September 12th
2009
1:45 AM
I have been taking Levoxyl for about 2 years. I have told my Endo doctor many that I have had headaches, nausea, stomach pains and have gained 40+ pounds in the 2 years. Every time I go in to review my blood tests and tell her I'm not feeling right I get the same respondents as a lot of you; they are you sure you are not pregnant? you need to change your diet and eat right? you exercising enough?...The Dr always seems to ignore my symptoms. The last 4 weeks have been Hell for me...I woke up one morning thinking my stomach was going to burst. I went to the Er. They did an ultrasound...found nothing..gave me stomach reflux meds and I went home. 2 days later the pain was a lot stronger right under the center below my rib cage. Went back to the er. They gave me more protonics and gave me a gi dr. I went to the GI doctor and got a contrast scan and then a scope. They of course found NOTHING. A week later I woke up again with the worst pain yet and the cold sweats...to the point where I was going to pass out...Went back to the Er where they gave me a cat scan. Everything was perfect the er doctor said. "They said they couldn't tell me what was wrong". I knew I wasn't going crazy and having all these symptoms but no one could explain why or what is was. I was getting fed up of being sick...So I took my Levoxyl like I do every morning and within 15 mins the pain was back. I went online to look up the side effects of Levoxyl and found this site. Its great to know that I am not the only one out there with these side effects from this medication and am not going crazy! I made an apt with my Endo Dr today called and told her this med was making me sick. She made me have an apt with her assistant. I printed off this page to show her I wasn't alone. As of today I am off of Levoxyl. Thanks to the new Dr who FINALLY listened to me. I do not have to take any other form of this med either. Since I just had a nodule not hypothyroidism. Please Can anyone tell me what they went through from withdrawal from this medication? and anything that helped it go away? and How long did the "detox" from Levoxyl last?
-- By bailey99 | Reply | Private Message me
August 28th
2009
3:05 PM
I too have been part of this levoxyl war. Been on the drug for 15 years and all my doctor ever does is take my blood and change the dose. I've had 2 biopsies and I'm only 32. Im a RDH and into "natural"things. This is the only medication I've ever taken besides the pill-which I went off 2 years ago-.
I went to recently get a refill and denied b/c I needed to see my doctor. Well, I had canceled an appointment only this past week due to conflict with work. To reschedule it was 2 months out. They would not refill my prescription otherwise.
Funny how Doct tell you to never stop taking medication even if your feeling better....but what it boils down to is they're controlling me taking this med in the long run now. Seems no dire emergency to me if they can't schedule me in for an earlier appt-knowing damn well my med has run out.
So F 'em. I've been wanting off this med for years now since I've went a more holistic approach. I've scheduled an appointment to see a holistic doctor regarding my thyroid and other alignments-thoracic outlet syndrome, trapezius myalgia, joint aches, headaches, lack of energy, lack of sex drive, shallow breathing, fogged head, burning eyes, loss of hair etc etc.
Which I feel is not due to lifestyle, overall health etc-but due mostly to being on levoxyl for soo many friggin years. I eat a lot of fish-balanced-I take herbal sups-researched for years-and I walk-there is no excuse for feeling this shitty.....time to do my own experimentation-be my own guinea pig...aside from seeing what a holistic doctor may have to say.
-- By jljl | Reply | Private Message me
June 17th
2009
1:04 PM
Hello... I started taking Levothyroxine last July for slight hypothyroidism. I felt great for the first 6-7 months, but then in January the problems started for me. I was getting severe anxiety which the doctor said was stress and he also thought I was depressed. I knew I wasn't, but he put me on Ativan and Prozac. The week I took prozac was the worst week of my life. I thought the effects I had were from the prozac, but now I know now it was my thyroid spiking, which the doctor never checked my levels during this period. My heart rate doubled, I had insomnia, was gagging, sick, felt like my body was on speed and wanted to die. I was prescribed a beta blocker for my anxiety previously which I had never taken, but decided to take when my heart was racing, which helped me feel a bit better for the week, but I knew something was wrong. I had this happen again recently for about a week (and I was on nothing but levothyroxine). I know what anxiety is and I have never had anxiety or depression my whole life until these episodes that happen when taking this medication. By the time I went to the doctor to get labs done, I had been feeling a bit better and he said my levels were fine. I am now wondering if it's side effects from the meds or if it is spikes in my levels making me hyperthyroid instead. All I know is that I cannot live like this!! I have a 3 yr old and I need to be happy and healthy like I used to be before this medication... no more heart racing, racing thoughts, anxiety, and insomnia. Please help!!
