Levothyroxine - switching brands

[Haig]

Hi, newbie here.  I was diagnosed with hypo almost 2 years ago.  I was taking .88mcg of generic Levothyroxine daily.  I noticed that my stomach was a little upset in the mornings but it wasn't too bad.  Then, about 2 months ago, I signed up for on-line perscriptions (so I wouldn't have to go to walgreens every month).  Somehow, my doctor's office perscribed me L-Thryoxine (synthoid) and I didn't notice it until just recently.  Over the past 2 weeks, the stomach pains have increased and now occur throughout the day.  Other symptoms have worsened too: headaches, numb hands, waking up early, and some nausea.  Putting 2 and 2 together, I'm guessing the switch to the synthoid triggered these symptoms flaring up.  

In an act of desperation yesterday, I tried taking half a pill in half to see if a lower dosage would ease the pain.  That was a mistake.  I went through a wierd set of symptoms of jitteryness and dopiness that made it hard to concentrate at work.

I finally got ahold of my MD and she is now perscribing me the original, generic brand to start tomorrow.

Has anybody gone through this kind of reaction from switching from generic to synthoid?  Where these increased symptoms just part of an adjustment period to the new med?  If so, should I just stick with the new med and hope I adapt?

Or should I follow doctor's advice and switch back to generic?  Will the switch back cause me to go through continued symptoms or worse?  My doc didn't seem to think changing dosage was the best course yet.

Thanks for letting me ramble.  I too get a little anxious about a med that is critical to take but diminishes my quality of life.

[Me967]

I am very new to anything dealing with the thyroid.  I take alot of other pills that do not bother me at all.  
I just started taking Levothyroxine 5 days ago at ~ 6:30 am. I take it and I'm finding myself by 1pm. totally wiped out and have to lay down for an hour or so in the middle of the day.  I have NEVER had this happen before with my other (heart) pills.  I have also had more headaches, leg pains, and some nausea feelings in which I usually don't ever feel sick.  Since I'm new to this type of pill though (thyroid) I thought I would wait a week or two to see if it's just an acclamation type of thing; nevertheless, if after that time slot it still persist I'm calling my doctor for an explanation and how all of this works.  

With my other pills though I know if they work; I don't change them (as AR-10 says "If your body likes it best, stick with it").   As I said though I'm new here and I'm just trying to relate.  You know your body and how you felt before and after the change on meds.    I don't know if my little two cents helped out or not.  I hope you feel better.  Let us know what you find out.

Amy

[AR-10]

Each person seems to settle on a favorite after trying a few different brands. Some prefer generic, some get along better on one brand or another.

Generics are not quite as consistant with the amount of active drug in them, which can be a problem.

If your body likes it best, stick with it. My doctors refuse to perscribe generic Levothyroxine. I'm on Synthroid. I'm thinking of trying Levoxyl, but I haven't made the switch yet.

I have some symptoms I'd like to be rid of, but I'm not convinced yet that it is the Synthroid doing it.

[0636josephine]

Hey I was getting the numbness in the hands and arms but I found with time and carefull not to sleep on my stomach it stopped. I know it sounds weird.

About the having a hard time in concentrating, I am glad you mentioned that. My doctor recently raised my dose of levoxyl and the first day I didn't notice anything but the third day I woke up and had a black out of approximately an hour and half of the previous day. My boyfriend said that when he spoke with over the telephone he thought something was wrong. He claimed I sounded almost drunk. I am going to give it a few days to see if it levels f or my body gets use to the new dose before I freak out.  How are you making out?