What does everyone think about Synthroid?

[MicaW]

I can't seem to get it right.  One moment I might think that I am overmedicated while taking synthroid, and then go have my bloodwork checked and it turns out the doctor ends up increasing my dosage because I am actually undermedicated according to my TSH being too high.  I am just frustrated.  I can't figure it out.  It is almost easier when I self-medicate.
Perhaps it is the synthroid that makes me feel bad.  What does everyone else think?  Are there any other good meds out there that you have switched to?

[MicaW]

I see a specialist.  The specialist is also against T3 combination treatments too, and meds such as Armour.  He thinks Synthroid is God's gift to the thyroid.  Anyway, I find that my symptoms are the same whether i am under or over medicated.  I have had hypo for about three years now.  I have increased my meds from .50mcg to .75mcg to .88mcg to .1mg and back down to .88mcg and now back up to .1mg.
Sometimes I have horrible brain fog.  I can't quite put my finger on why I have it.  It just happens.  I will be at a loss for words, and my memory will be poor.  Sometimes my words will be slightly slurred/I will use the wrong word.  Does anyone else have these issues?

[Anniegoose]

A related discussion, What does everyone think of synthroid? was started.

[Hollyhemsoth]

I decided to do things naturally and use vitamins to help my thyroid along and stopped taking synthroid 9 days ago and have been feeling pretty good. I'm wondering how ling it takes to get the drugs out of my system. Any ideas?

[spc777]

A related discussion, foods & synthyroid was started.

[dhw03]

A related discussion, Is it okay to suddenly stop taking synthroid after 20 yrs? was started.

[ShannieK]

Sounds good.  I hope that the tests help.  I go to an Endo for the first time tomorrow, I'm kinda excited to see a doctor that might know what she's talking about.  I too am from a small town, and the doctors just shrug their shoulders at me. I kept complaining, and no one listened, finally a doctor preformed an antibody test that came back high.  Finally they listened.  Keep in mind all my other tests for thyroid always came back normal.  This antibody one was the only one, that showed what was going on, so make sure, you have it done, it's important, good luck, let me know about your results.

[Krissy L]

Thank you for the advice. I went for the test today but didn't get your reply until after I went. They didn't test for antibodies but will request it. I found an endo in Aurora, Co that is highly recommended, Dr. Rees-Jones, and made an appointment just in case. I don't have a lot of faith in the doctors here (small Nebr. town). Been through the run-around with 2 and now seeing a third. I will let you know what I find out...hopefully results will be back by Friday this week.

[ShannieK]

Hi.  You need to be truthful with the doctor first of all, and let them know what dose you are taking and how long you have been on it.  take with you a list of your symptoms, be sure to include any symptoms that may have gotten better since you started taking the medication if any.  You need to keep taking what you are taking until the test has been completed.  It will be messed up more by you stopping a dose abruptly when you have been taking it, just keep doing what you are doing and inform your doctor.  they will be able to judge by your dose and what your levels come back,  Don't change anything right now, it's important to stay consistant.  I am speaking from experience.  i agree, self medication is not the way to go and messing with the Synthroid dose is n't a good idea, but I've been there and when doctors don't help, I tried to help myself.  Good on doing  low dose.  I was really sick, started taking a real high dose not knowing anything about nothing, and that took awhile for me to regulate.  Especially when you go too high.  Let me know how your test comes out. Also, with those test, have them check your antibodies as well to rule out Hashimoto's and Grave's disease.  Lot's of doctors don't check these, and they are just as important. You other levels can come up normal, but if you have antibodies, you may still be suffereing from thyroid diesase and they just don't know it.

[Krissy L]

How long does it take for Synthroid to get into your system and how long after you quit taking it, for it to be out of your system. I self medicated myself with my mother's Synthroid (.5)for a week because I wasn't getting any help from the doctors as to what is wrong with me. I know I shouldn't have done it but I have all the symtoms of hypo and desperately needed help. Anyway, now I finally found someone that wants to run a T3 test on top of the Tsh and T4 test already done and I am afraid by taking the Synthroid, it will mess the test up and wonder how long before I am off before I can go and have the test done? Please help if you can. Thanks!

[TwinkyPants]

I would get to a endo. It's nice because thats their job dealing with this area. A primary deals with so many things at once. I have a endo amd primary and they talk back and forth a lot.
Micaw, Have you thought about getting a 2nd opinion? Just to see what they have to say? It sounds like your going through a tough battle right now. Something just doesnt sound right. You fighting with your thyriod constantly for 3yrs and nothing has been right yet.

[Tinsk]

Right now I'm just seeing my primary Dr.  I've been thinking about seeing an endo. but I haven't done that yet.  Do you see a specialist?  If so, do you feel like you have got better results with an endo?

[TwinkyPants]

Are you going to a general Dr or a endo?

[Tinsk]

I personally HATE being on synthroid.  It causes me to have heart palps...sometimes several a day. It was definitely worse when I was on the generic form though.  The only time my palps. went away was when my dosage of synthroid was very low. ( 1/2 of a tablet of .025 mcg)  But that dosage caused my TSH to sky rocket.  I am on a higher dosage now which caused my heart palps to return but they seem to be SLOWLY decreasing.  I'm just praying that they work themselves out once I've been on the proper dosage for a while.  I go back for blood work in about a week.  I am also going to look into seeing a specialist.

[TwinkyPants]

It takes a long time to get in the swing of things. When my Dr changes me they wait about 6 weeks to make sure its in your system, and if its off they up or lower the dose a little and see what happens. You will feel better, it just takes time. I responed to your pg post and you need to get it in control before you get pg. Your thyriod affects everything.

[layla]

I don't know if this applies to everyone and I take levoxyl not synthroid but I can tell if I an over or under medicatted fairly easily. When I am over I get obvious sweats, racing heart or very hyper feeling and when I am under I am unusually cold and more tired.

[TwinkyPants]

Levoxil is a generic brand, thats what I was told anyway. But you shouldnt change brands untill talking to the Dr. My Dr likes it better then synthroid. Here's some write up about it.
http://www.drugs.com/synthroid.html

[whitetigerrr]

How long have you been on synthroid? It usually takes awhile to really get into your systym and get everything regulated.It took months for me to get to desirable levels.I drink green tea which does help keep things regular and my Endo recommended 1 tsp childrens liquid benadryl to help me sleep. (sleep drugs are addictive) Start with natural -or-common things, and follow the advice of your Dr.I highly recommend a specialist, someone who keeps current on any new developments.My Dr. is great , but I have one complaint - he is not as easily accesible as I'd like, regarding phone calls....I was wondering if anyone has heard anything about the drug THYRIN -ATC? It's supposed to be for thyroid support and aid weight loss.I've been seeing it advertised and thought about trying it.What have I got to lose, right? :-)  P.S.My Dr. says absolutely NO soy products, and did they tell you not to eat or drink anything at least an hour before and after taking your meds??