-- By jlucas | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
May 23th
2009
8:32 AM
weight-gain/ alternatives have been availalable.."Amour-thyroid" about.com any alternative medicine sites! Thy-Aid..etc,Synthroid does nothing for thy,roid issue Everything starts there! Bio-denticals deals w/ harmonal...read and learn..FDA lies! Alternatives have "Cured" ask "Breakthrough" Susann Sommers book w/ doctors! Larry King! Truth re: real cures for thyroid,not HRT's..yet another that has killed and/or close to from...Side-effects..alt's do not have side-effects.soon,if enough people stop being lazy and so afraid to take what will keep them alive and happy only then will ALT'S push the bad FDA approved poisons away! Both MUST be explored,but the FDA make billions w/ doctors who get kick backs from each script they write for the infamous SIN-Throid,made my life a horror..hypothyroid issue does not need syn! There are better natural things! Headaches,never get the right dose! Right thyroid tests? Endocrinologists will use those bio-denticals bec- hormone & Thy go together,for all of the idiots out there who think their doctors are sooo good,slowly they are killing them in many ways!
-- By jentilpet67 | Reply | Private Message me
April 6th
2009
3:41 PM
I've been on levothyroxine 150mcg for about 3 months before that it was 100mcg and so on. I have gain lots of weight and tired all the time. depression also, headaches. I hate this gaining weight, sleepy all the time and depression is from gaining weight. I thought this med is to up boost my thryiode but it doesn't seem to be working. my dr. said I'm on the highest dose there is. I don't know what to do any more. I was thinking about taking myself off this but not sure what will happen if i do. I hope there is someone out there that might be able to let me know if they are going through the same things what they are doing and how they feel now.
-- By scooby_beth2002 | Reply | (9) replies | Private Message me
February 16th
2009
3:27 PM
I have been on Levoxyl 100 mcg for 9 months and I never related this rash with the medicine I was taking. I have tried changing my shampoo, bar soap, laundry soap trying to figure out what I am allergic too. I still have this rash-red bumps that sometime itch and when I scratch they seem to bring out more redness. My doctor prescribed me cream but the rash is still there.
I have headaches but I think they are sinus related.
February 1th
2009
9:55 PM
bowel disturbance, nervousness and headaches, migraines cause frequent urination, muscle cramps, neck and left shoulder pain
-- By nverma13 | Reply | Private Message me
January 24th
2009
11:33 PM
After an ER trip where I discovered I was a hypo, I've been on Levoxyl 50 mcg for just under a month. I recently informed my doctor on the phone I was experiencing swelling directly under my chin after I took the medicine in the morning and it lasted all day. He told me to stop and come in and see him immediately. It's the weekend and I can't get in until Monday. It's the 2nd day I've been off the hormone and today I have numbness in my cheeks, they are swollen, I can't eat much and feel really depressed. I've been in pain for so long and now it's just getting worse. I don't know if I should take the hormone tomorrow morning to see if I feel better or stay off as advised by my doctor. Reading everyone's comments is helpful, as it's very difficult for my family and friends to relate to me during this time and seem to think I'm over-reacting all the time as the pain never goes away. Levoyxyl seems to make me feel better, but I still have a lot of back and neck pain, as well as sensitivity to light, headaches and jaw pain. I'm 215 on a 5'5 frame, I eat quite healthy, avoid all the trigger foods for the thyroid and try to be active, but I can't seem to loose weight. I'm really not sure what to do with myself and am loosing hope.. I'm 24 and feel like I'm 84.
-- By tmichele | Reply | Private Message me
January 1th
2009
1:16 PM
This is my 4 week of taking 125mg and I have noticed headaches but not sure if this is a side effect. I have headaches all the time the only thing is sometimes it seems like they come on when I first take my dose. But later in the day everything seems fine. Started having knee pain in one of my knees that I injured about 8 years ago not sure if this is a side effect as well, but I will be tracking it and I will be calling my doctor first thing on Monday. I have alot of allergies to medications so hopefully if this is all do to the medication, I can take one of the other that has been mentioned.
