Levoxyl and levothyroxine

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!!

I have been on Levoxyl for about 2 1/2 years. Before I was on levothyroxine, but my new endo said the generics don't work, so he insists on the name brand. I've been taking it in the morning on an empty stomach, and have been battling extreme daytime fatigue ever since. At first I thought it was because I was unhealthy. I had LAP-band surgery, and I use a CPAP machine for my sleep apnea, and I lost 50 lbs, but I've hit a plateau that can't be explained by my food intake, and the fatigue is so debilitating. My GP is adjusting my anti-depressant to see if that makes a difference, but so far no. On my own I decided to start taking the Levoxyl at night before I go to bed. It's only been a couple of days, but I have noticed a marked improvement. I'll talk to my endo about it, and hopefully he'll be at least willing to consider the change.

On a side note, anti-depressants are the best medicine ever discovered. If you are feeling at all depressed, talk to your doctor. Whether the Levoxyl contributes to it or not, the anti-depressants help. I never want to go back in that black hole again.

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.

I have had great experiences with Levothyroxine. I am no longer tired, achey, grumpy, constipated. I feel great. I am only 27 years old and got my hypothyroidism from having my first child. I am excited that my levels are now normal after 3 months (TSH was 25.89). I was on .50 mcg now I am on .75. Feel great!
I am a medical technician and have found that a lot of people who start on a certain medication for hypothyriodism, such as Synthroid - do not fair well if they have to switch. My doctor always says NOT to switch...not EVER. She repeats over and over again to check my prescription every time I receive it. That means checking the pills against each other, because hypothyroidism medication is one of the highest missed - filled prescription. If I were anyone who has had to switch, I would demand to be put back on your original meds. Have your physician write up your symptoms with the new meds and make a recommendation to the insurance company that you NEED synthriod.

ive been on levothyroxine for about 6 years...... for an underactive thyroid gland and i am stunned reading all these side effects as for about 4 years ive suffered from severe joint paint, fatigue ,very low moods , foggy brain, mood swings hair loss, all i want to do is sleep and even then im still tired.
I am 35 and feel about 80 as my back hips legs calfs and feet all hurt so bad.
I have been to the doctors so many times and got no where.
ive been told your in pain because your depressed( who would not be depressed ) but i said i am depressed cause im in such pain.
i remember asking once if it was due to the thyroid or the drug and the doctor said your levels are fine and the drug gives no side effects.
I feel like stopping it right now to be honest.
I only got it after my third pregnancy and i remember reading once it can correct itself as it could be caused by pregnancy ????? any ideas.
ive copied and pasted a lot of these comments and i will be making a trip to doctors to be fobbed off again im sure ....but its worth a try

Sitting here with heat on thigh fm severe muscle cramp. Had one earlier in hand. Have had many probs with hands lately; thought it was carpel tunnel but pain seems to be randon in hand and fingers. The muscle cramps are unbelievably severe; didn't know about the loss of Calcium and B - good to know. Was taking Levothyroxine .25 with seemingly no effects but when TSH was still over 4.0, MD changed to .50 Levoxyl. Have been on it a month and have had nausea, bowel disturbances; irritable eyes; bloating, depression (which MD is offsetting with antidepressant), and SEVERE muscle cramps in places you wouldn't expect... hands, neck when I yawn, things, stomach, waist... it's awful. After hearing everyone else, I'm weaning off and doing more research. Thanks to everyone for sharing.

I have been on levothyroxine 75 for two months so far. I started off at 25 then up to 50 and now currently on 75. I have horrible lower back pain along with my knees aching too. It's all the time and Advil or aleve do nothing to relieve the pain. I am miserable and hate living like this. Doing some reading here and other sites I've read that this can be due to the med and some thing about the fillers in it. When I first started the the 75 that my doctor game me from samples at his office that were the name brand all was good. Now that I have been on the generic from my pharmacy I'm in pain. Am I off base here and does any one have similar issue's? I'm calling my endo when the office opens today to see him. Thanks for any info.

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.

I was put on Levoxyl for 20 years. Hair kept falling out, muscles aches, acid reflux, plantar fasciitis, carpel tunel, tired, cranky, brain fog. I could barely walk and had developed a stutter. I was to be tested for Alzheimers at 45. I was told there was no other drug for hypothyroidism and it wasn't the Levoxyl doing these things to me.

Well I found another drug thanks to the internet and Yahoo Natural Thyroid Group. It was Armour. I have been on Armour for about 2 years now. All those problems I had on Levoxyl are gone. Completely GONE! Wasn't the Levoxyl huh?

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!

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.

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.

