trouble with medication

[libra64]

Dear Dr. Lupo,
It has been difficult for me to find the right med's to treat my thyroid disorder. Currently I am taking .025 synthroid & am only staying on it because I must take it (feeling okay some fatigue @ night). Upon starting the medication, I developed more symptoms of hypothyroidism. The .025 synthroid  is not the ideal dosage for my TSH (13.53), if dose is increased to rapidly...I have become terribly ill. My Dr. does not understand why this has happened, and has told me to just deal with the symptoms, that they will subside. I must add that I have been overdosed about 3 times & had to see a neurologist after the first time it happened (everything checked out fine).
Thank you for your time!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Some patients need SLOW titration upward of thyroid meds.  Would increase gradually in conjunction with your doctor -- for example, we might recommend 25mcg 1 tab on odd days, 1.5 tablets on even days for a few weeks, then increase, etc....the key is slow titration.  Occassionally some people do better with one brand over another, so a change to levoxyl for a trial would not be unreasonable.

[stella5349]

As Dr Lupo said - there are other thyroid medications available for patients to try. Reseaarch thyroid medications and see if your doctor would consider either a change in T4 medication or a T3 T4 combination.

it may take some time - but you can find something that may help you feel better.

[hypogirl80]

Sounds like you need increase your meds. While you are doing that, make sure get blood test done (not only TSH, you also need FT3 and FT4 tests) so you know if you are in the normal range.

[libra64]

Hi Dr. Lupo,
Thank you for  you suggestion. I have been taking the medication on alternate doses as you recommended (and so did my Doctor) for about a week. My muscle pain has decreased some what, still having a numbness in my hands on occasion.
If I am forcing myself to walk for exercise when my muscles feel fatigue, is it doing any damage to my body? I have gained 15 lbs. since being diagnosed with Hasimoto's disease & feel bad about my appearance.
Best regards!