Levothyroxine Side Effects (Page 2) (Top voted first)

I was recently diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. I have been taking levothyroxine for almost two weeks. For the last four or five days I have had a weird feeling. It is hard to explain. I don't really feel dizzy but I get a strange feeling in my head. I guess you would describe it as a head rush. Has anyone else had this feeling and will it go away as my body adjusts to the levothyroxine?

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My TSH is 5.1 and T4 is normal at 12.8 but I'm overweight and suffer with constipation and cold feet so my doctor has put me on 25 levo. Been on it just over a week, got a stiff neck and a lump in my throat, hungrier but as yet no weight gain. I'm worried about hair loss and weight gain, I'm in the UK so not sure if I can get NDT ? Any help is appreciated , will ask for my T3 to be tested too

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Hi, I too i'm 30 years old. I'm also male. From what I've read most of you are on a way smaller dose then I am, I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 3 mos ago. When I started I was put on 100mcg now I'm at 150 I've seen my test results from 2 docs and both said and showed the same so I'm pretty sure their right. Now I've never felt any of the things that any of you are describing and I'm sorry that you are feeling these things. I just wanted to share something I heard which was that some dr. were giving out thyroid medication to women who complained about weight gain and then telling them they had hypothyroidism. I've also heard of people having strange and uncomfortable reactions when they have been misdiagnosed, I hope that none of this pertains to any of you but I thought I'd throw it out there. I hope you all feel better soon!!!!

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It is so nice to see others that just get it. I've only been taking thryoid meds for about 2 weeks and trying to explain the weird feeling I get to people who aren't on it is frustrating. It's kind of like a head rush meets fuzziness... thankfully, no palpitations and i'm looking forward to the weight loss

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I've taking Synthroid for years, and was diagnosed hypothiroidism/Hashimoto's abou 14 years ago. I read all the comments and questions on these 2 pages. My experience with thyroid problem is as bad as yours. However, now,I realize that those symproms -loose of hair, lose of memory, tachicardia, etc. were for the reason that my thyroid was not working correctly because first either, I did not not know I had the problem, then because the medicine was icorrect. Usually overdose. I recomend the endocrinology doctor, take the medicine as soon as you wake up, eat something after an hour, take vitamins -daily- after four hours after having taken the medicine, do exercise -I walk 1/2 hour daily. Don't forget to visit your doctor. My doctor requests a visit epr year, but I request exams every 3 months to my general doctor. And, if I find or feel an irregularity I make an appoitnment with my specialist, ASAP. Remember that we are in constant hormone change. I learned from your comments. My concern, right now, is the liver. Lately, I have heard that affects the liver, and I am trying to find information. Remember to remember you -we- live this problem. Once I forgot and I was dying. I was -or the doctor- taking overdose. I change the doctor. Good luck.

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I started on the generic levothyroxine 8 years ago. I was fine on .25.. until I became pregnant 6 months afterwards. I was so hypersensitive every time they raised my meds while pregnant I ended up in the hospital 4X and almost had a miscarriage. Here I am years later... Two years after my son was born my TSH went up so they switched me to Synthroid. Worse!! Hair falling out real bad, weight gain... I finally got someone to switch me to Armour and that was even worse for me with the Heart issues... palps, chest pains.. so I stopped all meds. BIG MISTAKE! For two years I have been trying to get back on them and can't take anything. Cytomel, Naturethroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid I can only raise to .50 before I feel like I'm going to die.. and yes, the symtpoms are debilitating. It is a catch22... sick without them, and sick with them. I have been to 6 Endos and 2 doctors. Nobody can help me. I am now paying alot of $$ out of pocket this month to see a dr who specializes in hormones as I am 46 and premenopause symptoms are exaggerated because of my thyroid not being treated. I tried going back on the generic several times this year, first two times resulting in headaches.. this last time.. my joints in my hands thighs and feet were in so much pain I went back to Synthroid. I have hardly any hair left... and yes you can retain water and get bloated... my vision.. is worse as I raise the meds.. and yes... the light! it is awful.. some daysI can't bear to sit out in the sun. muscles desintigrate... heart flip flopping.. This is a major issue that needs more medical attention. the thyroid controls all the major organs... and the meds all are lousy... It's been two years of serious sickness and trying things for me and has been very frustrating. and the doctors don't make it any better. It seems for the most part... pharmacutical companies are like oil companies.... It is all about the buck!

