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My levothyroxine side effects

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missymichelle

Dec 09, 2011

My daughter who's 6 got diagnosed with hasimotos.. she is taking levothyroxine at its lowest dose for 1. 1/2 weeks now. I cry very afternoon and morning with the spaceyness I see in her. Its not my daughters personality. Going to talk to the dr today about it. Haven't been able to get in with the endo yet.

gimel

Dec 09, 2011

To: missymichelle

Other than the tests for thyroid antibodies, please post any other thyroid related test results, and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.

assassinfemme

Dec 17, 2011

To: NYNY2020

Hi Everyone,

I am glad I found this, because I am totally flipping out!

I am a 29 year old female, who has been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism 2 weeks ago.  My TSH level is 7.0 and it explains all of my symptoms.  I have high cholesterol - 314, sleeping issues, I am slightly overweight, I have puffy eyes and puffy face, I am moody, I have been diagnosed with bipolar spectrum disorder, anxiety disorder, get panic attacks, I am sensitive to cold (I live in Spain and I am Polish and people laugh at me that I should be used to a little cold), I have sleeping issues, I get tired all the time and then I change to a different person that I cannot control.

5 days ago I started taking Levothroid 50mg and I began to experience symptoms nearly immediately.  I thought I was having a heart attack, I couldn't sleep and now I am too tired to do anything.  I was moody before, but not like this.  I get so angry at people, I snap and say whatever comes to my head.  I'll be honest, I even feel suicidal and I know it's not the REAL  me.  I just feel like I am having an out of body experience and absolutely no support or understanding from the outside world.

As I am reading these posts, there is a sparse positive talk.  I thought that medication would solve my previous issues and now I feel like I need to start taking some psychotropic medication.

How is everyone doing now?
What medication do you recommend?
How many of you are still experiencing health issues?

Brucergoldberg

Dec 17, 2011

To: assassinfemme

Welcome to the board. You may seek better advice if you started your own thread. Start with some background information, post your labs and talk about your symptoms. That way people can help you directly for your specific issues instead of a general conversation to the subject of this post.

tvev

Jan 01, 2012

To: EmpatheticJenny

My daughter had severe shin pain when we first thought she had thyroid problems. I ordered her some shin sleeves that help circulate the blood to this area. She plays a fast paced basketball game and these have seemed to keep her pain in check. She still has pain especially when the area is pressed, but she says these sleeves really help.

Sophnz

Jan 05, 2012

My T3 & T4 levels were and have always been the normal range but my TSH was in the high 4's I showed all the symptoms of having a underactive thyroid though so my doc put me on Levothyroxine - for the first week or so I had a fast heatbeat and I was even experiencing breakthrough bleeding when my period was not due.

I felt really good though, my joint pain had gone and the headaches and fatigue all gone! Then now 3 weeks later the fatigue has come back - I am only on 50mcg so I am hoping my doc will increase my doseage! I can only assume that my body has got used to the meds and is now asking for me??

gimel

Jan 05, 2012

To: Sophnz

I answered on you own thread.

gimel

Jan 05, 2012

To: Sophnz

I answered on you own thread.

AlyonaAllie

Jan 09, 2012

To: Brucergoldberg

I have exactly the same side effects as you do and I am on the same drug. My body (back) tingling and numbness as well as other side effects u described used to come 1 to 2 hours after taking the pill. But it's been a month now I was taking it and my numbness and weakness and nausea and blood sugar problems are throughout a day now, not just for a few hours. I have a two year old daughter and a great husband, but feels like we are all tired from this now.... BTW, I always have horrible salivation...

gimel

Jan 09, 2012

To: AlyonaAllie

It would help members comment on your status if you would post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges. Also, what thyroid med are you taking and how much daily?

If you look through this list of 26 typical hypothyroid symptoms, which ones do you have?

evlangel06

Jan 10, 2012

To: gimel

What list are u referring to? I prbly have them all!

gimel

Jan 10, 2012

Sorry, I forgot the link.