-- By dmprice | Reply | Private Message me
September 25th
2008
3:50 AM
Boy, this could take a while. Have been on generic Levoxyl for more than 7 yrs(can't say exactly how long since I stay "fuzzy headed" all the time). Anyway, about a yr ago I became so depressed I went off all my meds -- I'm a diabetic on insulin and also have high blood pressure. I felt good!To try and make this story a little shorter, I went on a diet and lost 70 lbs -- went from 310 down to 240. Then I went back on meds. In less than a yr, have regained all the weight I lost. Also, my legs swell and ache so badly it makes walking painful. Hands, wrists and knees throb constantly. Intermittent headaches so bad I have to wear sunglasses just to tolerate indoor lighting. Hair loss is so severe I'm considering a wig. Skin is dry and itchy and lotions help not at all. Any work I have to do I must accomplish before noon because by early afternoon the fatigue is debilitating. I'm currently on 300mcg of Levothyroxine (up from 250mcg 2 months ago) and doctor wants to increase dosage even more. Had no idea there were other people suffering the same problems until I stumbled upon this site. I take the medication as prescribed (with perhaps less than the recommended full glass of water) but plenty of coffee. Discovered on another site that the coffee may be inhibiting the drug's absorption. I feel so helpless/hopeless. Am considering going back off the Levothyroxine but am seriously worried about high T3/T4 levels. Thanks for listening; guess I just needed to vent.
-- By lorrieps | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
September 10th
2008
2:34 PM
I've been on the same dose of Levoxyl (118 mcg) for 11 years and I have none of the side effects that have been described. My mother and grandmother also have hypothyroidism, but my mom take 110 mg of synthroid, also prescribed by the same doctor that prescribed me. When I was in the 4th grade my thyroids swelled to the size of golfballs, so much so that you could see them when my head was up, and I was extremely tired and had hot and cold flashes- scary for a 10 year old! My doctor recognized it immediately, and put me on Levoxyl. About a year ago, I gained 15lbs for seemingly no reason, but then this summer I lost about 20lbs. The only difference was taking the medicine 1 hr before I ate anything. I saw someone said that after taking the medication she would get hungry, which I also have, but this makes sense, because Levoxyl is in essence trying to up your metabolism and by doing this you are burning more calories and thus become hungry. If you let this hunger pass, about 20 min later you are no longer hungry and feel great! I still get slight hot flashes, but not too noticeable. I would recommend just as other on here have, that the dose that your doctor may give you may not be 'your' number, and to give it time. If you change your dose, give it 3 months, not 5 days like I saw above! If you have to wait 6 months for 2 dose changes isn't that better than hurting your whole life? GOOD LUCK!
-- By hypoclara | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 10th
2008
12:54 PM
I too was a picture of health even with my TSH being off. My old doctor retired and a new one prescribed the levothyroxine.
I never have felt so rotten in my life. Extreme fatigue to the point I am given up many activities I've been involved in for years. Headaches and joint and body pain. I feel like I was hit by a truck!
I stopped the meds and felt fine..cept my cholesterol went up to 262 and my tsh 7 something.
The doctor scared me back on to the levothyroxine.
I am desperate. I wish I knew what to do.
September 9th
2008
7:21 AM
I have been on Levoxyl for years. Have experienced all the side affects this medication has and then some more! My hair loss and thinning, depression, bone aches, headaches, fatigue, and much more...finally I asked the doctor is there was anything else out there in the market which had less side effects....there is a natural product which has been in the market for many years called Armour Thyroid (*******). All I know is that if I continued to take Levoxyl, I will most likely end up in bed for life...I am only 43 yrs old and would like to have at least "normal" energy for my age. There is NO reason I should feel a lot older and I know for a fact it is the medication. I have only been taking Armour Thyroid for just a few days but will report my well being in about the next 30 days. Since I was on 100mg of Levoxyl a day, am taking two grains of 30 mg a day for a total of 60 mg of Armour a day. In about 25 days I go for blood work to check levels, so far I experience a bit of nausea right after I take the "new" medication but it does not last all day. Hopefully, this new med will give me my LIFE back! Thanks for reading.
-- By hopeandheaven | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
July 2th
2008
11:03 AM
I have been on Levoxyl for about 9 years and have felt awful. I have had weight loss, dry hair, thinning hair,dry skin, muscle aches, migraines and the list goes on. I just got out of the hospital Monday after 4 days of testing of my heart and lungs. I was admitted for racing heart. The doctor's conclusion was anxiety! They said that Levoxyl has nothing to do with my rapid heart rate. The endocrinologist prescribed taking levoxyl .050 on day and .075 the next also a beta blocker, Xanax and Zoloft. I can not take any of these meds b/c they make it almost worse. I KNOW it is not Anxiety and it from the Levoxyl but what do I do?? I am a mess right now can not be in this condition with four young kids and a husband. None of the doctors would say it was the Levoxyl and instead prescribed more and told me to check up with blood work in 6 weeks. I took the .050 yesterday around noon and by 7:30pm my heart rate picked up again and continued until 4:30 this morning. I can not sleep more then 2 hours at a time and wakeup feeling like I am crawling out of my skin. PLEASE let me know of any solutions.
