new to hypothyroidism

[Jennie1178]

I was recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and started taking 50 of the Levothyroxine a few days ago.  Can anyone tell me what I can expect to feel as far as side effects of the meds working?  Today is day 3 and I had caffeine for the first time on the meds and I'm shaky.  Is this normal?  My TSH level was at 7.5 when I had my blood tests done last.

[Tanooki2]

I am new to hypothyroidism and didn't have any symptoms, but my doctor said my TSH was 5.0 after a routine blood test last year.  I couldn't even tolerate the lowest levothyroxine dose (25 mcg) at first because of a racing heartbeat.  I cut back to a half a pill and gradually increased.  After a year of increasing meds and more tests, I am up to 75 mcg to be in the right TSH range, however, I am shaky!  I feel agitated, anxious, and my muscles are jerky.  After telling my doc, he said to stop meds all together for a week.  I felt better, but the bloodwork came back saying I needed the 75 mcg, so he told me to start again.  Now after several weeks I am experiencing the same symptoms.  Oh and also, my pharmacy switched me from levothyroxine to levoxyl.  Anyone experience the same? I hate this shaky weird muscular issue.

[Jennie1178]

I skipped the coffee this morning and I don't feel nearly as bad as I did, however, I do still feel a little revved up.  I figure I will wait at least a week and see how I am feeling at that time and then bring my concerns to my doctor.  Thanks for you help.  Let me know if the lower dosage helps you out.  I'm only at .05 right now, I'm not sure how much lower it goes.

[kooky734]

jennie, my thyroid level is 12.5 last time checked and i have tried on numerous occasions to take synthroid and have been unable to tolerate it my self, im now going to attempt the lowest dosage0.25  . I just wanted to tell you i had the same side effects, trembling and agitation, and i felt on edge all the time. Look out for joint and muscle pain as well im trying to find the answers as well like do the side effects go away after certain amount of time, but i can never get a doctor to give e a straight answer, these forums are the best place to get good advice, listen to what everyone says do research and then talk to your doc. If he/she doesnt take u serious dont wait like me find a better one.

[AR-10]

You really should limit your caffeine.

I used to drink several cups in the morning.

Once I started taking thyroid meds, the caffeine started messing with me.

I drink decaf now, and have fewer problems.

[Jennie1178]

Thank you for your help!  It must be the pills doing it as far as the caffeine goes.  I've always had one cup in the morning and caffeine has never affected me.  I'm the kind of person who could down a Mountain Dew and go right to bed!    

[needhelp01]

i would avoid caffeine all together,and see if its the meds doin it to you,maybe its too much or adrenal issues can give you shakes wen there stressed out while takin thyroid meds.

[ifupleze]

The shakes are probably because of the caffeine in the coffee.  Drink plenty of water to dilute the coffee. It will take several weeks to bring your TSH to a normal range.  I would suggest getting on the brand name of synthroid or levoxyl instead of the generic form, levothyroxine.  The generic forms are not always consistent from batch to batch and can upset the TSH level.  It costs a little more, but at least you know that you are getting a consistent dose.  If you have no other symptoms other than the shakes, I would forget about the coffee or get decaf.  I have this problem, too and it takes about four glasses of water to dilute the caffeine.  Make sure you wait at lease one half hour before you eat and four hours before you take any supplements such as multiple vitamins.