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

jennybg63

Jan 14, 2012

To: all

Hi there,

I've been reading the posts on here and am so releaved to know that I'm not crazy. I should have started looking for a site to read other people's experiences a long time ago. But, my life has been crazy for the last couple of years, and never seem to have time to stop and read.

I lost my mom a little over a year ago, to cancer. My family went bizerk, emotional maddness (and I have several menopausal aged sisters!). A few months after my mom passed, I noticed I was sleeping a lot, just thought I was depressed or had a virus. I ached like I had the flu, and had some sharp chest pains. My hair was coming out in excess when I wash or comb it also.

I finally went to see the doctor, and once I mentioned the chest pains, they did and ekg (turned out normal) so the doctor did blood work. When it came back they told me that my thyroid was barely functioning (~23 TSH). I started with 50 mg and it was eventually increased to 75 mg.

It has been a year since I started taking Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) and I do remember the jittery/nervous feeling especially at the beginning. I still get a little of that now, but I have to admit that my mind is much more focused, I get more done at work, and feel better in general. My main problem has been stomach related. I take it in the morning, and don't usually eat for several hours, because I inevitabley will be in the bathroom. I love coffee, and that has also made me feel sick at my stomach at times. I do not want to give it up though. I have lost ~20 pounds in the last year, some of which I attribute to the fact that I quit drinking alcohol (still drink on occasion) but I'm thinking it may have more to do with the thyroid medication.

I'm going to my doctor in a few weeks, and am going to ask him to switch me to Synthroid to see if it helps my stomach issues. I may also start taking the meds at night before bed, as someone else on here suggested, because I do usually feel better several hours after taking the med.

Thanks for sharing and I'll try update you after I see my doctor, and switch medications!!

J

jennybg63

Jan 14, 2012

To: all

gimel

Jan 14, 2012

To: jennybg63

Give members a chance to assess your testing and treatment by posting your thyroid related test results and reference ranges shown on the lab report. Also, please have a look at this listing of typical hypo symptoms and tell us which ones you still have, if any.

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

Brucergoldberg

Jan 14, 2012

To: gimel

gimel,

is this your favorite thread?

gimel

Jan 14, 2012

To: Brucergoldberg

I don't know about that but it does get an award for longevity. Just can't get it to die out. It's been running longer than most TV series.

Brucergoldberg

Jan 14, 2012

Took me 20 minutes just to scroll down. When i first got sick august 2009 this was the post that lured me in to this dungeon! LOL

Casey101009

Jan 21, 2012

To: NYNY2020

I have had thyroid disease for 24+ years, started w/Hashimoto's after childbirth, had RAI done many years ago, went hypothyroid. since then I have found, with no exceptions, that I can ONLY take the name brand Synthroid. With any of the others, and especially the synthetic generics, I will become very ill, almost immediately. Even though starting this year (2012) my insurance company is "punishing" me for taking the Brand instead of generic (that's actually the word Medco uses on their website!), I have no choice. And I know my experience is not at all uncommon. The synthesized generics just don't work the same in many people. But hang in there, you'll get better! There can be a lot of ups and downs (literally) with thyroid disease, but a good endocrinologist or even family doctor can help get it straightened out.

lely27

Feb 03, 2012

I really liked and appreciated going through all of your comments, it made me feel like if I was NOT the only one. It has been tough for me to get through the shocking news of being diagnosed with hashi's disease. It's my first day taking Levothyroxine and I hope it can help me feel better than make it worse. I really do feel like I am not the only one. Thank you.

straightupfemal

Feb 08, 2012

I can relate as well. I am a 49 year old woman of average weight who has been on levothyroxine (at one point synthroid) since my mid 20's (diagnosed with hyperthryoidism from random blood test tho never symptomatic). Once peri menopause hit, all hell broke loose. I experience the following symptoms starting around 44.
* swollen joints
* dysfunctional uterine bleeding (60 days straight)
* sleep disorder (wide awake after 3 hours)
* and all the other usual suspects (gas/bloating irritability)
The only way to control this was with birth control which has helped me immensely.
But as of the last year or 2 i am now experiencing a new symptom
*metallic taste in mouth

And this concerns me more b/c i had a small closet insulated in my house and it's hard to tell if this symptom is due to an environmental problem or perimenopause (or thyroidism) or if the latter has caused a sensitivity to environmental conditions I might not have otherwise reacted to.

