Levoxyl and leg cramps

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.

I have been on Levothyroxine 50 mcg
for six months I have really bad leg cramps
and in the morning when I wake up I can
barely bend my ankles to walk I am 45 years old I have also gained 10 pounds since
I have been on this medicine. My Doctor is sending me for more blood test, she says
it may be hormonal.
A.R Chicago

I was recently diagnosed with Hoshimotos Thyroiditis. It's only been three days since I have been on the Levoxyl (100 mcg), but I am feeling slight chest pain and tingling in my face. My heart isn't racing though; it's just a dull pain! I am nervous that it will continue to increase and that other symptoms will come about. Just reading about people's experienced on this site has made me nervous too! Has anyone ever experienced this and if so, did other symptoms follow?

Thanks for your feedback!!!

I have been on 50mcg levothyroxin for 3 yrs. I recently have been having many side effects that occur on a daily basis such as: migraines, leg cramps, crazy menstraul periods, dizziness (which I believe is from low blood surgar levels), body temperature levels, unable to sleep at night, and an upset stomach. I am going to go to a doctor and get this all figured out because I am miserable. I am not someone you want to be around at night because I am extremely tired and not able to function even sometimes during the day I get that way. Thanks for this site cuz I was having all of these side effects and not sure from what but it all makes since now.

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.

Leg cramps. waking up at 3am, neck pain, chest pain from my stomach acid

I am so angry by reading all of these posted side effects. I have been complaining of hair loss, itchy eyes, swollen eyes, rapid heart rate, palpations, and leg cramps ever since I started this drug. What in the world is going on? Women are sensitive to hormonal shifts PERIOD! These doctors act like our complaints are related to "mental status". I HAVE HEARD IT ALL. They would love to give me MORE drugs to counter the effects of Levoxyl. Drugs for heart problems, pain, hair loss, OH, and my favorite.....depression. After all, we have no clue what is going on with our bodies...it is ONLY IN OUR HEADS! Where in the world is the FDA? How is it that Hundreds of thousands of women are complaining (check other websites and local support groups, you'll be amazed how many of us there are!) and the FDA has not done a thing? The problem is OUR DOCTORS. Yep, they do not report our complaints because the synthetic versions of thyroid medication is a huge cash cow. The only way we can get someone to listen is by complaining to the FDA ourselves. The doctors are not looking out for us. I am 37 years old. My heart rate has doubled in just one year of being on this medication. I am going bald and I feel like garbage. This drug has destroyed my life as I once knew it. I AM GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE FDA. It doesn't matter what form of synthetic thyroid I take, I feel like garbage. I am honestly worried that this drug is going to kill me. I SUGGEST EVERYONE THAT HAS A SIDE EFFECT FROM THESE DRUGS WRITE TO THE FDA WITH YOUR CONCERNS. Enough is enough. We need to take control of our lives. It amazes me how our parents and grandparents lived so well with thyroid diseases when the only drugs available in their days were natural forms of hormones. Doctors need to be doctors, not investors in the pharma industry. God be with us all!

