new to Levoxyl - side effects

[mscholtz]

I'm mildly hypothyroid (TSH about 6.5, w/ T3 and T4 about what you'd expect from that).  Have been on very low dose of Levoxyl (25 mcg) for 3 days now.

First day basically felt nothing.  Since then, I've started to feel better in several ways.  More energy (I was really lethargic), clearer headed, muscles feel stronger, feel less cold (although low body temp hasn't budged), skin is less pale.  But I'm also starting to feel a little nervous, heart rate is just a tad fast, hard to relax, a bit hard to sleep at night.  Nothing too bad, I can live with it for a while.

I understand the unpleasant side effects are common reactions to T4 meds, although many people take longer than 3 days to feel them.  What I'm wanting to know is:
Is it likely that I'll adjust to the dosage and the side effects will lessen?  Or is it a possible sign that I've got too high a dose?

Based on what I've read here, and in the fine print from the Levoxyl package, it seems likely it might be transitory.  (Directions say to notify your doc if these symptoms "persist or worsen").  For others that have experienced this, did it eventually get better?  And how long did the adjustment take?

Thanks!

M.

BTW, I'm also recovering from a vitamin B-12 deficiency.  The first few weeks on high replacement dose of that actually affected me in a similar way (plus lots of heart palpitations).  Then it eased off.  So my body's had a lot to deal with lately, which may be contributing to my sensitivity.

[stella5349]

I had nothing but problems on T4 Synthroid - so I really am not a good source to comment. My situation is I could not convert T4 into T3 so I needed a med change.

Too bad it took 4 years to figure that out though.

[mscholtz]

Thanks, everyone.  This feedback is definitely helping, and I'm definitely going to wait this out and see if it gets better.

What I'm still wanting to hear, though, is: for those of you on any T4 meds (not just the Levoxyl brand), if you had side effects like this that ended up going away, how long did they last?

Thanks!

[Thypatient]

When I started on this brand, Levoxyl, I had subtle side effects right away.  It was the same when I had started on another brand, Synthroid, and before that on a generic.  They did subside though.  If yours don't, call and tell the dr.

It's good you read the insert and it sounds like you're taking good care of yourself.  Keep it up.

[stella5349]

I hate to sound a bit different - but I see you posted a TSH of 6.5 under guidlines that is a bit high. Average range for TSH at the max is 3.0 under updated guidlines. So by numbers you are a bit more the mild hypo. BUT since you are on a .25 synthroid and for the most part you are feeling better - give this a try until your next blood draw.

It would be wise to consider a cholestrol check due to your hypothyroid symptoms. That is very very common with this disease to be elevated. Had if you are having heart palps at such I quick time of getting the meds in you - I believe this test needs to be done.

When is your next visit scheduled?

[kipland]

I'm on Levoxyl as well, but a much higher dose because of my TT.  I've been on 175mcg since late September.  I've noticed some of the symptoms you described at times as well, especially the racing heart.  It typically only lasts for a few minutes and is gone.  I've noticed that if I drink a lot of caffeine, it makes it worse.  

Another symptom I have is sometimes I get this "whooshing" sound in my head - where I can hear my heartbeat and my hearing is strange.  It normally happens after I stand up after sitting a while and start moving.  That will only last a minute or two as well.  I talked to the doc about it, but he didn't think it had to do with the meds.  He said it my be my blood pressure changing, as it normally happens when I stand up.  

I agree with the previous poster.  Keep an eye on it, and if it continues, you may be on too high of a dose.  Keep us posted!

Lori

[Juls1201]

Good news that you feeling better.
Concerning the side effects of levothyroxine - as you have said, at the beginning they are transitory and very individual.
It really depends how your body responding to the drug. If you keep feeling bad for prolonged period of time, that could indicate a need of a lower dose. Remember to report any chest pain, unusual sweating, heat intolerance. Make sure your Doc. periodically checks the drug levels. Keep us posted.
Buy the way, how is your potassium level doing? One of the side effects of Vit. B12 (injections in high doses) is low
potassium levels. Symptoms include - muscle ache, fatigue, mild weakness, cardiac arrhythmias. Normal level is 3.8 -5.1
Good luck.