Second Week on Synthroid and Feeling Worse?!?!

[JEA_1461]

Hi all,

I'm new here and was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. TSH was 13.9 (don't recall the other levels).  MD put me on 50 mcg of synthroid which I have been dutifully taking for the last 10 days.  I'm aware that it can take 4-6 weeks for the medication to take full effect, but I've actually started to feel worse.  I'm more tired, my skin is itchier, there's a slight ringing in my ears and I just feel kind of addled.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?  While I expected that it might take some time to feel better, I didn't actually think I might feel worse?  Is this normal?

I'm also taking Champix to quit smoking, and aside from ordinary vitamins and supplements (which I space at least 4 hours from the synthroid) I'm also taking kelp and L-tyrosine.

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks,

Janet

[goolarra]

Unfortunately, this is a game of patience.  There is just no way to rush it.  You just have to give the meds time to do their job.  However, you've started, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.  In 4-6 weeks, you'll retest, and you may need an increase (or not).  I did this for over a year before I got on a stable dose, but I'm very sensitive to meds and had to move even more slowly than most people  

Best of luck!.    

[JEA_1461]

Hi Gee,

Quitting smoking definitely has a big impact on energy levels and such but I did that close to 5 months ago.  I mentioned quitting smoking only because I'd wondered if there was a potentially bad interaction between Champix and Synthroid.  I don't know that I've developed any new hypo symptoms....only that I seem to be experiencing my current ones with greater intensity and certainly didn't consider that my condition might get worse of it's own accord before the meds have a chance to turn things around.  

Thanks for getting back to me....I wasn't sure if I was over-reacting before giving the meds a chance.   Guess I'll just have to wait the 4-6 weeks before I get too concerned.

Janet
  

[goolarra]

It takes more than 10 days for your free T3 and free T4 (thyroid hormone) levels to start to rise and often even more time before symptoms start to reverse.  I think you're in the stage where the meds have not yet raised your levels sufficiently, and you are still becomming slightly more hypo.  Once your levels are stabilized, your body has to have time to heal.  Do you have any "new" symptoms since starting meds, or just your hypo symptoms not getting any better or worsening?

I can't comment on your Champix or your supplements, except to say that quitting smoking may be contributing to your symptoms???