-- By bcantrell | Reply | (9) replies | Private Message me
May 12th
2008
2:41 PM
5-12-08 Was put on 25mcg in Mar. 08. because of Hashimoto Disease &
Hypothyroidism. At first had more energy & no symptoms. After a month
severe pain in joints especially in hands & left wrist. Muscle spasms in
thighs, calves & shoulders. Neck & back pain. Also headaches. Am
bloated all the time and can't seem to lose weight. Force myself to stay
active, but difficult to do. Irritable because of pain. Oh yes, on l-7-08 my
TSH was 4.270 & 4-29-08 my TSH was 4.430 & Dr. doubled my Levothyroxine to 50mcg & after that above symptoms doubled to
excruciating. After reading this web site no one mentioned extreme dry
mouth, throat & nose with a metallic taste in their mouth as I have. Let
me know if anyone has had this problem. Thank God for this site & thank
all of you that confirmed my problems was not in my head like doctors
want you to think. Thanks M.
April 14th
2008
4:04 PM
I was diagnosed with having hypothyroidism, and after having FNAs done on the two nodules that were found during a screening of my thyroid - it turned out that I also have Hashimoto's Disease. I am currently on the lowest dosage of Levoxyl - and have been for about two months, and I have never felt so bad in my whole life. Yesterday I cried the entire day - for no reason. I have migraines several times a day. I get dizzy and have hot flashes and I feel so ditzy lately, forgetting the littlest things. It is a very frustrating way to live, being married with two small children. It is hard for me to explain this to anyone, and I unfortunately take some comfort in reading that I am not the only one living with this. I keep wondering if I will get better, not only for me, but for the sake of my family.
-- By issysmalls | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 8th
2008
3:15 PM
I have been on Levoxyl for 3 years, changed from Synthroid. I have gained about 20lbs a year for the last 3 years, suffered headaches, stomach problems, dizziness and nausea. The last couple of months I have had migraines or bad headache more often, just about every day I feel bad. I stopped the Levoxyl and changed Dr's. new doctor said, stay on meds, changing back to Synthroid, but until meds are delivered I should stay on Levoxyl, I took a 1/2 dose yesterday and again today, I had a bad headache this morning, once again. I will not take Levoxyl anymore, I will wait for the Synthroid to come instead.
-- By bolinda | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
February 7th
2008
9:37 AM
I only took Levoxyl for 5 days then stopped. The first couple of days were just headaches and extreme nausea. At night I would have sweats and during the day chills. I was going to live with these side effects but then on the fourth day I started being nervous, my face was flushing and one of the veins in my leg swelled. Then on the fifth day - along with everything else I began feeling a little weakness in my muscles - but the kicker was my toes and fingers were so sore and hurt so bad I couldn't stand it. My fingers felt as if I had been typing non stop all day - first thing in the morning and all day long. I called my physician who said that Levoxyl couldn't give any of those symptoms and I was imagining it all. I WAS NOT imagining any of it! I didn't wake up and say,"oh, i want my fingers and toes to hurt all day long for no reason". He didn't like me questioning him, but I wasn't questioning him, I was questioning Levoxyl. I asked him if there were any withdrawal symptoms and he said no. So I stopped taking it. Of course, I am not symptom free yet, as I figure it will take a couple days to get out of my system. My thyroid is slow and I know I am going to need to take something - I just wonder what suggestions other people with Levoxyl have done. And if anyone who has gone off it, actually had worse problems in the withdrawal phase. I know five days isn't that much, but I think my body is very medicine sensitive and responds very well. Thanks so much for anyones comments or advice!
