What time to take T3 in the evening?

[Kirsten660]

Just got new script for Synthroid combined with Cytomel and my Endo wants me to take the Synthroid and half the dose of the Cytomel in the morning and the rest of the Cytomel in the evening.  My question is if there is anyone who has a similar script, do you take the evening dose before bed or before dinner?
Thanks.

[Barb135]

T3 meds are typically not taken in the "evening" as they can interfere with sleep... It's best to take the second dose around noon or shortly after.  We don't recommend taking it after 3:00 pm to avoid interference with sleep, unless you're on an "odd" schedule, such as working nights, etc and have to stay up much later.

[Barb135]

I was on 10 mcg cytomel for quite a while and although my endo said to take it all at once in the morning, I found that it worked better to split the doses.  I took 5 mcg with my T4 med in the morning and the other 5 mcg around 11:00-12:00.  I go to bed very early and get up very early, so by taking it before/at noon, it was pretty much worn off so I could sleep at night.  

If you stay up later, you might want that second dose around 3:00 or so to keep you going till bed time, but I agree that you probably wouldn't want to take it much later than that.  OR if you don't go to bed until midnight or later, you MIGHT want to take the second dose in the evening, say around 5:00-6:00.  

I am currently on only 5 mcg cytomel with my T4 med.  I take my T4 med when I get up in the morning @ 3:30 am, then I take my cytomel around 7:00-8:00 am.  Since I get up so early, I also go to bed very early, so it's worn off and I'm sleepy at bed time.  

Additionally, the insert that comes with my cytomel says that cytomel, unlike synthroid or other T4 meds, can be taken with or without food, so there is no need to wait an hour to eat, etc.  Keep in mind though, that, like T4 med, it IS necessary to separate cytomel from calcium and some other vitamins, etc by at least 4 hours.  

My regimen is:  3:30 am -- levothyroxin; 7:00 am -- cytomel; 12:00 -- blood pressure med, calcium, selenium, Vit C; 6:00 pm -- calcium, magnesium, Vit C.   Bed time is around 7:00-7:30 pm.........

Everyone will react to the med differently, and you will have to figure out a schedule that works best for YOU.  Be sure to read the insert that comes with the med because that will tell you whether or not you can take it with food, vitamins, etc.  I've been told that cytomel only lasts 3-4 hours in the system, but it seems to keep me going for longer than that -- usually 6-8 hrs, so it's all going to depend on how it works for you....there's nothing wrong with experimenting a bit to figure out your own times based on your activities, life style, etc.  

[SClaus]

This has been very helpful!!

[gakat61]

I'm so glad that you all posted this info! Now I know I have been taking my meds correctly by not eating until an hour after taking my cytomel. I take 25 mg  per day in the morning.

I'm in the process of getting my thyroid levels tested again. I've been a bit frustrated with losing very little weight. I've lost 2 pounds since I started taking the T3 6 weeks ago.

My TSH, 3rd generation results were .8 w/ normal being .4 to 4.50.  Though I am feeling better with being on cytomel in regards to getting up earlier, I still, at times, feel sluggish. I'm wondering if I need a T4 supplement since it is on the low end of normal.

[magpieannie]

Don't take t3 past 3:00 or so & split your doses by 4 hours or so!

[ChronicFatigue]

That's the first time *EVER*..I've heard someone say a Doctor told them to take T-3 "in the evening"---

T-3 is like taking a Stimulant (by design, it speeds up your Thyroid)--it's a very powerful drug, thus why it's not often prescribed. I take mine only in the a.m.

I would verify both with your Doctor and Pharmacist those instructions.

I've been on a *VERY HIGH* dose of T-3 (100mcg)--Cytomel---since 2007. So have been taking for awhile and can't imagine taking any of it past 2-3pm in the afternoon.

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FYI--I just looked at the Drug Manufacturer website and learned something new.
The Manufacturer of Cytomel is "King Pharmaceuticals", here is the link I used to find the PDF Copy of Instruction on Cytomel

It's on Page 4 of 5--left bottom left side of page under "Dosage and Administration"

Click on the link that says [pdf] Cytomel

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=site%3Akingpharm.com+cytomel&aq=f&aqi=&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=7d15299a959dbb33



**********************
Quote:
Dosage and Administration

cytomel Tablets are intended for oral administration , once-a-day dosage is recommended. Although liothronine sodium has a rapid cutoff, it's metabolic effects persist fr a few days following discontinuance.

[Smilerdeb]

T3 is better taken in 2 doses during the day...the first dose v=being with your T4 med and the 2nd dose around mid afternoon.
This seems to stop the 'crash' from taking the T3 in one go.
But as I am sure you understand, it is really up to the individual and how they feel symptom wise.
A lot have said they feel tired in the afternoon and the 2nd dose of T3 gives a 'boost' when they need it.
I wouldnt take the T3 at bedtime as it may cause you a few sleepless nights.
It really all depends on whether you are drug sensitive or not.
See how you go taking it in one dose then if it is too much for you, try mid afternoon and splitting the doses.
All the best :)

[chel 81]

Most people do pretty well with just taking them all together in the morning as long as you're not on a huge dose of T3 and your body can't take that much all at once. You have to wait at least 1 hour after taking your meds to eat or if you take the meds after you eat you have to wait 2 hours. The reason is that food will affect the digestion of your meds and may make it so you aren't getting your full dose. Considering that Natural thyroid preparations are combined T3 & T4 and you take them together it's not really any different if you do the same with the Cytomel & Sythroid. Most people just find it difficult to schedule their daily eating around splitting their dose instead of just taking it first thing in the morning and then just needing to wait an hour to eat. If you're one of those people who can do it that's great but most of us life just gets in the way and makes it a little difficult to split up the doses.
Chel