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Global Patient Feedback for Synthroid (Levothyroxine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I've been taking the Levo for about a year now when I was tested after mentioning fatigue. My dose was increased about 6 mos. ago to the 88 mcg. I found this discussion several days ago and have been thinking about every since and paying attention to myself. I've noticed that I have this itch in the throat and it feels like I have on turtle neck sweater and the snoring is horrible, along with non-existant sex drive and some weight gain. All of these have been off and on for some time.
39 year old Male
Posted: 2009-10-19 09:19:41
Question/Comment:
My last TSh 9/09 was 11 at that time Dr increased ny Levoxyl from 50mcg to 75mcg at the same time I stopped taking Lipitor and started taking Red Yeast Rice and Citrate 600+D. I take the Levoxyl in the morning and the other with dinner. I have been on this for about three weeks. This past Monday, I started experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. I was walking a mile each day, now I can't walk two block without giving out and can barely make it. Any suggestions or thoughts?
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-17 19:38:10
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
It is best to talk to your doctor about your new symptoms. There are many things that could cause your shortness of breath and your fatigue. Your doctor will be the best person to evaluate you and determine the cause.
Also, please remind your doctor that you are taking Red Yeast Rice. Although Red Yeast Rice is sold as a nutritional supplement, it naturally contains lovastatin which is a cholesterol lowering medication similar to Lipitor.
Posted: 2009-10-18 18:39:36
Answer/Reply:
I've experienced much the same problem, along with memory loss, weight gain & muscle weakness- along came Tendinitis too! I've been elevated to 150 mcg (I weigh 120) & have opted to add T4 Cytomel. There seems to be an improvement. Too soon to tell really, but weight has leveled out & am getting better breathing making the exercise easier.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-19 01:10:44
Question/Comment:
I have been on synthroid 25 mcg per day for a little over a week. I feel nervous, flushed, no appeptite. Isn't this odd for such small dose? One doctor said it was not the synthroid and my regular doctor said that it throwing me in to hyperthyroidism. My face flushes severly at night and I feel awful. No other health prblems. 38 Years old.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-16 22:48:00
Answer/Reply:
Please ask to have your Blood Sugar checked! Most thyroid meds tend to effect it. Also it may not be related if your Menopausal. The stupid hot flashes seemed to only hit me at night time.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-19 01:12:37
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Your reaction and side effects may be a sign that your dose is too high. Your doctor may want to measure your thyroid hormone levels to see how this dose is affecting you. You can always discuss with your doctor some options like taking 1/2 of the 25mcg per day or going to an every other day dose schedule until you feel your side effects have lessened. You should keep in close contact with your doctor if your side effects persist or worsen. Do not make any changes to your medication without first speaking with your doctor.
Posted: 2009-11-05 13:54:51
Question/Comment:
I have had the iodine radition to burn off the thyroid gland I had a doctor tell me there is still a small part of the thyoid left. does anyone know if it is possible to get function of the thyroid back?
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-10 16:54:30
Answer/Reply:
I found out after my total removal of the thyroid that if any portion of it were left? It had the potential to "grow back". Not always a good thing given that it was removed due to disease. There's no guarantee that it would come back "normal" or at all. Either way you will need replacement to keep you in balance until anything changed if ever.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-19 01:14:30
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
With iodine radiation, the first treatment usually causes the thyroid to become underactive, not inactive. The thyroid function that is lost is not usually regained however. Most people will have some thyroid function but will need to take a thyroid supplement for life.
