Thyroid Side Effects

[Traci0928]

I have recently been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. I just started taking Levothyroxine 50mcg to "start" with. Been on it now for 3 weeks. Dont have a clue what my levels are - my Dr just said my blood tests came back low. I also have high blood pressure and have begun meds for that 1 month ago. My Dr said to expect some heart palpitations and some elevated BP results because my body is trying to get used to all the new meds. True enough my BP started elevating off and on so now I take an extra BP med at night to counteract this. On the 1st day I began this med, within 2-3 hours I had a sore throat on the right side only. Took a week to go away. When I mentioned this to my Dr she said that isnt a side effect of this drug. I checked with 2 pharmacies who also told me the same thing. I also have heart palps from time to time that can last several hours, light-headed, etc. Is this normal?? My Dr said not to freak but that's easier said than done when your heart feels like its going a mile a minute. Everyone tells me it can take a few months to figure out the correct dosage, my worry is that if 50mcg is not enough and I take more, is that going to cause an increase in these side effects? According to WebMd if thyroid meds are the correct dosage there are no side effects.

[Thypatient]

Okay, petty irritation over not being able to edit typos:  "But, obviously, do... ."

[Thypatient]

I agree it's probably going to take a little more time for things to settle in.  But obviously, do seek help if the heart palpatations worsen.

Good luck.

[stella5349]

Keep in mind you are taking a medication that effects a hormonal level inside you body -

This will take some time to adjust as said - at least six weeks. Retesting is important after you start this medication.

Wed MD is good - at least I think it is one of the better ones to pull up situations - but you have to keep in mind that the symptoms you are experiencing is based on you as an individual.

The heart palps are pretty common until you body makes necessary adjustments - but that doesn't excuse the thought that you shouldn't contact your doctor periodically about it. Keep your doctor in the loop as much as possible.

[Me967]

Hi and welcome.  If you can find out your results (the exact numbers and ranges) it will help others to answer your questions.  I don't think it is caused by the med's but I do believe it is caused by thyroid issues.  

I also have the sore throat on the right side as posted earlier.

As for the comment on the Web MD site (a good site), that may be correct; but, you have only been on med's for 3 weeks.  I think it takes 6 for the full effect of the med's concerning your numbers.  Hopefully someone else can chime in.  Best of wishes in feeling better and finding out your answers.

[gimel]

To best try and answer some of your questions, we need to know what blood tests for thyroid have been run and what were the actual results.  If free T3 and free T4 have not been run, along with the usual TSH, then that would be a good idea to have done.  I have no experience with BP being affected by thyroid, so I'll leave that for other members.