now the symptoms are still there but have lessened slightly. My adrenal glands were tested and are normal. What do you think could have been causing symptoms to worsen? I have also noticed that my symptoms are especially bad about a week after a dose increase.
Helpful - 0
314892 tn?1264623903
When thyroid symptoms worsen after beginning meds, adrenal insufficiency should be suspected.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
898
Yes many people are reporting that,and not only with thyroid medication.
Helpful - 0
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