Posted: 2009-11-07 00:44:03
Question/Comment:
I have 42 yrs. i just been diagnost with low levels of thyroid hormones. My TSH came with levels at 94.53. I really don't feel too much the symptoms only my complaint was very tired and gain 8 pounds in a couple months, but I am doing exercise which is very difficult for me due to my asthma condition. Dr. gave me the Syndroid with 50 mcg, and i only took the half of the pill in the first day and after 30 mins. i felt a palpitations and had a panic attack. After that, i calm down, but I felt the rest of the day like down and very weak and weird. Dr. said can't be the Syndroid that most likely that we need to work more with the anxiety situation. Now I am kind of scared. Not sure if i should visit a specialist for thyroid and go from there.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-06 21:37:42
Answer/Reply:
If your TSH is really 94.53, you should see an endocrinologist ASAP. Your also should have a T4 test run. Normal is 0.28 to 3.89. Your test number is so high it sounds like should have the test done again. Your doctor is right..after 30 min. such a small dose of Synthroid would have no side effects.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-09 01:40:44
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Palpitations and anxiety can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, thirty minutes after your first dose of Synthroid, the chances of you being hyperthyroid after having such a high TSH level are very low. Seeking the opinion of an endocrinologist for your thyroid condition may help you be more comfortable with your treatment. Many dose adjustments are usually needed based on your lab work before the right dose of Synthroid for you is found. Work with your doctor to help with the anxiety situation as well so that you can truly see the improvement as your thyroid levels return to normal.
Posted: 2009-11-07 00:59:37
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Levothyroxine for 7 months. I have severe muscle stiffness and joint pain. I can not climb stairs or get up off the couch without help. My Doctor says I just need to exercise but I am having difficulty doing them. Is there another medicine that I can try?
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-06 16:44:03
Answer/Reply:
I am 49 F, and recently fell into the same symptoms. I suddenly could not walk or get up without intense pain. I had pain in my legs, hips, buttocks, and back of neck. Elbow's arms shoulders on and on. I was officialy diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and had very low thyroid levels. I was put onto Eutroxsig immediately, and within a week or two there was some improvement. The only real improvement came however when I started fasting, juicing, and fixing my diet. No carbs, no rubbish, and good supplements. Within days the improvements really kicked in, I am now almost 80% back to normal. Still a way to go, much weight to lose, but it's a start.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-22 06:44:19
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Muscle stiffness or joint pain is not a commonly reported side effect of levothyroxine. It is possible there is another underlying cause for your pain and stiffness. Talk to your doctor about finding that cause so that your quality of life will improve and exercise may become more of a possibility. There are exercises that can be done while sitting to get you started. Consulting a physical therapist or a fitness specialist may help - however please be sure to work closely with your physician to find the best type of specialist to help you to increase your activity level.
Posted: 2009-11-05 01:51:49
Question/Comment:
I stopped taking my armour 6 days ago. Was itchy.My doc dont like armour. With the shortage I have a bottle of synthroid. Only i havent taken it yet. Should I take half like I been for three days or would it be ok to do the whole synthroid pill. my armour was 90MG. and the synthroid is 150mcg.'
still dont know why i itch.my doc dont care long as i am on synthyroid. 59 yr old gal
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-26 17:21:37
Question/Comment:
recently I have found myself with no heath insurance and I have been taking levothyroxin for the last 20 yrs. However my precription for my pills has ran out and the dr. will not renew them with out a dr. visit and blood work. And I can not afford that right now. I have been with out any medication for about a month now and I feel the affects of not taking my pill. so my question is ? Is their a supplement or anything over the counter I can take to help me.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-25 20:03:15
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are no supplements or over-the-counter products for thyroid hormone replacement. Perhaps if you explain your situation to your doctor, he or she can work with you on a payment plan. Also, some areas have clinics specifically for patients who do not have insurance and have trouble affording medication and doctor's visits - you may want to find out if any are near you, as they would be able to help you access medication. You can look on the Department of Health website for your state to find out if there are any of these clinics in your area. If you need help with finding this information, please email our support line and let us know what state you live in: support@iguard.org
Posted: 2009-09-30 10:45:46
Answer/Reply:
Go to www.needymeds.org (may be .com) you can pull up the meds here & fill out a form to get them for up to a year free. I don't know for a fact that Levothyroxin is one of the ones can get free, but worth a try. The website will give you a form or they will mail to you. You will need your doctor to fill out his part and put a prescription with it.