Tammy in Florida
January 15th
2008
8:37 PM
I have been reading all the entries for this website and thought I would pass along some useful information. I have been on Levoxyl for 8 years now and have had lots of the symptoms that all these people have had. I then had an appointment with a great Endo doctor at the *** and discovered some interesting things. There is a number "range" they put all people into when checking your TSH levels, only problem is each person is different and even though the doctor may say your in the range, it may not by the right dosage for you. Unfortunately the only way to determine the correct range for you is to experiment with the dosages and it takes 3 months or more for your body to adjust. Also, thyroid hormones are accumulated in the body and depending how active you are is how you may feel. The hormone pill you take today will not be used by your body for up to 10 days, so if you feel good for a few days at rest, then exercise the next day you may feel drained. It will take a few days for your body to replenish the stockpile of hormones to feel "normal" again. A working thyroid makes hormones as needed, yours now does not so this is why so many people feel fatigued, or racing heart beat if they don't get enough exercise. I also had leg and muscle pain. The medication depletes your body of Calcium and B complex especially B12. My leg and muscle pain have disappeared. I still get headaches, but much less with the B12, and some days I still feel tired but I say again, your body cant regulate its needed thyroid hormone and a synthetic pill is only a substitute.. You will always have some side effects. Hope these tips help someone.
January 4th
2008
9:41 PM
I have been taking Levoxyl for 1 1/2 yrs, I had my thyroid removed due to severe hyperthyroid. In the past year, I have been getting pains and weakness in my hands. It is so bad now, I can't open a jar or lift a frying pan. It hurts sooo bad. My legs hurt and my knees have real bad joint pain.
The funny thing is, it's not every day and not always both knees. It is however all the time in my hands. Last week I went to an Arthritis specialist in San Antonio. He ran every blood test avail. Tested for Rhum. arthritis, Lyme disease, AA, and all kinds of stuff. He x-rayed my knees and injected cortisone in my knees and hands. - that hurt -
He found nothing wrong!
I searched on line tonight for "Levoxyl and joint pain" and this site came up. Boy am I glad I am not the only one who is questioning this horribly possible side effect. Oh, I also have memory loss. I feel like I am 80 yrs old. Just to make sure you know what type of person I am, here goes: I am fit, active, 37 yrs old and 115 lbs, I eat well and take vitamins, non smoker, non drinker.
On Monday, I am calling my doctor. I am printing this web site and all of the postings like mine. There must be something I can be put on that will fix this. Can anyone tell me if they have no Thyroid and have gotten off this stuff; does the hand pain stop? Does it get better or is this permanent damage?
Kerrville TX
-- By tx1234 | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me
December 27th
2007
5:19 PM
I have being taking thyroid medicine since 1994. I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and prescribed Synthroid. It didn't work. Instruct to take radioactive pill. Now, diagnoses change to Hypothyroidism. Prescribe Levoxyl. Endocrinologist said I would lose weight, but instead I have gone from a size 8 to 16. I feel really bad when I miss my doses. Really anxious when I take it every day. I am noticing that I have moles growing out and spreading all over my body. Switch back to Synthroid three months ago. That when start experiencing a great deal of hair loss. Decide to switch back to Levoxyl but a lower dose. The hair loss has slowed down a little. But, hair is growing slowly. I am having problems focusing and some memory loss. I really don't know what to do. I have change endocrinologist twice. I really think that Levoxyl and Synthroid have bad side effects on human after long term usage. I am miserable because I can't control my weight. I know that it has something to do with this medicine. If anyone know of some other medicine that would Hypothyroidism in check without all of the side effects that I mention. Please share it with me.
-- By c4d2b6g911 | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me
December 12th
2007
12:18 AM
I have been on Levoxyl for only 12 days after switching from generic Levothyroxine, which I was on for 3 years.. I have no history of any GI disturbances and the last 5 days I have been extremely constipated, had horrible stomach cramps, gas and bloating. I am on no other meds, so my Doc and I have concluded maybe Lexovyl is not the right med for me?. Am starting name brand Synthroid tomorrow. In addition to the GI disturbances I have been having headaches the past week as well.
-- By hudsongrl | Reply | Private Message me
August 19th
2007
4:03 AM
Since changing from Synthroid to Levoxyl almost six months ago, I've gotten worse. I have much of the same symptoms as the one's i've read ie: headaches, swelling, numbness in fingers, fatigue, body aches, depression, hot and cold, but the latest one is very concerning for me, I never had allergies before, and now, my throat is always itchy, my ears are itchy, and it's making me crazy. Also, my fingers get numb and now at night my hands get very hot and itcy also. Can anyone out there relate? Thank you
-- By haleygirl01 | Reply | Private Message me
August 15th
2007
4:28 PM
I have only been taking Levoxyl for about two weeks, following RAI treatment in May. I'm on 100 mcg. I had gone from being hyperthyroid to hypothyroid - with walking or much movement, it felt like the muscles in my back were being stretched from each side and held up to a sunlamp to the burning point. I was also having upper back pain and a stiff neck.