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I was diagnosed in June w/hypothyroidism- Doc put on me on Levo. First 2 weeks - felt more alive. Then as the doses increased brain fog and dizziness kicked in. As I was raised to 75mg I started gaining weight and retaining mass water. I started having shortness of breath. So I took myself off of it. I have had 2 blood tests since then and everytime he keeps trying to put me back on it. I've decided to try natural thyroid stuff instead since he refuses to listen to my concerns and symptoms. 8 pounds in 3 weeks is a little scary.

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I have been feeling what I call crummy for a very long time. Three weeks ago I went to my Dr. because I thought I was having a gallbladder attack. My abdoman hurt so bad! I also told her about the extreme tiredness and headaches that I have been experiencing. Also body aches, and a dizzy/lightheaded feeling. My blood test results came back that my Thyroid was not functioning right and that I was hypothyroid. She did a Thyroid exam and found a density on the right side. Since then I have had an ultrasound and a solid nodule was found along with some coloid nodules which are presumed benign. I am scheduled for a biopsy of the solid nodule in 5 weeks. [soonest I can get into an endocrinoligist] I still feel bad even tho I have been on levo for 3 weeks. I feel very depressed, mostly because I have no energy and feel like I'm in a fog most the time. I hate the dizzy feeling. Eight years ago I had a total hysterectomy with my ovaries out for stage 4 endometreosis. It took about a year to feel better from that with hormone replacement. I wonder if that lead to what I am going thru now. If the nodule is malignant, I will need a thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine which will leave me completely dependent on levothyroxine. Has anyone else had an experience like this?

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Some of the symptoms that are discribed are not necessarily symptoms of the medicine but of the condition. I've taken 175mcg of this medication for several years. Early on when I was first diagnosed I felt some of the same symptoms. It wasn't until my doctor finally got the dose right did I start feeling good. Some other things I would like to point out that have helped are the regularity of taking the meds on an empty stomach in the AM. Have your iron checked, not just the iron itself but the binding properties because thyroid issues and anemia go hand in hand which also causes the dizziness and tiredness and also have your vitamin D checked because this goes with anemia. Low vitamin D can cause all kind of muscle aches, joint pain and fatigue. I really believe that I suffered needlessly before it was determined that my vitamin D was super low. In fact it was a chiropractor who suggested I get that tested. As long as my doctor can control these three things that seem to be totally related I feel good. Every blood test I get includes all these tests. Find a good doctor that is willing to look at the whole puzzle and not just a piece. I hope this helps someone.

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Sort of feeling not really dizzy, but lots of flutters or palpitations of heart. My thyroid goes crazy at times and i go from hypo to hyper, and this has been since i have been on levothyroxin. Have had to be admitted to hospital twice, because of atrial fibrillation caused by thyroid.

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Hey I had a question about this. I have a completely normal thyroid, literally it is in the EXACT middle point of normal. However, my doctor prescribed the medication for me because I had gained a lot of weight when I was sick with Oral Thrush (I had it for almost 3 months) there is a medication for it, and it is only 1 pill, you take 1 time. But no one would prescribe it for me, until I went to the ER and waited there all day and finally when I saw a nurse I told her when she saw the doctor to tell her I wanted a prescription for that pill.
Anyways, since I'd gained so much weight, the doctor checked my blood for thyroid, diabetes, etc... (I also JUST had a baby) everything came back perfect but he still prescribed me Synthroid. I took it one day... then read all of the rules and directions on the box and a bunch of reviews about people gaining weight on it and refused to continue taking it. I also read it can make your thyroid stop working completely or become dependent on the medication, so why would I take it if i don't need to, I have plenty of health problems and daily meds I would prefer to keep it to just those for the time being.
Has anyone lost weight on this medication? I have read so many awful reviews on it so I was very curious.

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In response to the first question I've never had that feeling but only been taking levo for about 2 weeks. As for your concern for side effects, mine have been more along the restricted feeling in throat and sore throat, and muscle aches.From reading some of your concerns I understand how you feel. However, it says specifically on the label of this medicine that the dr has prescribed it because the positive effects outweigh the negative side effects.From doing a lot of reading some of you have the option of switching meds and trying a brand name like synthroid. That has seemed to have worked better for some.More importantly, stop complaining and call your doctor.He/she should know what's going on with your body more so then the people on this forum. If you don't like your current doctor find a new one that you like. Everyone has their own expectations of what a doctor should be and you need to find that. Additionally, It's primarily your responsibility to ask questions and voice concerns to your doctor.I see some of you on the forum have educated yourself and are here for support. Completely understood. However, some are misusing this for a doctor visit. Do some reading, see your doctor, if you don't like your doctor get a new one and repeat until you find the info,diagnosis, and controlled management of your thyroid which works best for you with minimal side effects. Hope everything works out for everyone. Best of luck.

