Tell me about Armour

[choirgirl]

I am on Levothyroxine and have these "anxiety attacks every 6 weeks or so.  I had one last night and couldn't sleep with it.  Today, I'm fine but just worn out from the anxiety of the previous day.  Tell me about Armour vs. Synthroid (Levo) and what you notice in how you feel.  I've been on Levo for years with Hashimotos, but a TT in Dec 2007 so now I REALLY need replacement - and I don't feel like myself.  Tired all the time, but I cannot nap longer than 10 minutes anymore.  I take Ambien to sleep at night or I don't sleep at all.

[Beasmommom]

My pharm told me there is a difference between levo and syn. He said that a trade name drug (synthroid) never changes its formula. However, a generic formula can change--anything from fillers or other elements in the med. This can impact your reaction to the drug.

[utahmomma]

There is a *huge* difference between Levo and Synthroid - the fillers.  levo is a generic made by a variety of companies (using different fillers) and Synthroid is a brand name that is reliable.  Some people can use levo (lucky them) but no one in my family can tolerate it.  

Bet643 - fire your pharmacy and doctor.  You're not crazy.  Oh, and tell your insurance that if they don't think there is a difference they should charge you the levo price for the Synthroid.  :-)

[choirgirl]

Thanks guys!  I need to get this solved - it's good to hear the experiences of you all - makes me feel like I'm not on my own island in this thyroid chaos!

:-)
choirgirl - Lori

[mommy2two2008]

I took levo for 5 months to stop the swelling thyroid and symptoms with a normal TSH and other labs.  I fired the endo (he was horrible) and switched to an ENT and he prescribed the Armour.  I have been on it a month and for the most part, all the symptoms, with the exception of the swelling thyroid, have disappeared.  I am not the norm by any means since they have not given my problem a name, I just wanted to tell you what a difference it made for me!  Best of luck to you!

[bet643]

I have had a problem with levothyroxine for quite some time. I had a bit of chat with the pharmacy about it and I was told that there was no difference between the levo and synthroid. I know that there is a difference because I was on synthroid for awhile. My insurance co. wanted me to use th levothyroxine so I had to switch. I was really mad because they made it sound like it was all mental. Boy, I'm telling ya....if it's not the pharmacy, it's my doctor telling me that it's all in my head. Just like he tells me that it's not my thyroid, or lack of.

[utahmomma]

Both can make you tired - when I was hyper my mind wouldn't shut down long enough for me to sleep but I always felt exhausted.

I hope that you can get in ASAP to a good endo!

Glad the voice is back.

[choirgirl]

I had my labs checked late July.  However, I just have a regular practitioner now and really need a good endo to figure it out.  I was on synthroid and felt the same as I do on levothyroxine - but maybe should try it out again.  Thanks for the doctor info.  I'm willing to try more things.  I am not going to "settle" for feeling crappy forever.  Good news though, my singing voice is 100% back to pre-surgery! (And only 10 months since surgery)

Sooooo - hyperthyroid can make you feel tired because you're not sleeping?  I guess I always assume that tired is hypothyroid.  I am always tired.

Thanks for always helping!
Lori

[stella5349]

I am pretty happy with my Armour. I switched over almost a year now. I was very ill on both generic and Synthroid.

I also found it tough to find a doctor to put me on it.

[utahmomma]

Hey neighbor.  When was the last time they ran your labs and what was your TSH?  The anxiety attacks and insomnia could be hyperthyroidism.

Have they checked your thyroglobulin level lately?

You asked me about my endo so I sent you a note with my endo's name.  My sister lives in Roy and said that she can't find a decent endo up there either.

This endo is amazing and, although not a huge fan of Armour, he did agree to put me on it without a fight.  I feel a little better on it but it's not like being back to my pre-thyroid body.  Guess I'm establishing a new normal for myself.  :-(

Are you on generic levo?  If so, I know I felt a HUGE difference going on Synthroid instead.  No one in my family can tolerate levo for some strange reason.  We've all tried ('cause it's much cheaper) but I guess we're high maintenance.  :-)  Might be worth trying the Synthroid before jumping over to the Armour.

How is the singing voice?