New to hypothyroid...having med problems

[MelissaMom6]

I was recently diagnosed. I wasn't feeling badly prior to my Dx. Dr. started me on 25 mcg of Synthroid (generic). I was feeling terrible on that, so he cut it in half. So now I'm doing 12.5 mcg and am having terrible problems w/ shortness of breath and just feeling tired. Can anyone help me? I can't seem to reach my dr. these last couple days and just feel miserable. I'm constantly taking deep breaths and yawning just trying to catch my breath. I have never had problems w/ this before now. Thanks for any help. I'm feeling like the cure is worse than the disease.

[MelissaMom6]

Thanks for all your input. I need to get a copy of my labs, but dr. told me I was a 7 (on a 0-5 scale). I don't think they tested more indepth than that (as we didn't know there was a thyroid problem.) I haven't been able to reach my dr. but will try again on Monday. Today, I just took 1/3 of the 25 mcg. pill and haven't had shortness of breath at all. I realize I need to take this, but I can't handle the constant shortness of breath and function in life (did I mention I have 6 kids?). Maybe I will have to slowly up my dose.

[thelma201]

Don't want step on toes here :)..but I have to say I see much confusion about Brand synthetic T4 versus generic. I have never been given the Brand Synthroid. I take generic synthetic T4. I believe people are confused somewhat about generics, yes they can vary with different fillers, colors, ect, from one maker to the next. But if you make sure to always stay with the same manufacturer, you will not usually have to worry about reacting. The active ingredient is the SAME, generic or Brand....T4.it's always T4..the things that change from 1 generic to another are the added ingredients, and that's what most people will have a reaction to...synthetic T4 is ALWAYS synthetic T4...MelissaMom6, you may be having a reaction to the T4 you're taking, but if you're truly hypo you need THR. As, Barb says, it helps to know what is the DX? and what are your labs...gotta say, it's strange that you feel worse after starting the T4.....and , WHERE is your Dr.???? hhmm. Hope you get some answers, and feel better!

[Barb135]

You might do better with a different med, but that's hard to say.  All doctors are different -- my endo doesn't believe there's any difference between the synthroid brand name and generic levo, neither does my pharmacist.  I was originally started out on synthroid by my pcp and felt horrible.  I'm actually doing much better on the generic.  You should keep in mind though that manufacturers may use different fillers in the med and you could have a reaction to those.  

What are your latest lab results?  Without those, it's hard to say what your problem might be.  If you can, please post your TSH, Free T4 and Free T3 results, along with any anitbody tests that were done.  In addition, please post the lab's reference ranges along with the results since lab's use various ranges depending on the method used for running the tests.  If you don't have a copy of the lab report, it would be a good idea to get one from your doctor each time you have blood work done.  You should always keep a copy for your records.  

[TamraW]

Sometimes people who take Synthroid have these problems. I am on Synthroid and have none. Some on this forum do better on natural drugs like Armour, Nature-Throid or Westthroid.

Below is the link provided by Armour to doctors in your zip code who will prescribe natural thyroid medicine because many endos won't prescribe it.

http://www.armourthyroid.com/con_phLocator.aspx

I must warn you that people in many states are having a hard time filling their orders because Armour is experiencing a shortage and everyone is overloading the other natural thyroid companies. Some people are having luck at compounding pharmacies.

You need something. If you're hypo or Hashi/hypo, you need the medication and 12.5 just isn't enough.

One final note. I am not on generic Synthroid. I'm on brand name only. My endo believes the generics are faulty and he won't prescribe anything else. Simply switching your brand could be the solution.

Best of luck!

:) Tamra