Discontinuing Levothyroxine

[gme1102]

I have been on Levothyroxine for roughly 3 years now. When I was first "diagnosed" with Hypothyroidism, I was in the hospital after having an aortic valve replaced. My blood tests ALWAYS hovered around normal so I was on again, off again of the Levothyroxine....since my TSH levels were sometimes normal and sometimes NOT, I got the feeling the doctors weren't quite sure if I sould be on the med or not.  Then my PCP put me on it regularly about 2 years ago, and my TSH levels have always read normal since then. I take 100mcg daily and have recently moved to another state and do not currently have a job or a doctor...AND no insurance. I will be out of my Levothyroxine in about 1 month and was wondering what the dangers are if I stop taking this med?  

[gme1102]

Thanks to all of you for your comments and helpful advice.

[shennigan]

Sometimes if you write to the drug manufacturer who makes you thyroid meds and tell them you circumstances they might be able to give it you at a discounted rate.

[cats87]

Typically you need to take the levo for life. Your TSH is normal because you are on the medication. Once you stop it will increase again and most likely experience hypo symptoms like flyingfool mentioned above. Most doctors offer a discounted rate if you are not working and have no insurance. Costco pharmacy offers a great discount too. I would not risk stopping the medication, especially if you have heart problems.

[flyingfool]

First off you will likely go back to being Hypo in one to 2 months.  You will likely start feeling tired, fatigued, may have "brain fog" you may see hair fall out or thinning, brittle hair, insensitivity to cold, you could see your cholesterol and even Blood pressure rise, constipation.

Basically all the common symptoms of being Hypo.  You may be better off just paying to see a Dr. and getting the prescription.

Taking 100 mcg a day is not insignificant.  My wife is on 112 mcg and she felt like crap when she was taking 75 mcg.  so if 37 mcg had a significant effect on her.  What would a shift of 100 mcg do?  I don't know but I suspect for your health you may be far better off paying the monetary price of the Dr. visit and prescription than paying the price of being miserable tired sick person.

But maybe you will be fine.  At least you will know what you need to do if you do start feeling like crap.