Thanks for posting and sharing your stories.

tipytoz

Feb 16, 2012

To: straightupfemal

I swear we are twins.

The painful/swollen joints and the gas/bloating irritability started for me at 43, I finally insisted on the doctor upping my levo today, because my TSH is still at 4.4

I guess we'll see what the outcome is in the next few months.

nata25

Feb 17, 2012

Hi! My name is Natasha and I'm new to this site. I have been taking Synthroid for the past 4 years and generally didn't experience any major issues except for the past 6-8 month. I started to develop pain in all my joints and night chills followed by sweating. Does anyone else has similar problems. Thanks.

corkybelle

Feb 23, 2012

To: straightupfemal

Am puzzled by your comment that you had a closet insulated in your house. Is this due to chills as a result of your thyroid condition. I was so cold that four quilts were of no help; so weak I couldn't get off the couch, could barely walk across the room; also an unquenchable thirst and was eating salt. Was also anemic. (Hyponatremia they called it) I also had esophagus surgery followed by complications with A-fib six weeks before hypothyroid diagnosis. Was hypo during surgery. (Don't know why they give pre-op tests if no one bothers to read the results.) I had potassium administered intravenously and felt immediate results. It took four months before I even began to feel halfway normal. I still have side effects from levothyroxine 50, constipation, stomach cramping, itermittent fatigue, leg pain, etc., but all things relative, have vastly improved, swelling has gone down and I have my boney ankles back.

Toothy1031

Mar 01, 2012

Has anyone experienced growth of dental Tori? The bones above my teeth are growing and enlarging. I'm wondering if a side effect if this medication ....???

patty123789

Mar 15, 2012

To: gillo

You asked " has anyone had a very bad rash around the lower legs. Yes I have had this rash and it will not go away. I am waiting for an appt with a dermatologist. Your question was posted in 2008. Are you still there? Patty123789

nat649

Apr 11, 2012

To: slowlyg

omg i have been having all them symtoms (symptoms) for 18 mounth and my doc wont lisen i am so sared to stop taking levothyrione but my body has not been the same since taking this drug i am so glad i've read your post back to the doctor I go to put my foot down and tell him i am not mad because i think he thinks it all in my head thanks again will keep all of you posted

rita2005

Apr 11, 2012

To: siini

I to have joint pain with Levothyroxine did it get better when you stoped the levothroxine (levothyroxine)

sickntired07

Apr 11, 2012

I have just been increased to 100 mcg of Levothyroxin (levothyroxine) and today it totally destroyed my stomach..pains..gas feelings..like I had a hole in my stomach is this normal for this medications because I did not feel like this with the 75 mcg.. Is there anything holistic that works..and can thyroid problems be reversed? My pharmacist told me that Armour seemed to work nicely for most people.. I don't want to have to be on this stuff forever but since I am in menopause I don't think I have a choice..Any suggestions..I just can't deal with the fatigue..the bones cracking not to mention my ankles twisting all the time ,..and falling..because my bones are weak now..

Barb135

Apr 12, 2012

To: sickntired07

This is a very old thread and most of the people who commented here, no longer participate in the forum. I responded to the thread you started, however, you have a couple of questions here that I would like to address.

No, there is nothing holistic that will work, though certain vitamins/minerals may help with some symptoms.  I found peppermint oil to work very well for the stomach issues - you can get peppermint pills at the health food store.  sipping peppermint tea also helps.

While a very few thyroid conditions resolve on their own, no, thyroid problems are usually not reversible, especially, is you have an autoimmune thyroid condition.

Your pharmacist is right - Armour does work great for some people, and if your doctor will prescribe it, it might be worth a try.  Since Armour has both T3 and T4 (much more T3 than your body normally produces), you will need to be tested periodically, for both Free T3 and Free T4, but you should be getting tested for those anyway.

