Synthroid overmedicated?

[girlinflorida]

I have been taking 25 mcg for approximately two years.  Doc prescribed it for me, not because of hypo symptoms, but because my cholesterol was a bit high.  Her quote: "Let's thump your thyroid as see if it helps with your cholesterol".  She said thyroid labs showed I was "on the low end of normal", but "normal" none the less.

Note: Cholesterol was at 218, bad rather high, good very low.

Being completely ignorant to these things, I trusted her judgement.

About six weeks after starting Synthroid, I simply did not feel like myself anymore.  My hair was falling out, and I had anxiety I'd never had before.  (I'm one of the most patient, laid back people you'll ever meet.  OR was.)  
My mind has repetitive thoughts... and I feel like the everyready bunny unable to slow my mind.
Also, palpitations began.  Nothing that worried me too much since it was brief episodes.

I talked to my doc about my symptoms (still ignorant to Synthroid overmedication symptoms) ... She prescribed Celexa for my anxiety.   ???  I certainly am not depressed.  I was confused, but again, trusted her judgment.

I have never been a pill-taker, and all of this is still very odd to me.

One week ago, out of nowhere, I found myself in the emergency room with a heart rate of 155, lasting for 6 hours.  I'm not sure what they pumped into me to get the rate down.  I was released with no explanation of what happened.

I want to stop taking Synthroid.  I do not believe I need it.  I think my doc is an idiot.  (Yes, I will be finding another.)

Question:  How to stop taking Synthroid safely?

Thanks for any info and experiences.

[gimel]

For hypo patients that really need to maintain or increase their thyroid hormone levels, trying to use natural ways like changing diet and exercising regularly is not the answer.  If your thyroid gland does not supply enough T4 and T3, you have to take thyroid meds.  

If your Synthroid only helps relieve your hypo symptoms a little bit, then it is likely you are under medicated.  If you will please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be better able to assess the adequacy of your testing and treatment.

[MeowMeow90]

I am 22 and been on generic synthroid for 4 years now. I just realized why I had crazy headaches and nausea every time I missed two or more doses. The withdral symptoms I have include headaches extending from the back of the head to the right and front of the head, loss of balance & coordination, nausea, severe brain fog, difficulty with concentration and speech (slow thought process), memory loss, sensitivity to light, muscle pain, fatigue, moods get worse, and feeling like I will pass out! I am not on any other medications and I have hashimoto's disease (but mostly with symptoms of hypothyroidism).

I tried to get off synthroid, but every time I try, the withdrawl symptoms get worse and scares me. I don't feel too much better with it anyways. It just helps a little with my moods and fatigue and keeps my hair from falling. I can't switch to better, more expensive medications because I have no health insurance. I'm a student and this is effecting my studies and life overall.

For those who didn't start on this medication, I advise that you don't! Work on controlling your health through natural ways like changing diet and exercising regularly. Avoid foods that cause thyroid flare-ups and avoid stressful life habits and situations as much as you can. Stress makes things worse. And please please please find a good doctor that actually cares and has good credentials. Do your own research and don't rely on a doctor for everything, because they WON'T tell you everything. A lot of doctors believe synthroid is the "cure" but it's not at all!

[Barb135]

"Withdrawal effects" of synthroid would be those of hypothyroidism.

"I had no symptoms of hypo - atleast none I complained about or that my doc said I had"   There are a lof of symptoms of hypothyroidism, many of which we often don't connect to a thyroid issue, such as GERD.

Troponin is a test to determine if one has had a heart attack or damage to the heart.   You should also have gotten a copy of any blood tests that were run.  If you didn't, you have a right to get a copy.  

[girlinflorida]

Hate to be a pest... but once I discontinue the Synthroid, what type of withdrawl symptoms should I expect.  Are there any I should be particularly concerned about?

FWI - I am 54 yearold female, post menopause.  
Meds:  Synthroid, Celexa and Prilosec for gerd.

[girlinflorida]

Oh!  I do understand that I must not just stop taking Celexa.  But I want to eventually stop taking it too.  I will discuss that with my new doc.

I can't wait to feel like my old self again.

Thanks!

[girlinflorida]

Barb, I had no symptoms of hypo - atleast none I complained about or that my doc said I had.  The Synthroid discussion came about after my yearly regular lab work for the usual cholesterol, diabetes, liver, etc.  All came back normal, excepting cholesterol.  
(Note, cholesterol had improved by 50 points from previous year with no medications.  Just diet and exercise.)

I do have the list of proceedures from the ER.  They did several blood tests, of course.  I was told all were normal.
Not sure of the meds I received, but Troponin 1 is listed four times.  Is this a blood test, or meds?

As soon as I find my new doc I will certainly ask for the items you listed.  Thanks.

allmymarbles... I will.

[allmymarbles]

I would report your doctor.

[Barb135]

I don't recommend self-medicating, but if you want off synthroid, just stop.  It's one of those meds you don't really have to wean off. It will take several weeks to get out of your system, though.

It's quite likely that you were over medicated.  Did you have any symptoms of hypo, other than the cholesterol issue?  When you find a new doctor, make sure you get your thyroid tested for TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 - don't settle for just TSH.

You have the right to get copies of any blood results or other tests that were done at the ER, along with an explanation of what they did.

If you are taking the Celexa, do not just stop that.