Levothyroxine - Cytomel ???

[bean418]

My PCP/DO followup took place and my meds list was updated which now reflects Cytomel.

My DO asked if I was taking both meds and I said yes...as instructed.  He said he personally has never RX Cytomel and generally people get this medication when they are taking T4 and still having symptoms of muscle pain/weakness, etc.  

But, they generally don't take both meds. just the Cytomel.

So confusing....anyone have input on this.  I am fairly new to the Cytomel and have no idea.

Interestingly enough I have vestibular testing next month and he said if the testing is negative he will be referring me to NIH so someone can figure out what is causing all these problems to hit me at the same time.

I appreciate everyones replies.

Thank you.

[goolarra]

Okay, I understood that it was your PCP/DO who was prescribing Cytomel for the first time.  I was once the victim of my DO's lack of knowledge on how to dose Cytomel, so the red flag in my brain went up!

That's a reasonable amount of Cytomel to start on.  I'll take the flag down...

As I mentioned, Cytomel is rarely used long term by itself; it's almost always a combination of T4 and T3.  T3 is very fast acting and quickly neutralized by your body if not used promptly.  So, you need T4, which is very slow acting and stays in your body for a much longer time.  

You can play with the timing of the second dose of Cytomel.  Some people find that taking it that late in the day hinders sleep.  If it gives you sleep problems or if you have an energy dip earlier in the afternoon, you can move the dose to an earlier time.  Typically, most people take the second dose (on a "normal" sleep/wake cycle) between about noon and 3 p.m.

[bean418]

Oh yes...he is my PCP/DO and was just going over the updated meds list.  The Levothyroxine .50/.75 alternating daily and the Cytomel .5  1/2 am and 1/2 at 5pm was rx by Endocrinologist.

[goolarra]

"But, they generally don't take both meds. just the Cytomel."

Absolutely NOT true.  Most people take both meds.  Cytomel is rarely used by itself, except short term to treat specific conditions.  

What were you taking prior to adding Cytomel?  What's your current dose of T4 and Cytomel?  Do you have recent labs and reference ranges available?  When do you take the Cytomel?  I ask all these questions because your doctor has stated that he has never prescribed it before.