heart palpitations

[mom6wise]

I have taken generic synthroid but feel like **** while I'm on in it.  As soon as I switch to brand name I feel a whole lot better but then I start having heart palpitations and my heart feels like it's racing.  I'm on .50 mcg.  Will this go away if I stay on the brand name meds and is it normal?  Also is there anything you can do temporarily to take the aches and pains away to help you relax?

[goolarra]

You are doing the same baby steps I did!  I felt like such a lightweight, but it was the only way to go for me.  I went a long time undiagnosed, also.  If you read the dosage instructions for Synthroid, you'll see that the recommended starting dose if you 1) are over 50, or 2) have been hypo for a long time, or 3) have a history of heart arrythmia, is 12.5 to 25 mcg.  That would also indicate to me that being undiagnosed for a long period of time affects starting dose and increase speed.

How are you feeling now?

[goolarra]

You have to find a way to get your levels checked.  Being on meds without having labs checked regularly (especially soon after diagnosis when you're not on a stable dose yet) is just a guessing game.  If you're still tired and depressed, you probably need a meds increase.  However, since you're having palps and tachy, you could also be overmedicated.  Sometimes the fillers in the various brands cause palps and tachy, and switching can bring relief.

Get your labs checked...everyone around you will thank you!!!

[dani2776]

I can totally relate to you.  When they increased my Synthroid from 25mcg to 50mcg my heart raced in the 160's.  My doc has then switched my meds to Levoxyl and restarted me on 25mcg.  I will then increase VERY slowly; 25, 37.5, 44, 50, 62.5 etc.  I cannot tolerate fast increases and he said it could be due to the fact that I have gone so long being undiagnosed.  I guess that plays a part in it????  Good luck to you and you may want to consider cutting your meds in half but call and ask your doc first.  

[mom6wise]

I don't know any of my stats.  I was diagnosed with hashimotos 'bout two months ago.  I took brand name synthroid for 30 days and then generic.  I got my meds refilled last night but switched back to brand name.  I can't go get my levels checked 'cause I have no more health insurance.  I'm so frustrated and tired.  I want to just sit and cry...

[goolarra]

Do you know your FT3, FT4 and TSH?  If so, please post.  If not, call your doctor and ask.

Overmedication can be a cause of palps and tachycardia.  So can starting at too high a dose.

How long have you been on the 50 mcg of brand name?

You might ask your doctor to prescribe a beta blocker to counter the palps and tachy.  It really helps.