62 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-23 22:34:04
Question/Comment:
WOW I am a 50 yr old female and thanks to this article I just got a wake up call. I am taking 0.15g Levothyroxine for around 10 years and I am just now connecting the dots between my: fluid retention in my lower extremities, insomnia, headaches, drowsiness, hot flushes, muscle cramps stiffness, short term memory loss, constipation, feeling of weakness, the shakes, elevated glucose, skin tabs and other subcutaneous lumps and bumps, breathlessness, sleep apnea, bone/joint pain, mental haziness, inability to keep on task - to keep focused, dry hair, anxiety, lack of libido, sweating, dry mouth, palpitations, abdominal pain and bloating, back ache, chest tightness, mood behavior changes, flushing, heightened allergic sensitivities, swelling edema pitting, unexplained itchiness and my meds. My problem is that I feel much worse with out the levoxyl. I am also taking Metformin hcl 1,000 MG TA, Bupropion XL 300mg Tabs, Bupropion XL 300mg Tabs, Crestor 10mg Tab, Plavix 75 mg Tab, Coreg Cr 40mg Cap, Singulair 10mg Tablet, Lexapro 20mg Tab, Strattera 40mg Cap, and Aspirin for type II diabetes, depression, anxiety attacks, Severe food and enviromental allergies A.D.D. and 2 cardiac incidents. I wonder how much is really what. Are some of my maladies drug induced or are the drugs really helping me. Any comments?
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-25 07:08:50
Answer/Reply:
Find another doctor and try to get winged off over half of these medications. Check for yourself. You are on some dangerous meds.There are alot of medicenes you are on that counteract with each other. Be very with these meds.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-26 15:54:13
Answer/Reply:
Oh my word - I can't believe that the drs. continue to give you pills after pills after pills. That just doesn't seem like a good thing. It is your decision, of course, but I would certainly check with another doctor to see if you should be taking all that medicine. I wonder if you wouldn't feel much better if you didn't take so many drugs. Just my thoughts.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-29 17:25:16
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
You are correct in stating that you feel worse when you are not taking the levoxyl. Not controlling your thyroid properly has major clinical consequences on almost every major organ in your body. Although you seem to be experiencing many side effects the benefit is greater to maintaining thyroid health. In addition, many of the medications you are taking also have serious side effects if you would discontinue them abruptly. You should discuss your concerns about your current symptoms with your doctor and review your most recent bloodwork for your thyroid hormone level. If you have not had any recent bloodwork for your thyroid you may want to discuss that with your doctor as well.
Posted: 2009-10-01 20:32:46
Question/Comment:
Could Armour Thyroid be used instead of Synthroid? Also could you supplement Iodrial with Synthroid to decrease the amount of Synthroid you need and eventually get off it completely.
Drs. do not seem interested in natural supplements nor do they know anything about them.
I am having several unwanted symptoms and am attributing them to Synthroid.
Female, age 69
69 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-22 15:12:23
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Armour thyroid can be used to treat certain types of hypothyroidism. You should discuss the option with your doctor based on your medical conditions. It does take some time to reach an optimal level with any thryroid treatment so you should not rush to switch if you have not given your current therapy time to reach an effective level. There is limited information on Iodrial and it is not an FDA approved product.
Posted: 2009-09-22 21:10:44
Question/Comment:
i have hypothyroidism caused by hoshimoto thyroiditis. i've gained a lot of weight and the dr says it's because of the hypothyroidism, but when i take thyroid medication i seem to gain more weight!
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-22 10:44:09
Question/Comment:
i dont have a thyroid the dr removed it my levels go up and down so im always on different levels of meds for it but my right ankle has been swellen and in so much pain i already take pain meds for my back and knees but pain meds dont touch pain in my ankle i cant go from dr to dr cuz i dont have medical insurance my dr goes on your income can someone help me i clean houses for a living so i got to work i push myself
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-19 04:49:50
Question/Comment:
i've been on levothyroxine for a lil over a year now & i've had no side effects from it. my dr says my levels are perfect. this has definately improved my helath ever since i've been taking it!
