Cytomel and heart palpitations

[sunshine106]

I have been taking cytomel 25mcg for about 3 weeks....First was the generic form and I was dealing with alot of heart palpitations...the second script was written for the name brand and the palpitations were alot less,is there any other dosage or any other type of T3 med that I can take that will work?I feel great on Cytomel...i havent felt like this since before I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism...I am able to do stuff and not be tired,I can't explain how great I really feel on this except for the palpitations.Should I switch to Armour? I am also taking synthroid 125mcg along with cytomel 25mcg...i'd hate to have to go off it because it really does do wonders for how I feel but the heart palpitations scare me!Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Silencedrocks]

Oops, sorry I noticed I put HYPO when I meant HYPER on the T counts. She concluded that is why my heart palpitations were back. I am so happy with the Armour thyroid results. I hope this information helps.

[Silencedrocks]

Dear Sunshine, I have been off and on thyroid medication (Synthroid) for about 10 years. My problem was terrible heart palps. I would take the medication and be fine for a while and then my heart palpitations would begin and stay even keeping me awake at night My doctor decreased the medicine and the palps would stay. Ultimately I would stop taking the medication all together.
Here I am again out of range for a healthy thyroid. I was placed on Armour thyroid. 0.05GR (30mg) I took this for 2 months and then my heart palps began again. My doctor had me test all T levels and it showed on one of my T couns to be going towards HYPOthyroidism - also I wanted an ultrasound my thyroid and it shows 2 very small nodules (I will get this checked again in 6 mos) BUT .. I cut the armour dose in 1/2. I have never felt better. This is the most normal I have felt in years. It was funny b/c when I cut the Synthroid in half my heart palps really did not chnage or go away. With the natural Armour thyroid my palps went away within 3-4 days. I pray to never go on synthetic thyroid meds ever again as they were a flucuation nightmare for me. I truly feel your frustation as the heart palps can be quit maddening. Oh and also buy Starbucks Calm (chamomile) as this was a life saver for me to deal with the heart palpitaions. It seemed to really help. God bless you! Signed: Love the Armour Thyroid!!

[sunshine106]

Thank You so much for your help,I really appreciate it.Once I get my results I will post them...She wants to wait for another 4-6 weeks to check my bloodwork again with the lower dose of cytomel , I will post them as soon as i get them.Thank You very much!!

[gimel]

Based on what you've described, plus that total T3 test being high, I'd say that the reduction in Cytomel is directionally good.    I would recommend that you split the half pill and take 1/4 pill twice a day.  I say this because T3 is so fast acting.  With your palpitation concern, that should be better than once a day.  When you get your FT3 and FT4 results and also have a little time to evaluate the meds change, if you will post test results and ranges, and how you are feeling, members can help interpret and advise further.  

Best to you.

[sunshine106]

I was taking 1/2 a pill in the morning and 1/2 pill early afternoon.I have been on it for a couple months - I said early that it was 3 weeks but its been longer now that im thinking about it because I have filled my script twice i think.The starting dose was 25mcg.I just had it reduced today,I will only be taking half of a pill once a day.I havent had my FT3 tested...I had blood work done last Thursday and they checked my total T3 and that was 276 and their range is 54-156.I have requested a free T3 and free T4 check.I also learned today that when my thyroid was removed,not only was it cancerous but I had Hashimoto,do you know anything about that?

[Dawnmarie97]

I agree with gimel's response.  I've been hypothyroid since 2001 and have been on so many different dosages and brands that I've lost count.  I also have Hashimoto's so it was tough for quite a while going hypo then hyper etc.  It took a long time for me - not my dr to get it right.  I convinced my dr to add cytomel w/Synthroid 88mcg.  He ordered 25mcg of Cytomel and I knew it was too much at once so I cut it in half and had only 12.5mcg in am & 12.5mcg at 2pm.  I had been on the 88mcg for a long time and I just wanted to see if I increased by 44mcg (cutting an 88mcg in half) and adding it to the 88mcg (total of 132mcg) and I can't even believe how much better I feel.  It took a long time for me to add the second dose of cytomel though.  You should go very slow on that - start out with 5mcg and try that for a couple weeks, maybe go up to 5mcg twice a day for a few weeks etc, to the elimination of symptoms.  Of course you would need to consult your dr on all this but it helped me out a lot.  I swear we as patients seem to know more than our doc's.  Make sure you are an informed patient.  This forum is full of very good information.

[gimel]

Just a couple of thoughts for you.  The 125 mcg of Synthroid plus 25 mcg of Cytomel (equivalent of about 100 mcg of Synthroid) is a pretty hefty dose.  Also, how are you taking the Cytomel?  Is it all in one dose, or split into two doses during the day?  Also, how long have you been taking the Cytomel and what was the starting dose?

Have you had your FT3 tested?  If not, that would be a good idea to document where you are currently.  That would also tell you if you might gradually reduce your Cytomel without adversely affecting how you feel.  I have no experience with this but if no other possibility, I recall one member suggesting a low dose of a beta blocker med to minimize  the palps.