Cytomel Side Effects

Question

I recently (1 month ago) started taking Cytomel 5 mcg twice a day in addition to generic synthroid of 50 mcg which I have been on for a year. For the past 2 weeks I have had an issue with anger and now terrible breakout on my face with I have never had before. Has anyone ever had a similar problem. If it is the cytomel, I think I need to stop taking it. I was hoping it would help with weight loss, which is has not.

gimel · Answer

Based on somewhat limited information, I would suspect that you are still hypo.  Your free T3 and free T4 are both on the low side of their range and although TSH is a poor indicator of hypothyroidism by itself, yours is above the currently recommended range of .3 - 3.0.  If you will read my post to moinkhan, just below, I think you will find some valuable information about the importance of free T3, and its correlation to hypo symptoms.

I would suggest that there's nothing evident above that you need a T3 only type med like Cytomel.  Since both "Frees" are on the low side, you might find that a T4 type med in the proper dosage will raise both your "Frees" enough to alleviate hypo symptoms.

Patty9088 · Answer

When I took cytomel I got very anxious and had panic attacks alot. I couldn't handle it. I never found it to be a miracle drug. I am over weight and my thyroid levels are overactive.
So things aren't always what they seem with these drugs.
Patty

rad44 · Answer

Lab results before addition of Cytomel were:
Free T4 1.08 (.8-1.8)
Free T3 278 (230-420)
TSH 3.60 (.40-4.50)

I am due to have more labs done in 2 weeks to see how they have changed.
What do you think?
I actually asked for the Cytomel because I read it can help with weigt loss.  I am on 1200 calorie diet with 1 hour of daily exercise and in 2 weeks only lost 2 pounds which is very disappointing.

Smilerdeb · Answer

Cytomel is 4 times as potent as synthroid.
Maybe you need a decrease.
Did you have your labs done prior to taking Cytomel?
If your levels arent right then no amount of Cytomel will help with the weight....all it will do is make you hyper which is what it sounds like it has done.