If your bones are getting weak, you should ask to have a bone scan to make sure you aren't developing osteopenia.  I developed that in my 40's, about the time I hit peri-menopause.  I've since rebuilt bone by exercising and supplementing with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

If you want to discuss any of these issues further, you could start a new thread and get input from participating members of the forum.

sickntired07

Apr 14, 2012

To: Barb135

Thank you for the input.. I just had a bone density scan done...and I am going to try the armour if my doctor will prescribe it...How do I start a new thread I am new to this site..Does anyone discuss thyroid on this site anymore?

Barb135

Apr 14, 2012

To: sickntired07

This is the thyroid forum, so yes, we do discuss thyroid......

To post a new thread, with your own information, just go to the top of the page and click on the orange "Post a Question" button or go to the thyroid home page and do the same.... the orange "Post a Question" button.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid-Disorders/show/73?controller=forums&action=show&id=73&camp=msc

BBL543

Apr 21, 2012

To: All

I'm having serious bloating and have to urinate frequently, had UTI twice. My Dr says it's not the levothyrixine but I think it is. Anyone else out there with these side effects?

Barb135

Apr 22, 2012

To: BBL543

This is a very old thread; it would be much easier if you'd post a new question, with your own symptoms.

You can do that by going to the top of this page and click on the orange "Post a Question" button. You will get a new form to fill out and when done, click the green "Post a Comment" button.

It's unlikely that the levo is causing your UTI's or need to urinate; constipation could cause the bloating.

Brucergoldberg

Apr 22, 2012

God this thread has become the holy grail of every illness known to mankind. Too bad you cant lock it up.

Barb135

Apr 22, 2012

To: Brucergoldberg

Bruce, I wish we could lock it up, too, but the way it's been explained to me is that these threads come up on certain searches and once people get here, they just post, without reading the whole thread. If they read the whole thread, they'd see how old it is, as well as the suggestion that they start their own thread....

Brucergoldberg

Apr 23, 2012

maybe you can just put some yellow tape across the box like this

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

THIS THREAD IS CLOSED. DO NOT POST ANYTHING MORE. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE - USE THE "START A NEW THREAD" LOCATED AT THE TOP.

sickntired07

Apr 23, 2012

To: Barb135

I think it started with me and I am sorry...when I went to the list of medical issues this is where it brought me..I do not know where to start a new thread..since I am very new to this..

Barb135

Apr 24, 2012

To: sickntired07

To start a new thread, click on the orange "Post a Question" button at the top of this page. You will get a blank form, on which to type your questions/comments. Then click the green "Post a Comment" button.

sickntired07

Apr 24, 2012

To: Barb135

Okay ..I started a new thread..and posted it...

JT84

Apr 26, 2012

To: AppleJacs

I went to the doctors for the same reason as you. I was jittery, had a hand tremor and kept feeling like I was going to drop things. My TSH came back at 8 and also had abnormal levels of antibodies. I was put on Synthroid (Levothyroxine) a few days ago and have since had punding headaches and tired all day, almost worse than before I was diagnosed. However, the Endicrinologist explained that it's common to have both symptoms of hyper (shaking, nausea, heart palpitaions, ect..) and hypo (slugishness, fatigue, constipation, etc...) while the body is adjusting to the hormone.

Barb135

Apr 26, 2012

To: JT84

As stated above, this is a very old thread and most of the posters are no longer even active on the forum.

It would be far better if you begin a new thread, stating your own situation, than attaching to a thread this old.

As explained above, you can start a new thread by clicking on the orange "Post a Question" button at the top of this page. That will bring up a blank form on which you can type your questions/comments, then click the green "Post a Comment" button just below your post.

