how long for methimazole to work?

[firefly7]

How long did it take you guys for it to kick in?   Almost three weeks ago here were my labs:
TSH                  [L]  <0.01 uIU/mL              [0.30-4.70]
Free T4                   1.89 ng/dL                  [0.75-2.00]
FT3                  [H]  5.5 pg/mL                   [2.3-4.2]  

I'm on 10mg of methimazole which I take as 5mg twice a day.   I had a slow start with it two weeks ago, taking only 5mg as I am notorious for my medication reactions but as I'm okay so far I'm gone up to 10mg for the last three days.   Still the minute my beta block leaves my system my resting heartrate zooms up to 100 or with caffeine even more.   I'm cutting out the caffeine altogether now - bums me out because chocolate is my comfort food.   My first visit with the endo isn't for a couple weeks yet.    Thanks in advance!

[goolarra]

Methimazole has a relatively short half life (6-13 hours), so it should be out of your system in a few days.  However, it does vary individually.  The symptoms you should watch out for are the same ones you would have had when hyper...anxiety, insomnia, weight loss, diarrhea, increase HR and/or BP, etc.

Acne is often a symptoms of hyper.  Do you think that splotches could be that?

[jazzin]

How long does it usually take for the meds to get out of your system? Does it vary? What are some of the symptoms to watch out for? I have like little red splotches come out around my nose yesterday and am starting to think this might be related to my thyroid. Should I be concerned and let my endo know about this?

[goolarra]

I answered on your other thread.

[tixiedixie10]

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last august and have been on propranolol and methimazole since. I was taking four methimazole and now my specialist increased it to 5 and that really makes me sad. I'm gaining weight and feel so awful about myself. Yes i am feeling better which is worth alot but my hot flashes are insane. My pituitary gland is what the specialist refers to as "sleeping" and so I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to how to wake it up. My blood tests came back and my Tsh-.005 T4-24 and T3-10.3.. I'm so blonde when it comes to understanding what these numbers mean. Can anyone explain them to me? Thx

[goolarra]

Glad to hear you're feeling better.  It'll take the meds a while to get out of your system, so watch for symptoms.  Best of luck...

[jazzin]

Talked to my doc yesterday and he told me to get off the meds and see how I feel. I've been feeling fine ever since I quit taking the meds. Said if I start feeling bad again to let him know.