22 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-15 10:23:53
Answer/Reply:
i was on 75mg levothyroxine but didn't seem to work ,put me on 100mg,and now
i am doing great,even losing some of the weight i had gain,only thing i see thats is
different is a very dry mouth at night
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-24 22:20:45
Answer/Reply:
I have been on the same med for a very short time....my dr. just increased it to 75 mg. and will have that amt chked in 6 weeks via bloodwork.
You mentioned that you feel so much better and your health has improved. The dr. asks me if I feel better....I didn't realize I wasn't feeling good......could you indicate to me a little more HOW this med has made you feel better and how your health improved?
Thanks.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-29 15:01:30
Question/Comment:
I am taking 100mcg Levothyroxine and have been taking different dosages since I was diagnosed 4 yrs ago. I have a problem with my feet badly swelling on a somewhat frequent basis. I have talked to numerous doctors and they don't know what is causing it (it is definitely not a poor circulation problem but water retention related). I was thinking it might be a by-product of my hypothyrodism. Would love to hear a solution.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 16:35:25
Answer/Reply:
I dont know what the answer is but I am having the same thing happening with fluid retention lower extremities sometime much worse than others but this does occur daily,I tried limiting sodium ,not sit in 1 position for long periods ,etc....... I would like to know if any one has an answer for me,also have been very dizzy ,just sitting sometimes I get this very woozy feeling in my head
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-15 21:38:03
Answer/Reply:
I have the same thing happening to me. I will be sitting at my desk at home working when I have a dizzy spell, and I am just sitting typing. My legs are swelling up. I take Levothyroxine and Metformin. I thought I was just forgetting to breath but now reading these posts, it sounds like I need to find a different doctor. My doctor tried putting me on Lasix 9 months ago but I had such adverse reactions to it that she took me off of it. I get up on a regular basis without sitting too long and drink water, limiting my salt intake and I still have fluid retention in my legs. This is not a healthy situation. I just turned 45 and it seems like my health is going in the toilet. I have PCOS with insulin resistance which is why I am on the Metformin. I can't seem to lose the weight because of it. I'm glad we are able to post concerns and get some kind of feedback from others that have grown through this. So, thank you everyone on here that posted. You have convinced me that I need to get in to see another doctor, one who'll listen to me. Thank you.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-21 10:53:16
Answer/Reply:
my previous doctor put me on lasix for the swelling i was having which ended up having a nice side effect, it lowered my blood pressure!
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-18 10:03:55
Question/Comment:
Ladies!
One thing I want to stress above all else is that if you are not getting satisfaction from your doc or you feel they are not listening to you, then go to another doc and another until you find one that IS listening!
I am a 43 yr old female that had borderline low levels and I have felt fatigue due to a host of meds I take for herniated discs. So my doc prescribe the levothyroxine for me in a very small dose, but I have to say that although it should have given me more energy, each time I tried to take it, within 5 days I was sleeping 20 hours a day! That isn't normal, and each time I stopped taking it then the sleep went back to normal(for me anyway, which is about 12 hrs)
But there is no more infuriating, depressing or detrimental thing than a doctor that doesn't really HEAR his or her patients. I know that it's a pain to find other docs and that you may need to see more than 2 or 3 to find one, but this is your life we're talking about.
Without quality of life, omg, we have nothing. Be true to yourself, trust your gut and find someone that is hearing you! They may not be able to solve all your problems but it's really a great thing to feel that your doc IS in your corner and is there for support!
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 16:15:45
Answer/Reply:
i agree completely! i've battled with depression & bipolar for as long as i can remember & it sucks when now 1 lsitens to what ur tellign them. my doctor i have now listens to me well & now i wish i would have went to them sooner. my last few doctors didn't care enough to take the time ot listen to what i was saying. Therer's nothing worse than a doctor trying to perscribe u something u don't need b/c they don't care enough to pay attention to what u need. remember u know ur body better than any 1 else so listen to it!