After a little over a week of taking Levoxyl, the stiff neck is still there, but the back pain has eased off a little. There is just one spot that feels like a sunburn from the inside out. The biggest problem I'm having is with the sodium content - it feels like I've eaten an entire shaker of salt. I suspect that my blood pressure is increasing on this med. I'm noticing restless leg syndrome and while I always have tinnitus, it has worsened in the past week. I'm also noticing fluid retention all over, puffy eyes, puffy fingers, and calves. I'm also having more headaches.
On the plus side, the unbearable muscle pain has eased up some, as I mentioned. I'm less depressed. It's too soon to tell about weight but I think I've stopped gaining for the moment.
August 6th
2007
8:26 AM
I have been on Levoxyl for 10 years and have never felt "good" yet. My dtr thought maybe I needed an increase, so I am on 125mcg three days a week, 112mcg the other four days. Upon taking the increased meds, I was experiencing headaches every morning, and also severe exhaustion every afternoon. I also have muscle pain and cramps, and memory loss, thinning hair. I also have developed a stomach issue- maybe acid reflux, probably because I feel hungry all the time. I would really like to explore the natural thyroid but my dtr is not familiar with it but I think would be willing to try it. Can anyone advise me on the process of switching over? Has anyone weaned themselves off the levoxyl alltogether? I have a friend who was on it for 10 years and her tyroid no longer has a problem. She is totally off all meds.
-- By lars60 | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
August 2th
2007
10:25 AM
Hello:
I have been taking levoxyl only for 2 weeks now, and i get dull headaches that pretty much last through out the day now... when i did some reading i realised that it was a migraine headache... i called my doctor .. she asked me to cut my dosage in half... but a couple of days later i still have the same symptoms.. so she asked me to stop it completely... and meet her up for an appt... will the side effects disappear once you stop taking levoxyl?
-- By priya | Reply | Private Message me
July 6th
2007
3:08 PM
I started on Levoxyl about 3 months ago. I noticed my hot flashes (I'm menopausal) get worse, then I started getting horrible irritable bowel, nervousness, tingling, headaches, and mood lability. I have been off it a week. The symptoms are a little better but still persist. Anyone know how long these might last? I will not use it again, for sure. If anything, I will use Armour Thyroid or something more natural. Any suggestions.
-- By kwerder | Reply | Private Message me
May 28th
2007
7:13 AM
I was diagnosed with a sluggish thyroid also and the dr put me on 50 mcg of levoxyl. I had all of these symptoms of low thyroid hormones and didn't know it. I never put all the problems to the same culprit. I had very bad muscle aches, with or without exercise. I kept thinking I had bruised or torn something. I had weight gain on WW and a health study I was on. Nothing, I mean nothing would help me lose weight. I've gained 20 pounds. Which also caused depression. Sometimes I would have low blood sugar, when I've never had problems with blood sugar before. I was very tired all the time. I felt like I couldn't make it in the evenings and some mornings. I would complain to my PCP that I felt like I had just caught a cold - really drained and tired. I have really severe allergies and couldn't figure out why. After starting the meds I felt bad the first day - diarhea, nausea. Then for the first couple of days I felt great. Then the fourth day I couldn't sleep and felt shaky and had nausea only at night. After about three nights of no sleep, I cut the pill in half and took it. Then I was able to rest at night and didn't feel shaky on the inside. I took 25 mcg for about two weeks and then I started feeling the same way again. So I called the office and the dr said to take 3/4 of a pill. That worked fine for the frst week, but then I started getting these headaches that won't quit. I used the process of elimination and the thyroid meds were the only thing that changed. I will have to call tomorrow and see what I can do about that. If anyone has some of these problems let me know. The dr said that it doesn't have any side effects, but I beg to differ. I'm not sure what dosage to take today. I've had these bad headaches with a little dizziness for a week now.
-- By dlcolbert | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
March 29th
2007
12:50 PM
I seem to experience extreme irritability and headaches after just a couple days of taking this medication. I have tried it before but stopped taking it because it made me feel so bad. The doctors have again prescribed this medication at 75 mg for hypothyroidism and he says that he does not think it is the Levoxyl causing these side effects. Maybe it is just my imagination but I swear I get real irritated and even depressed shortly after starting this medication. I am on my second day now and again I am experiencing these side effects. I wonder after a period of time will the side effects decrease.
-- By sweetangelsong | Reply | Private Message me
March 15th
2007
10:18 PM
Just started on 100mcg Levothyroxine 15 days ago for mild hypothyroid. Experienced immediate side effects of ringing-in-the-ears headaches and hot flashes. Thinking of discontinuing the medicine.....I'm hardly ever sick and have no other medical conditions.