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I was unfortunate to be born without a Thryroid gland and have had to take Levothyroxine all my life. I always seem to be hyperactive, have a big appetite, always feel tired around tea time and reglarly feel ill. Doctors are useless and don't seem to know what is going on and my tablet strength is normal. Does anyone else have the same effects? My current dose is 200mcg.

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To All:
I am a 57 year old male and had my thyroid completely removed about 5 mths ago (pollups not cancer). I have been on Levo ever since. My current dosage is 175MCG. The only side effect I seem to have is edgyness with a little anger thrown in to make it interesting. I have noticed that I do a lot better if I exercise, power walking works really well for me and about 3 miles appears to be about perfect. When I do this everyday I have no side effects at all. If you can, try it. If I get lazy and miss a few days, the edgyness begins to come back. With no thyroid at all, this will need to be a daily regimin for the rest of my life. Might as well make the best of it.
Best of luck to all of you.

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Hi Nicky, Have you shared your feelings with your medic, if not you ought to. Yes, hypothyroidism makes you clinically depressed as well as put on weight etc etc. so taking the tablets will help both things but it is not instant. although you may start to feel different after a couple of weeks it takes about 5 or 6 weeks to get into your system and then you may need the dose increasing to reach the best dose for you. You can't be given a large dose for starters as every cell in your body needs thyroxine to produce energy and if you swamp them they go haywire hence we all keep talking about feeling rough when we start taking it or increase the dose. Actually very few people feel grotty just us unlucky few.
I seem to be losing about a pound every couple of weeks so stick with it.

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Yes Bonnie you would get very sick, as anyone with a thyroid problem know you can't NOT take your meds... Adjij- stay off the boards unless you can offer some real input!

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I am 50 years old. For years my doctor has been telling me that my thyroid levels were off and that I would soon probably need to go on medication. On me last trip to the doctor, in August, he decided I need to go on Levothyroxine. I just turned 50, so I am left wondering if that influenced his decision? I had none of the normal symptoms. No hair loss or lack of energy. Anyway, I am on the lowest dosage, 25 mcg. I was fine taking it for about a month, then one night I started having really strong painful spasms in my throat. That progressed to chest pain. The symptoms were gone in the morning. As time went on, it became hard for me to eat. It felt as though the food was getting stuck in my throat. It got so bad that now I really don't eat very much. Despite that, I have gained weight. I have skipped doses of the levothyroxine on 3 occasions now, and each time that horrible feeling in my throat magically goes away. I have looked up these symptoms, and it seems they are actually a sign of hypothyroidism....but why am I only experiencing them when I take the medication? That's what I would like to know. And how can I continue to take a medication that makes me feel aweful? I need to go in and see my doctor again to discuss this, but I wanted to learn more before I go. I fear he will not listen & believe me. How sad is that?

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It's been 5 months now on Natural Dessicated Thyroid. Anxiety, panic attacks are gone, cervical pain gone, fainted feeling gone, pain in muscles and joints gone down to a 2 out of ten, no more insomnia etc. I could see an immediate relief on NDT. I would recommend to every one with Thyroid issues the book Stop de Thyroid Madness. It has helped me a lot. I had big side effects with levothyroxine. It is not compatible with our human body and only gives T4 hormone. NDT gives T0,T1,T2,T3,T4 and calcitonin. No more hair lost ! I feel better, a lot better ! I also took care of my adrenals issues !

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My answer to all of these problems was to get off this toxic junk and switch to Armour Thyroid!
I had all of the problems you are discussing for 2 1/2 years. Within half an hour of taking my first Armour pill 80% of my problems went away, then 95% when I got to full dose. Do not take Levothyroxine!

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My tsh was 5.5 but my gp treated the symptoms which were horrendous I am now on ndt feeling really well fight for treatment

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I had my thyroid removed Jan 29 2016 and my doctor keeps telling me my body is adjusting to the levothyroxine. Been on it almost three months I had heart palpitations, blood pressure is staying up blurred vision, my hips and knee joints hurt, leg cramps like Charlie horses back of my legs are tingling like a nerve is involved, nausea and headaches. How long before this will level off or should I be begging for a new med. or should I fire my doctor and find one that is going to listen because I'm done feeling bad all over again.

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