22 year old female
22 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-15 10:31:28
Question/Comment:
Does Synthroid cause constipation? And, does it interact with Cenestin?
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 02:54:56
Answer/Reply:
I have taken synthroid for 30 years after thyroidectomy for cancer. I have no problems with constipation, or leg swelling that many mention. I can tell you that levothyroxin and other generics are NOT the same and have different results. One doctor kept changing my levels which really messed me up - heart palpitations, etc., thought I was dying.
Everyone should have a blood test including T3 and T4 with the TSH and get the right dosage. In medicine less in more when adding new ones. Natural is better. THere are alot of natural solutions to the things everyone is so heavily medicated for. Also, I am saving over 2/3 by getting my synthroid from nextrx. instead of the big drug store on every corner.
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-21 17:23:30
Question/Comment:
I had a total thyroidectomy in June 2007, followed by radioactive iodine therapy due to a rarer form of follicular carcinoma. I was on 150mcg generic levothyroxine until March 2009 when my levels were elevated and my dose was increased to 175mcg Synthroid brand. In June I started experiencing a rash on my inner thighs which grew to involve almost every surface from ankles to breasts and arms. I was inititally treated for contact dematitis, then scabies, then saw a dermatologist who decided it was a rash with no known cause. Prescription Cortisone creams managed to do away with the rash itch and most of the visible skin rash appearance -- for a while. It returns every few weeks and may itch a lot or just a little. My skin is now very dry and blotchy looking. The rash seems to ease if I fail to take my Synthroid every morning. I am thinking about going back to the lower, generic dose for a while to see if the rash clears up. Will have my levels tested before and after the dose and brand change to see how it affects me otherwise.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-08 16:53:36
Question/Comment:
are there any foods tha it is inadvisable to eat while taking thyroxine (sodium) and why
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-06 07:46:24
Question/Comment:
I am 33 years old today, and I am at whits end!!!! I had a total thyroidectomy in 2000, I was supposed to have only the right lobe removed, but they had to take the whole thing because I had undiagnosed papillary carcinoma in my thyroid, parathyroid(s) and 8 of 8 lymphnodes tested positive. I have had 4 radioactive iodine treatments and I am currently taking 112 mcg of Levoxyl daily. I have sever fatigue, low to non-existant sex drive (which is creating HUGE problems in my marriage), eye twitching, eye dryness, virtually no memory (I used to have a great memory), along with a laundry list of other complaints. I have never in my life felt more horrible. When I bring these concerns to my endo's attention, he just says 'well, your levels are fine'...but I'm not ME!!! I want to be me again. I used to have so much energy, so full of life...now all I want to do is sleep, which as I said, is playing a major part in the corruption of my marriage because my husband doesn't understand what I'm going through. No one, not even your doctor, knows what your going through unless they have been in your shoes!!! I don't know what to do anymore. I'm not depressed (which is what every doctor wants to tell me)...I feel even worse, if that's possible, if I am on an antidepressant. This is not normal!!! I don't know what normal is and haven't experienced that in years. I have done some research and found something called Idoral - is anyone here taking that in addition to thyroid medication and if so, how is that going??? I am so desperate to have the life that I once had that I will try anything!!!!! Please help!!!!