-- By kmax | Reply | Private Message me
September 4th
2006
5:36 AM
I had Hoshimotos Thyroiditis which turned cancerous and thyroid had to be removed . My daughter ( age 36) had the same thing with the same outcome.Since my surgery I had radiation treatment and now I was put on lavoxyl 125Micrograms.I have sleepless nights and no regulation of body temperature .One minute I am hot the ,next I am freezing . At least I don't feel like a walking dead person like when I was off of everything for my radiation treatment, but I still need to find something that will control my body temp and I also get bad headaches and have memory loss.
-- By sharjays | Reply | Private Message me
July 24th
2006
10:56 PM
I started at 25mcg, then my doc raised it to 75 mcg. I had no trouble before other than lab results were high. With meds I had a few problems. With increased dose I have nervousness, feel almost like I am on speed when the meds kick in for about 7 hours, then I am so tired I can't keep my eyes open. I have a ravenous appetite and yet, have lost 15 lbs. Not good since I only weigh 125. I have terrible abdominal pain, sweating, a lot of hair loss, leg cramps and headaches (something I never get). My doc wants to raise me to 88mcg. I don't think so!
What else can I take? I am checking into natural stuff now.
June 19th
2006
11:54 AM
I have been taking levoxyl for 2 yrs now. I am getting migraines/headaches an average of 3-4 times a week. I have had a ct scan and everthing came back ok. I am
suspecting that it is the levoxyl and I am going to stop taking
the medication. I take levoxyl for hypothyroidism. Does
anyone else experience headaches as a side affect. I have
also notices memory loss and trouble concrentrating
March 10th
2006
8:12 AM
I am on the levo meds a .175mcg which was reduced from.200 when on the .200 I experience the buning dry eyes also but never considered it to be the med. I also suffer from a fair number of headaches. However the depression i was experiencing for many years has discontinued. Recently and am still going through some sever gastranoial intestaial problems have had ct scans exrays etc they show svere constipation however it is usually the other way i have never been costipated before. Also the sleep disorder, the exact same thing started happening to me about 2 months ago. i have been on this med for 3 years now. It has helped me with the depression but now am considering all these phisycal things to be a result of the med no other explantion.
THETOOLMAN
-- By tjelinek | Reply | Private Message me
January 30th
2006
10:37 AM
I was diagnosed with low thyroid in July of 05 after my MD ran some blood work due to a rash and fever. Prior to that, I had no symptoms of hypothyroidism and in fact am a competitive triathlete and road cyclist. MD put me on Levothyroxine and even though my levels came down, I noticed no changes in energy, metabolism, etc. In October, I began having extreme headaches accompanied with numbness and tingling. MD refered me to a neurologist and after numerous, expensive tests, everything came back negative. Blamed it on anxiety and stress. I blame it on this drug. I feel worse now while my levels are normal?, then I did when they were originally diagnosed as being too high. What's the benefits of this drug if it makes you feel like crap? How can so many of us have these same side effects with not response from our doctors?
-- By pmalmeido | Reply | Private Message me
January 11th
2006
9:24 AM
Night sweats...in additon to flushing and sweating during the day. Problems sleeping, headaches, acne breakouts and constipation.
-- By candyscaramel | Reply | Private Message me
January 10th
2006
2:52 PM
I JUST STARTED LEVOXYL TAB 50MCG. I FEEL TERRIBLE, HEADACHES, SEVERE NECK PAIN, DR. THINKS I AM CRAZY!!! HELP!!!!
-- By ladypat101616 | Reply | Private Message me
September 16th
2005
1:17 PM
hey everyone i'm just surfin' through the site of what to do if i missed takin' my med.(levo)and i found this... i'm kind a relate to all your problems about the medication.. i'm takin' 100 mcg. for about 5 months now and i do have all the side effects you guys felt...muscle cramps on the leg and sometimes in my arms too..painfull headaches and others..my question is what if i missed my med. for more than a month lets just say about a month and a half now, reasons are:1st, i missed place my med,that time is was on vacation, second i have to wait days for the appointment to get it and lab test need to be done before they will get a new one .. is that really a big a deal... help with this is really appreciated...
