Question regarding Levothyroxine

[slstone]

I am a healthy 30 year old female. I was diagnosed with Hypothyroid and mononucleosis by my PCP on March 7th. My TSH was 33.6, FT4 0.7, T3 118.1 all other labs were normal. I was prescribed 50mcg of generic levothyroxine. Prior to this my only symptoms of hypothyroid have been a steady decrease in energy over the last 2 years and the inability to lost weight despite being active and healthy. It seemed that my hypothyroid symptoms, such as memory loss and tiredness, increased after starting the medication. But considering the mono, it was difficult to differentiate what symptoms where associated with which illness.  
I was retested in 8 weeks.  MY TSH was 30.2 and my mono had cleared up. My doctor then doubled my dose to 100mcg. Almost immediately after starting the higher dose I was extremely tired and could not tolerate more than a few minutes of activity without having to rest for long periods of time. I stayed light headed and experienced shortness of breath with activity.  I also had horrible head and neck aches with a constant cranial pressure. I had extreme breast tenderness. My memory was very impaired and I began to stutter and mispronounce words or use the wrong word all together. My coordination also suffered.
After 4 days I switched from the generic levothyroxine to brand name Synthroid. This did alleviate my side effects but only slightly. I called my PCP and he instructed me to keep taking the meds and scheduled me for an MRI of the brain, which resulted normal.
I could not function at my job and started to cut my dose after a couple of weeks on the 100mcgs. With each decrease in dose my symptoms got better. I have been off the meds for 2 days now and feel much better. I have been referred to an endocrinologist.
Have you seen this set of symptoms with a patient before? Why is the medication making my hypothyroid symptoms worse? And are there other treatment options?

[Auntlello1]

I can not add much regarding finding a good doctor (still looking myself) but I just wanted you to know that everything you have experianced sounds just like me! I was on Synthroid for years, and when they switched me to the generic, it was horrible!

Then I found out about the natural dessicated thyroid medication, and have done a lot better. Not quite were I should be, but much better. My husband even notices that I don't get as tired quickly, and I can actually talk again. It had gotten so bad (the brain fog) that I had to just point to things I was talking about because I was confusing my son and hubby too much by telling them to put stuff in the oven instead of the fridge (my son knew what I was saying, but to a 4 year old when you tell them something they tend to do it and not realize how silly it seems) :)

Anyway, hang in there! It may take some time that none of us really have, but there is hope of feeling yourself again one day.

Auntlello1

[slstone]

Thanks for your reply! The 118.1 was my T3. I stopped takeing my meds and I am feeling better. I'm having to wait till May31st to see an endo :(. I'm want to send my info to Dr Lupo. I've been looking around the site but I'm not sure how. Do you know how to send a message to the doctor?
Thanks alot!!

[FTB4]

Something is not right with the levels you posted, A TSH is only a Pituitary hormone, although a 33.0 level would indicate a Hypoactive or Underactive thyroid, and so would the Free T4 of 0.7, but a Free T4 level as high as 118.1 is confusing, unless that is total T3, which is an obsolete test. And if the Free T3 level is that high, that would indicate a Hyperactive thyroid, I would contact your MD and insist on holding off on thyroid hormone medication, for the simple reason that you are having a negative reaction to the prescribed medication, at least ubtil you have a complete exam by an endo, you do have thyroid issues and confusion, fatigue, memory issues and the neck pain are all symptoms. also a 50mcg imcrease is too much of an increase in that short of a period, you should get another MD. Insist on Free T3 Free T4 TSH and he should do an ultrasond on the thyroid and an Anti-Body test for an Auto-Immune condition, Hashimoto's Thyroiditus is on the Hypotrhyroid end and Graves on the Hyperthyroid side. When you have these test results, post them with the reference rabges provided for each, and members will comment or advise and offer more info. Good Luck FTB4