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-03 16:31:02
Answer/Reply:
I had trouble swallowing for a long time and my female Schnauzer started to dig at my neck every chance she got. Then I went swimming in the lake and the fish started biting at my neck. I was afraid it was cancer and went to the doctor to find out. I told the ENT that I thought I had cancer and he told me I didn't know what I was talking about. I switched Doctors and he sent me to another doctor that did a biopcy on my thyroid and found cancer in 1992. I have been on 100 mcg. of Levathroxin every since and I still have a lot of the simptoms you have and a few more. I guess this is the price we have to pay for being humans with illnesses. I would like to think that there is another medicine out there that would be better for people like you, I and everyone else that has this condition but, who knows. I think in the end we are all just the doctors and pharmacies ginipigs. If you find out anything different or a drug that makes all these simptoms go away, I would like to know about it as well. And if I hear of anything better, I will do the same. Good luck and God Bless
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-07 13:38:08
Answer/Reply:
I would recommend reviewing Mary Shomon's website. She also has an excellent book for thyroid patients. Both of these have been critical in my treatment of Hypothyroidism and making sure I feel the best possible. I do take Synthroid, but have found that the generic brand just does not work for me. I also would recommend searching for another endocrinologist; preferably one more willing to work with you. My doctor and I found that keeping my levels down to 1.5-2.0 works best for me, while a lot of doctors feel that anything under 10 is fine. However, if my levels start creeping above 2.0, I find that everything else starts going wrong too with higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure, more fatigue, more weight gain. The right doctor makes all the difference in the world. Good luck and I hope that you find relief soon.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-09 14:15:06
Answer/Reply:
I had my thyroid removed because I had knots growing on both sides but luckly came back normal.I know what you mean I am only 26 and have been on synthroid 112mcg for a couple years now and I have alot of the same side effect as u and I am going crazy also. No one understands me either. My husband doesn't understand why I am always tired and have no sex drive when I am only 26. I feel like an idiot when I can't remember stuff and I was a straight a student in school. I feel like I'm losing everything my mind, body, and life. What do u do??????????
26 year old Male
Posted: 2009-09-09 14:44:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Adding Idoral, or Iodaral, which is an iodine supplement not approved by the FDA, to levothyroxine can be very dangerous. They actually oppose each other in the body and can cause the biochemicals in your body to become completely off-balance. If you do not feel that your doctor is taking you seriously as you still have symptoms, and he does not offer any other advice or help, seek a second opinion. Do not add anything to your medication regimen without a doctor's approval because it could make the situation much worse.
Posted: 2009-09-14 10:17:35
Question/Comment:
I was told I was hypothyroid about six or seven years ago. I have taken Synthroid and levothyroxin .125 mg daily. I have stopped taking my meds about four weeks ago and feel better than I have felt in years! The only thing I can tell that is different that bothers me is a slight choking feeling in my throat sometimes. But I had this on the meds every once in awhile.
Why do I feel better NOT taking the meds? Is there a natural herb I can take for hypothyroidism? I hate taking DRUGS!
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-29 03:51:11
Answer/Reply:
The slight choking feeling you mentioned reminds me of myself. You should have that checked. I had the same feeling and it turns out that I have Hashimotos disease and my thyroid had grown so large that it actually was putting pressure on my windpipe and I had to have it removed.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-31 20:13:27
Answer/Reply:
The same thing was going on with me. My growth was choking me on all foods and I could nto lay down at night because of coughing. I had no idea it was thyroid related. But I had so many hypo symptoms. My growth was discovered in an Ultra Sound for a swollen lymph node in my neck. My brother had pappillary cancer and my ENT insisted on taking the growth out.
I am glad he did because now my symptoms are gone. But I did develop hypo again 3rd month post op due to the shock of surgery i guess. I am on .75 of levothryoxine and doing fine. Losing weight, my feet don't hurt anymore and I have my energy level back.
If you need Synthroid you will know it. It is possible to feel better after treatment and go off but resume symptoms sometime down the road. I sure would keep getting blood work. It's Russian roulette to be on these meds and then suddenly off.
Just my observation and from talking to other patients. If you need them it is a life long thing. However, the dosage may change! depending on how well your thyroid is responding to the treatment. I have 1/2 and will probably have to always be on something especially if my cyst grows and they take the other side out.
But if you feel better off of it, your doctor has some explaining to do, don't you think?