-- By akpinay | Reply | Private Message me
July 22th
2005
11:07 AM
iam so glad that i have found this site i thought i was going off my head i have hashimotos thyrioditis have had bad anxiety deppression chest palptations tingling and burning in hands arms legs feel aggitated all the time extreme tiredness NON EXSISTENT SEX DRIVE vaginal dryness sore eyes headaches everyday something new iam 36 feel like iam 106 feel like life isnt worth living got 4 children cant do anything with them got no enthusium for life been on tabs nearly 3yrs had heart monitored for 24 hours nothing found also tested for arthritis diabetis ms what next at least now i know that iam not going off my trolley please email about amour thyriod hair very thin sweats ibs very dry skin wieght loss
-- By kelly.hoare | Reply | Private Message me
June 17th
2005
7:40 AM
I have been on Levothyroxine 75 MCG since June 09, 2005 the only problems that I have encountered was dull headaches I did not think it could have been the medication, because I donot have them daily. My sleep oattern remains the same I have no other known symptoms other than the headaches. Good luck to all.
-- By cha42s | Reply | Private Message me
March 8th
2005
7:25 PM
I was prescribed levothyroxine by my nurse practitioner for a "slightly" underactive thyroid. I have experienced at times, headaches (feeling like the top of my head is going to blow off); stomach problems, cramping, loose stools; anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue and a lowered libido. I am prescribed .50 mcg, but I took that dose for 2 months and then lowered my daily dose, myself to .25 mcg. I felt better, but still tired. I didn't tell my NP that I lowered my dose. After a month or so, I upped it again, just because I still felt tired. I have been on the full dose, once again, for a month. I still have some of the previous symptoms, but am due for a blood test this month to see where my levels are at. If they are close to being correct, I am going to ask her to lower my dose or stop it all together and try exercising more. I don't know that this is a horrible drug, but I am sure that it is not something to mess around with, if you don't absolutely need to be taking it.
-- By kathystt | Reply | Private Message me
February 28th
2005
6:49 AM
I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 2 years ago and originally I was prescribed synthroid. I was tired and cold all the time. I was switched by my doctor to Levoxyl 50 mcg about a year ago. I am only 10 lbs overweight I still have not been able to lose. Over the last 4 months I trained and and completed a 26.2 mile marathon and 3 different 13.1 miles half marathons (running) I have not lost any weight.
My enodocrinologist has recommended that I get checked again to see if the dosage needs adjustment. I have a feeling it is too high.I have recently had some symptoms such as hot and cold flashes, headaches, heart palpitations. I have more energy now than ever in my life. Other than the hypothyroidism I am healthy and should not have heart palpitations. and my endo says that the amount of running may have shocked my body into working more efficiently. I am to be tested in a few weeks. I don't know if this is true but I also heard that if you buy medications that are on the shelf too long that they lose some of
their potency.
August 5th
2003
3:15 PM
I've been on Levoxyl (.05) for 7 months now. I feel very anxious on the inside - sometimes like i'm going to explode. Since I've been on this drug, i've also experienced a full-head feeling (sometimes turning to bad headaches) - i worry & stress more - weight gain - achy joints etc. I'm afraid to stop taking it because of my thyroid. Sometimes i just feel "flat" - not interested in doing anything. I've never experienced this "down" feeling in my life - never had a problem with it (until on this drug). Recently my doctor has put me on an anti-depressant (5 mg) - i am trying it - so far, i feel the same, only more anxious and eating less - i know this isn't an aide to my problem.
Maybe this drug works for others (as everyone's different), but i feel stuck between a rock & a hard place in my case. I relate to alot of the other emails. Hope there is a solution.
-- By nanookhaw | Reply | Private Message me
October 21th
2009
11:51 AM
i discovered that i had hyperthyroidism which was from grave's disease and grave's thyroid eye disease in jan. 2009. at the end of march i had my thyroid removed. never let anyone use the radiation treatment if it is in your eyes. my surgeon said if we had waited another week i would have been dead. they started me on 75 mcg of levoxyl. it made me mean, i prayed to God to let me die in my sleep every night. the dosage was changed to 88 mcg. my hair was falling out by the handfuls. i kept calling my dr. and being told it was normal. i lost 75% of my hair mass almost to non reversible. i have been on appearex and women's rogaine once a day and am using nioxin hair cleanser and conditioner for 2 months. i have new growth thank goodness. my toes almost froze off my feet, the headaches cannot even be described, i gained 40 lbs, this will be the 3rd time in 7 mos. they need to change my dosage to 100 mcg. my body cannot take it. today i am starting synthroid. until i found this site today i had no idea most of my agony was from levoxyl and it's side effects. thanks so much for all the information. good luck to everyone.
-- By gravesdisease | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me