Heart Palpitations due to too migh thyroid medication

[marydoglover]

I have been hypothyroid for 8+ years and am currently taking .175 of levothyroxine.  I have lost weight and my tests now show I am on too much medication.  My doc has been treating my "symptoms" by changing my blood pressure medication.  My symptoms include heart fluttering, racing, red eyes, shaky etc.  we recently learned by my thryoid test that I amt taking too much levlothyroxine.  My symtoms have been going on for 3 months.. Doc has now lowered my thyroid meds.. How long will it take before my racing heart goes away.. It is keeping me awake most every night because I am so scared I will die.. please help me.

[Smilerdeb]

if the hyper feelings are worrying you...then ask yr Doc for a beta blocker for a few days.
This will stop that 'thumping' in the chest.

[marydoglover]

I agree with you Smilerdeb.... Hyper is not pleasant... looking forward to getting rid of the hyper symptoms.. thanks for you reply.. very appreciative!  Slept a little better last night, although I continue to find my thoughts scanning my heart!!  

[Smilerdeb]

I have been in the same position as you and as goolarra says...I stopped all meds for 3 days.
This is a 'quick fix' to get rid of those horrid hyper symtpms but also I found that 2 weeks later , I had a few hypo feelings for a week but it was worth it to get rid of the racing heart and the feeling 'wired'.
Hyper is he// and I would prefer hypo anyday.

[marydoglover]

Thank you for your reply.  I sincerely appreciate it.  It is helpful when you hear first hand from someone who has experienced this.  It is frightening.   I didn't take my med this am., and I went to the pharmacist today and he said that was fine..it will help bring it down a little faster he said I would probably be more tired.. I could handle a little sleep!  Thanks again..

[goolarra]

Being overmedicated is very uncomfortable.  I sympathize with you as I've been there.  

The last time I was overmedicated, my endo told me to d/c all thyroid meds for three days to get my levels back down sooner.  After that, I resumed at the new dose.  You might ask your doctor if you could try that.  I found it worked really well...most of the hyper symptoms went away during those three days, although it was a couple of weeks until I was completely "back to normal".

Levo stays in your system for four to six weeks...so, that's how long it will take for your FT3 and FT4 levels to stabilize on the new dose.  You should have bloodwork again in four or five weeks to see where your levels are on the reduction.

    

[marydoglover]

I learned this information yesterday, so today I will start the lower dose. thank you for the information.. I was debating on whether or not to take the med today hoping to lower it quicker

[dawnangela]

How long ago did the doctor lower your Meds? It shouldnt take to long for the levlothyroxine. to leave your body, so hang in there..Its only meant to have a life span of three days..But if you feel no better in at least a week go back to your doctor and be sure to say..