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-01 09:08:42
Question/Comment:
NO COMENT
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-27 21:54:14
Answer/Reply:
has anyone hear that horseradish will affect your thyroid blood levels? If so, do you know why? I just learned that I shouldn't be taking my vitamins with my levothroxin. What about ibuprofen? Any info would be great. I just wish the doctors would better inform everyone. It can be very frustrating.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 15:17:17
Answer/Reply:
I was told I shouldn't eat anything or take vitamins for 3 hours before/after taking Levothroxin by one doctor. Another doctor said 1 hour. I now take before bedtime so I don't have to worry about food or vitamins.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-10 16:22:11
Question/Comment:
I had been on Synthroid since 1975 (varying .1 - .125 mg; on Armour Strong prior to 1975 (Hashimoto's disease)). Last yr for lst time was given generic levothyroxine (by Sandoz) for 90 days, back on Synthroid for 90 days, and finally back on generic.
To my amazement, 1st time ever hair loss stopped 5 days after going on generic levothyroxine. Five days after going back on Synthroid, hair loss started again & continued whole time I was on Synthroid. I'm back on generic and not losing my hair; it's the only difference I notice between Synthroid and generic. I'll never use Synthroid again. Endocrinologist said he had never heard of anyone losing their hair while on Synthroid. 72-yr old female.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-21 16:24:36
Answer/Reply:
I too, have been on Synthroid since the mid 70's. Before that, I was on Cytamel(?). I have no experienced any hair loss, but do think that my curly hair straightened out because of the Synthroid. I have not had any side effects. When taking the generic, I felt lethargic and tired all the time which is why my doctor switched me back to Synthroid.
73 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-26 11:05:18
Question/Comment:
Thyroid Hx: (Gravies & Hashimotos Antibodies)
Graves for about 5 years; Remission for 3 years; Hashimotos/Hypothyroidsim for 6 months. Currently using Levothyroxine with significant side effects. (Vertigo/Back Pain/Fatigue/Muscle Weakness/Legs Give out)
My Dr. insists my current symptoms/problems have nothing to do with the Levothyroxine but I know they are directly correlated as I have had none of these symptoms/problems before taking the medication and they get worse as my dose has increased.
I wanted to mention that my ability to tolerate Levothyroxine was improved by switching from taking it first thing in the morning to taking it instead - before I go to bed. Current research does demonstrate that many things interfere with intestinal absorption of this medication such as caffeine, iron; antacids; anti-biotics and other binding agents. My pharmacist and Dr. were not even aware of this. The interference can be for up to 6 hours of taking the medication and I personally don't want to go 6 hours without coffee in the am...so I take it at night with better luck. Pharmacist states that taking it this way is fine for me vs the am dosage.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-20 21:41:40
Answer/Reply:
I was on Synthroid and continued to have symptoms as you mentioned (pain, fatigue, muscle weakness). I found a doctor that would prescribe Armour, I've been on it for less than 2 weeks and feel better than I did after taking Synthroid for 6 months!
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-27 13:48:07
Question/Comment:
Hi there :)
I'm a 19 year old Female and was diagnosed with Graves Disease when i was 9. I moved to New Zealand from Botswana when i was 11 and was told by my new doctor I was on dangerously high dose of Carbimazole (i was on 15 a day! he put me down to 1 a day! I blame the quack in Bots...). But shortly after this i was given radio-iodine treatment due to a very low white blood cell count. So ta-da! I went from being hyper to hypo and was put on the drug Eltroxin, which my mum was also taking for her Hashimoto's (that was a plus, could steal pills from my mum when i ran out haha) My symptoms improved, goiter dissappeared, bulging eyes went down (although to this day I'm still constantly using eye drops for red, gritty eyes). But after 6 or 7 years on the drug it was causing some contraversy about having some bad side effects so i was put on Levothyroxine roughly the end of last year. My list of symptoms were extensive before the Levo, but since I've been on it I've been the biggest mess imaginable :( I've fallen victim to every flu and bug that goes around, became hypersensitive to god knows what and i itch all over my body causing red sores and scarring everywhere, Asthma with prolonged chest pain, weight gain and heightened thyroid symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness, back and neck pain, fatigue and anxiety. I've never met anybody my age going through what i've been through, I've never even talked about it. I suppose by statistics getting thyroid disease at age 9 isn't the norm, most of you had children before it was diagnosed (my mum gave birth to my brother and was shortly after diagnosed with Hashi's) I guess what I'm trying to say is i'm looking for some advice and support from anybody who is going through or has been through this since a young age :( I'm truly so close to never getting out of bed again and showing my face, i've coped fairly well so far but all this is too much! I don't know what to do, please help :(
19 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 09:38:49
Answer/Reply:
Check out www.stopthethyroidmaddness.com
Research Nature-throid.