You can access the home page of the thyroid forum via the following link:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Thyroid-Disorders/show/73?controller=forums&action=show&id=73&camp=msc

sakthi17

May 03, 2012

To: sickntired07

hi i am on levothyroxine 50mcg since 2010 at that time I had fatigue, heavy headed, tired, lack of apatite, mood swings and my wt was normal 51 kgs only But since I started on levo 50 mcg I have put on 13kgs now I weigh 63kg but my other symptoms remain the same. I have heard about armour and cytomel t3 which is good and helps wt as well. But in UK no doctors prescribe armour .. IF ANYONE IS AWARE OF A DOCTOR WHO PRESCRIBE ARMOUR PLEASE LET ME KNOW

gimel

May 03, 2012

To: sakthi17

Thought you might like to know about this.  You might find this info useful in your discussions with your doctor.

IMPRESSIVE GOOD THYROID NEWS!

After a grueling week by the United Kingdom’s General Medical Council (GMC) , it was decided that the UK’s most renowned thyroid practitioner, Dr. Gordon P. Skinner, should have all his restrictions lifted and his Fitness to Practice restored!

On November 11th, 2007, the GMC had decided that the beloved Dr Gordon Skinner was not fit to practice, simply because in 2005, he dared to listen to and dose by a patient’s clinically-presented thyroid symptoms rather than her TSH labwork–the latter which fell in the erroneous normal range.  Even more dastardly, felt the GMC, Skinner was going to treat the patient without a referral letter from her GP, and may have failed to contact the GP. Heaven Forbid!!

Says a recent statement from TPA-UK:

    The GMC have agreed that Dr Skinner was not acting dangerously in initiating treatment with thyroid hormone replacement for those patients who had normal thyroid function tests but who suffered several symptoms and signs of hypothyroidism. They also agreed that for those patients who did not do well on levothyroxine-only therapy, the use of natural desiccated thyroid extract (i.e. Armour Thyroid) was a safe and effective thyroid hormone replacement that doctors could prescribe, even though it remains unlicensed. This is a precedent - and one that the British Thyroid Association are most definitely very unlikely to be happy with.

We are well aware of the difficulty getting adequately tested and treated in the UK; however, one of our UK members who was successful told us this.

"What I have learned from my experience is that you have to go to the Dr's office and TELL THEM WHAT YOU WANT and to go backed up with knowledge.  You have to tell them that you have done your reading and looked into your condition and care about the long-term treatment of your health and thyroid.  If you fight for what you want, you will eventually find someone that is happy to go along with your wishes.  But we all have to take charge of our own health, right?"

We also know that there are UK patients who are getting Armour Thyroid, but it seems that they have to go private and pay out of pocket to get it.  Please let us know how it goes for you.

latrice868

May 09, 2012

To: evlangel06

OMG i was having the same symptoms it turned out not only did i have thyroid problems but i also had low potassium and low magnesium. It took 3 years befor they diagnosed me, the doctors kept telling me the same thing that it was all in my head or that is was anxiety NOT. You know your body better then anyone keep going to ER i had no insurence either.

Barb135

May 09, 2012

To: latrice868

This is a very old thread and most of the previous posters no longer participate in the forum, so it's unlikely that they will respond.

mike279

May 13, 2012

To: assassinfemme

My husband mike is take levothyroxine and all the thing that you feeling is happening to him, his mood changes one of this biggest problem in his life and i thought he was just acting crazy until i read your post. I know he not alone, it good to read.

JessicaBunny

May 16, 2012

To: sickntired07

Try to get some homeopathic medicine. It is available online or at whole foods. Hylands or Boiron are great companies. The pills have no interactions and no side affects. Sometimes certain ones will not work for me. Like headaches I cant take any type of homeopathy, but my mom gets rid of every headache with it! They have one for nausea tha works great and one for stomach issues. Check out the Boiron website first. I am sending a link below .

http://www.boironusa.com/homeopathy/what-is-homeopathy.php

I buy mine at Whole foods, I recently saw them at my local Walgreens too.

Hope you feel better!! I just got diagnosed today with Hypothyroid and got a script for levothyroxine ( .25 mcg to start), now I am a bit nervous after reading the posts here!! I take it tomorrow for the first time.

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