doctor wants me to stop the methimazole---scared

[yankeeRN]

I have had a few hives and have been itchy for the past 4 days--I have been taking benadryl  for the hives and the methimazole.  I take no other meds so my doctor feels it is the methimazole causing the hives he wants me to STOP the methimazole.  I know hives can be serious and it is risky taking a med that is causing an allergic response because the response may get even more severe with each dose taken....BUT I am petrified of the hyperthyroid symptoms returning!!  I was in dire straights when I had those hyperthyroid symptoms..the pounding fast heart rate , chest pressure, and the panic attacks are things I didn't want to revisit.  My question is how long do I have before my hyperthyroid symptoms return once I stop the methimazole???? My doctor wants to see what my labs look like that I had drawn today...they may not be back for 7 days!  HELP..anyone with this experience or any expert.  Aside from the hives and itching  I feel great and don't want to go backwards.

[yankeeRN]

Thank you for your response.  I agree beta blockers are absolutely  essential in suppressing symptoms of hyperthyroidism especially when not on any thyroid suppression..when I was first diagnosed they really saved my life...and sanity.  I reached my primary md by afternoon on the first day of stopping my antithyroid med and he told me to start the PTU..the hives have stopped from the methimazole and we will see how this goes.  How soon should I be rechecked for my levels with the change of meds?  They are monitoring my total t4 and tsh (as per the endocrinologist).  

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The beta blocker is very important.
Sometimes we rechallenge with methimazole once the hives clear off medication to confirm that methimazole is not the best option....

[yankeeRN]

So already this morning my bp is up to 130/71 and hr in the 90's at rest and up to 120's with walking in the house......I will call my doc as soon as the office opens...looks like I will need the beta blocker asap...right now I am headed to church  to pray for some divine intervention to keep me calm about  all of this..so glad there is a daily mass as it really does help me.  First 1.5 hours without the methimazole and already I can see the writing;(