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 13:35:54
Answer/Reply:
I've often wondered about my gritty eyes that cause such uncomfortable tearing. It usually happens when I am very tired and have not had adequate sleep. However In reading all of the comments here, it does seem like the symptoms of tiredness, depression, weight gain, dry skin, thinning hair, and even high blood pressure are all related to thyroid problems. I've been on the generic synthroid for a couple of years now, on other brands for over 40 years. I took St. Johns Wort for depression (which worked well) until I learned it did not interact well with simvastatin which I had been taking for elevated cholestral. While I walk 3 x week, work out with weights a couple of times a week, watch carefully what I eat (gave up red meat, salt many years ago), my pressure has gone out of control lately, I had a recent episode of gout, and my weight shot up 3 lbs. Now I have given up wine, seafood and shellfish recently due to the high content of uric acid in these foods. I'm going to try taking my synthroid in the evenings, and see if it makes a difference over the next month, along with going vegetarian.
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-23 15:58:51
Question/Comment:
Did anyone experience negative side effects from the brand Synthroid? Is Levoxyl also a generic? My doctor told me that the generic, Levothyroxine was more consistent than Synthroid but never mentioned that my hair would fall out and break. When I ask about it, he tells me that I need to be on anti-depressants. Time for a new doctor.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 08:42:55
Answer/Reply:
Ok, I dont know where your doctor went to school at but when it comes down to Synthroid or Levothyroxine the Synthroid is the better of the two. Synthroid is the name brand and Levothyroxine is the generic, Synthroid is more consistant. You also dont need an anti-depressant for your hair loss, everytime my doctor has changed my thyroid meds from one brand to another or even just changed the dose I have had problems with my hair, its just one of those wonderful things that we have to deal with from time to time. Yes, I do believe that you need to find another doctor because it sounds like he is trying to dope you up to shut you up. Good Luck!
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-20 13:27:51
Answer/Reply:
It's great to be able to read about other people's experiences with Synthroid vs. Levothyroxine. I recently switched from the generic to Synthroid .125 mg since Levothyroxine seemed to lose effectiveness after many years of being on it. I've noticed a couple of things since: my eyes have gotten even drier, I get hot flashes (at 68!!!) and am more forgetful than ever. I need 9 to 10 hours of sleep to feel right and get occasional muscle cramps at night. No problem with hair loss or weight gain though and no ankle swelling either. I take the Synthroid in the very early morning (3 or 4 am) when I wake up to go to the bathroom, followed by breakfast at 7 or 8.
69 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-21 11:47:46
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Levoxyl is a generic substitution for Synthroid in some states, while others do not recognize it as a generic for Synthroid. The key is to have your blood levels checked and managed if you are on either drug to treat hypothyroidism or a thyroid disorder. Hair loss and breakage is a common symptom of having a thyroid disorder. If it is excessive or worsens you should discuss it with your doctor to ensure you are on the optimal dose and or evaluate other options. As always if you are unhappy with your doctor you can seek another opinion from another doctor if you are not able to work effectively with your current doctor.
Posted: 2009-08-20 22:16:25
Answer/Reply:
I was on Synthroid for hypothyroid for about four years and experienced fairly severe fatigue and memory problems. My new doctor placed me on generic levothyroxin and I've been felling much better. I've even been able to lose weight. The only "problem" I've experienced on the generic med is heat sensitivity and very mild hair loss.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 14:49:03
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