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Thyroid (Expert Forum)
side effects of a thyroxine dose change?
Answered by
Mark Lupo, M.D. - Thyroid Nodules, Thyroid Cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, Thyroid Ultrasound
Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida
Sarasota - FL
Questions in the Thyroid forum are answered by Dr. Mark Lupo. Topics covered include goiter, graves disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroid, hypothyroid, thyroid cancers, thyroiditis, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).
side effects of a thyroxine dose change?
by thegalnextdoor, Jul 13, 2008 07:12PM
Hi Dr. Lupo,
You answered my question a couple of weeks ago regarding a sudden drop in TSH and a dosage change from 50mcg Eltroxin to 25mcg Synthroid, but I'm now wondering if the side effects I seem to be experiencing indicate the switch was too soon or too quick...or whether they are to be expected.
About two days after starting the lower dose, I began having dizzy spells and feeling lightheaded. Over the past week, the dizziness/lightheadedness has persisted, and I've also been feeling very down/weepy. My appetite has also dwindled.
Are these normal side effects of a dosage switch? If so, how long do they normally last?
And, if not, what would be a reasonable course of action? I plan on returning to my doctor if these side effects are still present by next weekend.
Many thanks!
You answered my question a couple of weeks ago regarding a sudden drop in TSH and a dosage change from 50mcg Eltroxin to 25mcg Synthroid, but I'm now wondering if the side effects I seem to be experiencing indicate the switch was too soon or too quick...or whether they are to be expected.
About two days after starting the lower dose, I began having dizzy spells and feeling lightheaded. Over the past week, the dizziness/lightheadedness has persisted, and I've also been feeling very down/weepy. My appetite has also dwindled.
Are these normal side effects of a dosage switch? If so, how long do they normally last?
And, if not, what would be a reasonable course of action? I plan on returning to my doctor if these side effects are still present by next weekend.
Many thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by Mark Lupo, M.D., Jul 14, 2008 05:57AM
, Jul 14, 2008 05:57AM
These are not unusual as one is trying to get the right dose -- would keep working with your doctor as there is not one approach that works for everyone in these situations. You may need to give it more time and recheck levels 5-6 weeks after being on the new dose.
I have had hypothyroidism for 8 years. It has been stabilized for awhile and causing no problems. I am 37 and 6 weeks pregnant. I feel great in terms of energy and health but my TSH was 3.7 so my doctor changed the dosage from 112mcg to 137mcg. We're aiming to have the level at 2.0. My question is how long before I should see changes in the TSH level? How long before it's worth testing again? Also, does the fetus only need my thyroid hormones at 11 weeks or is the baby negatively affected right now because my levels are too low? I am concerned about the research I have read about maternal hypothyroidism and fetal retardation.
When changes are made to your medication, how long in terms of weeks do you need before changing the dose?
I would appreciate any knowledge on this matter that you could share. Thank you,
Tessa