Looking for support and answers

[lisats]

I have a question for anyone about thyroid medications for hypothyroidism.  I'm new to all this and I'm very confused....when you first start taking meds, does your body react to the meds like it is suddenly hyperthyroid?
My TSH is 9.9,  ft4 is 1.03, and ft3 is 2.5.  I've tried taking Levo and Synthroid, but after about a week I want to crawl out of my skin.  I get so nervous and jumpy that I can't sleep.  I get a constant headache and even a ringing in my ears.  Is there an adjustment period and I'm just not giving my body time to adjust?  I seem to get a reaction taking just 25 micrograms.  My Doc doesn't seem to have any ideas, so in the meantime I just keep dragging myself out of bed each morning trying to make it through the day.  I'm exhausted, bone cold and bone tired all the time.  Any answers?  I guess I could have other hormone issues also since I am 52 and female.  
I've always been a high energy kind of person.  I'm not overweight and until about a year ago exercised regularly.  This has really knocked me down. I hate feeling this way and no one understands.  People act like I should be able to pop a pill and get all better.  I wish it were that simple.

[jmidlife]

Hi,

When I have increased my Synthroid, I have done so excruciatingly slowly.  For example, when I increased from 75 mcg., I first added an 88 once every other week and then an 88 every week, etc.   Sometimes I stayed at a dose for quite a while because increasing it resulted in hyper symptoms. I am also taking a Beta Blocker to counter the current hyper symptoms which occurred several weeks after what seemed to be a stabilized Synthroid dose.  I think that the hyper symptoms i.e. heart palpitations, sleep difficulties, are horrendous and frightening.  I'd rather be hypo any day!!  

So glad that you found a kind and supportive doctor!  Hang in there.

[lisats]

Boy, the things doctors don't tell you is amazing. When I was first diagnosed this past summer I had a different doctor.  He started me on 25 mcg. of Levothyroxin, and after 2 weeks I thought I was losing my mind.  I went nearly 5 days without sleep and when I did fall asleep, I would jolt awake with what I now know where anxiety attacks.  At the time I thought I was having a heart attack.  I went to the doctor and told him what was happening and he left the room and came back with a bag of 'samples'.  He wanted me to continue taking the Levo and add Lexapro and Wellbrutin.  He said don't think of it as being on drugs.  Think of it as you --only enhanced.  That was the last time I saw him.  My doctor now is a D.O. and is very kind and supportive, I just don't know how  knowledgeable he is on the subject.  I'm learning more myself everyday.  Thanks to all.  I don't feel so isolated.

[goolarra]

If you read the dosing recommendations for Synthroid (which applies to all the T4 meds and is available on their website), you will see that if you are over 50, or have been hypo for more than a few months, or have a history of heart arrythmia, the recommended starting dose is 12.5-25 mcg.  I was all three.  PCP started me at 88 and nearly killed me (well, it felt that way, anyway!).  I finally backed off to 25, still couldn't tolerate even that, and ended up on a beta blocker to counter the side effects of the levo...ugh, but necessary.  Yes, start low, increase slowly...slow and steady will get you there faster (and more comfortably) in the long run.  You don't have to stick to the "stock" doses...different interim doses can be achieved by splitting, combining, whatever works.  If 25 mcg all in one day doesn't work for you, try splitting and taking 12.5 every day.

[Priss32]

I totally understand where your coming from. I had a cousin who just had his thyroid removed due to cancer and 3 wks ago I was diagnosed with hypo. he told me the synthroid takes some getting used to and i was going to feel horrible in the begining. But he's been on it for about 6 months now and says he's fine. As for me... Im on synthroid 125 mcg. My TSH level was 357. The dr thought the lab made a mistake and had me tested again and it came back 344. I've never felt so horrible in my life. I'm 25 with a 4 yr old boy and a 9 month old girl. I have no energy for them and my anxiety drives me nuts. Just hang in there and call your dr if your symptoms get to muh to handle. I'm hoping it's just an adjustment period as well:(

[jmidlife]

Hi,

I had been stabilized on a dose of Synthroid for many years and had no difficulties.  However, within the last year, every time I increased it (even a tiny amount), I've had horrible hyper symptoms.   I just had to reduce my dose to cope with these horrendous symptoms and am still struggling.

[lisats]

How long does it take you to adjust each time?

[jmidlife]

Lisats,

Sorry you're struggling with all of this.  Some people are sensitive to thyroid medications.  Every time I increase my Synthroid even slightly, I experience hyperthyroid symptoms. The symptoms have included heart palpitations, restlessness, sleep problems, and sudden tearfulness.  

Take care.

[lisats]

OK.  After checking with the doctor, he said it was OK to take my Synthroid every other day till I adjust.  I took it this morning(25 mcg) and I have the worst headache.  It's behind my ears and over the back of my head.  I want to go home and lie down but I have a couple more hours of work.  Is the headache some that goes away as your body adjusts to the medication?

[annamae26]

btw i can see why you feel so bad with these levels and i don t think its the meds bothering you i think its the hypothyroid symptoms-  

[annamae26]

well your ft3 and ft4 look both low. these are the active thyroid hormones and they should be in mid to upper range to feel good. i would add some t3 but if you do your t4 med has to be reduced some. this is my take i wonder what the other more experienced people on this board would think....

[lisats]

It looks like the range for FT4 is .82-1.77
FT3 is 2.0-4.4
TSH range is .450-4.5

[Super_sally888]

You also may want to try a different formulation, or even natural thryoid (ERFA or nature etc),  You may need to start very very low.  Maybe something like 1 tablet every 2nd or 3rd day and building up very very slowly over a period of weeks to months.

[annamae26]

can you please post your ranges with your tsh ft3 and ft4. your symptoms sound hypo. there are so many knowledgeable people here but need to see your reference ranges  hang in there it will get better.