WED, 29 JUL BY BETTY
63 YRS OLD - HAVE BEEN ON MED SINCE THE 60'S. FIRST WAS EUTHROID THEN SYNTHROID BOTH WORKED VERY WELL. SINCE MAR '05 DR CHANGED ME OVER TO LEVOTHYROXINE (BAD IDEA). HAVE THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: FATIGUE, TINGLING IN THE LEGS, NUMBNESS IN HANDS BUT THE MOST UNBEARABLE WAS THE CRAMPS IN MY LEFT ANKLE & CALF. THOUGHT I HAD A PINCHED NERVE. WENT TO A CHIROPRACTOR WITH NO PAIN RELIEF, THEN A ACUPUNCTURIST (SOME RELIEF) THEN IT HIT ME...SIDE EFFECTS FROM THIS DRUG. QUIT TAKING IT & WILL SEE MY DR TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND INSIST ON GOING BACK TO SYNTHROID. I HAVE A HARD TIME COPING WITH THIS PAIN AND WILL NOT LIVE THIS WAY. EVERY STEP I TOOK WAS EXCRUCIATING ESP WHEN I HAD TO WALK FR THE PARKING LOT TO MY JOB. I EVEN HAD TO SIT IN THE BATHTUB TO TAKE A BATH MY LEG HURT SO MUCH. I THREW AWAY THE POISON (PILLS) THAT CAUSED ME SO MUCH PAIN.
THE CRAMPING COMES AND THEN SUBSIDES BUT NOT FOR LONG. TRIED USING THE HEATING PAD, MASSAGES BUT IT KEPT RETURNING. HOPE THIS HELPS ALL THAT READS THIS.
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE FEEDBACK ON OTHERS EXPERIENCES. THOSE THAT HAD THE LEG CRAMPS CAN YOU RELATE HOW IT AFFECTED YOU AND TO WHAT EXTENT.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORIES , WHICH CONFIRMED MY SUSPICION ABOUT THIS HORRIBLE DRUG.

Well, I am updating my March 20 post. I am finally up to the 100mcg as prescribed months ago. I felt much better for about 1 month but now - UGH. New side effect though... leg cramps. Not just charlie horses, but cramps in both the calf and the thigh. I am taking potassium, calcium, and magnesium supplements. Nothing is working. I have proper hydration. Any suggestions?

I have experienced 13 years of hell with Levothyroxine, which is pure sodium. Everything in the body from skin to internal organs are affected by shrinkage and shortening of muscle. My horror complaint - leg cramps, massive thoracic jerking and therefore no sleep. think of salt cod or an Egyptian mummy.

First, do not deal with a GP. Thyroid is very tricky and only an endocrinologist should be consulted.

Second, get tested at a Nuclear Medicine Department in your hospital. You may be making enough thyroxin. Partial organs DO compensate.

Third, sodium binds with blood serum. Blood enters muscles. Muscles CAN store sodium. My case.

If you can get away without taking thyroid meds you may find withdrawal unbelievably difficult. In a withdrawal situation, a larger amount is released into the blood stream. You will find your muscles steely rigid and unbendable. You may be pulled over.

You will need huge willpower and support. My withdrawal is now in its 8th month.

I use acupuncture by Chinese medicine methodology, resistance exercise several times a day. Get yourself rubber resistance bands and put hooks in your basement walls and ceiling. Pilates is excellent. Magnesium tablets high strength. 1000 mg is allowable but I've done twice that. Some diarrhea but basically one is too dried out for there to be a problem. From a good herbal store, get probiotics 30 million a day, Udo's Oil (Canadian), eat almonds - several hanmdfuls a day - I hate it but Lorazepam had to be used as a muscle relaxant for 6 weeks at the worst stage. Never discontinue these abruptly. Detox drops after a visit to a QUALIFIED Naturopath. First, Unda Numbers to detox liver and kidneys, then thyroid and lungs. Very effective but you may only tolerate shortish stints- 10 days. me anyway.

Eventually, the muscles feel caged but bulging. Then they start undulating dramatically and free up. But so far I've had to endure 6 of these session at about once a week. After which even more toxic stuff pours out. But it WILL end.

I am 63. I resent losing wellness for so long and it took a friend to tell me about a relative with leg cramps to get the connection. By the way, it was the naturopath that identified the cause NOT a doctor. Allopathy (Western medicine) believes all drugs leave you with tissue renewal every 4 months. But Chinese medicine, massage therapists, naturopaths, injury rehab (they use theraball) and reputable spas don't.

All of you are young. I hope I have helped in some way. All of you who ache, I think it is the tightening of the muscles. it is like enforced arthritis. Number 2911, I hope you read this. Your little son sounds just like my beginnings of my dreadful journey.