My mother and I have both been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and we both take levothyroxine. We both experience extreme pain and she has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have not been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but I experience the pain body also. Another thing. I have been losing my hair. No reason, it's falling out from the root and I have some serious thinning. Memory...what memory. I can't remember anything. Has anyone received advise from a MD? Thanks

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.

I've been taking Levoxyl for approximately two years or Hypothyroid. Before that I took levothyroxine, but my symptoms were worse with that. I've never taken Synthroid.
When I was first diagnosed, my TSH level was around 144... off the charts. It tooks about 4 or 5 months before I got level. The medication seemed to make my symptoms increase. Each month however, my TSH level dropped.
I started feeling good when my TSH level was below 10. I felt awesome at TSH level 1.
My doctor became concerned that my level would drop too much so she lowered by dosage to .150mcg. Over several months, I noticed my symptoms returning. I requested to have my level checked but my physician said it wasn't time. By the time I was checked, my TSH was 20.
My dosage was increased to .175 mcg. The last two weeks after the dosage increase have been horrible. Migraines, vertigo, nausea, irritability, and absolutely no motivation.
I've been feeling better over the last two days and think I'm getting level again.
Don't assume your doctor knows you better than you do. Find out the number that works for you and fight for it!

Hi Ive been hypothyroid for about 12 years now. After i took radioactive iodine I was put on synthroid.125. Had blinding headaches constantly! Then after about 3 years I was put on levoxyl.125. Blood work sometimes comes back a little elevated but not much to say for the symptoms i am having still to this day.I am so tired i cant even go to the store. Symptoms are,
sever fatigued. headaches. muscle pain in chest and sternum. burning muscles, triggerpoints all over body. broken sleep .severe depression.Eye pain blurry vision lower back pain body feels like a punching bag.I could sleep for 12hrs and still be tired. These medicines have side effects that they are not telling us.I tried armour but it does not aggree with me. Im going to switch to either unithroid or leverthroid.If these do not work then i will try thyroler.Doctor wanted to give zoloft. Please I do not need bad medicine.
This all started when i had to take thyroid meds.Before diagnosis I was a fitness fanatic . I was doing aerobics heavy cardio, lifting weights etc. now i cant even ride my bike.The meds are no good doctors are a waste they think it is in your mind.Let them feel one day like this and see if they can function.I do not think they can.ill see what happens when i change my meds..fibromyalgia? no such thing Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when the doctors cant figure out what is wrong with you so they pawn off some atidepressives.

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

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 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.

I have been taking Levoxyl for 15 years . About 10 years ago I developed fatigue, unexplained joint pain , leg pain and excesses heart burn. After lots of testing and specialist who could never find anything to cause these problems I was told fibromyalgia. Don't believe it. I never believed it for one minute. This is nothing more than Levoxly posioning. I am strong healthy weight and food concious and always have been. Why do all the people that are diagnosed with fibromyalgia have thyroid? Their all taking Levoxyl.

I was prescribed 25 MCG tabs of levothyroxine (generic for Levoxyl) by my MD for my hypothyroid. (I was tested at a 4.5 reading -- just below a normal 5 reading). After 60 days of taking levothyroxine EXACTLY as prescribed (i.e.; on an empty stomach, 1st thing in the morning with a glass of water; no vitamins for at least 4 hrs afterward), I started to have symptoms that I've never experienced before: my hands began hurting so bad with joint pain; my lips felt numb; and I was sweating more than I ever had in my life. I decided to stop taking the medication due to these symptoms, and in about 7-10 days from stopping, ALL these symptoms had disappeared and have not returned to date. I relayed this information to my MD who told me that my symptoms had nothing to do with Levothyroxine and that I needed to continue taking the drug. It's more than strange to me how some MDs will not listen to his/her patient -- even more so now that I've read other info on the internet where many other people have had these same side effects taking levothyroxine!! On my own, I am now looking into taking an all natural alternative that I found on wellness resources called "Thyroid helper". I will not take Levothyroxine again if I can avoid it by taking an alternative. Has anyone else out there had success taking "Thyroid Helper"?

i was diagnosed with what the Drs said as a sluggish thyroid---i have had panic attacks for over 20yrs and just thought I was pooped from them---Dr gave me 25 levothyroxine and told me to give it aprox 3months---i did and well I felt terrible nervous, depressed and more panicky---i believe the depression was from feeling more panicky and not being able to socialize---so, my Dr took me off the 25 T4 and put me on DHEA and progesterone, after doing the saliva test to check certain levels. Her hopes are that I will get energy levels back without nervousness since she has noticed my hormone levels are off and as she said I have adrenal exhaustion. So, Im only on the 3rd day off of the T4 and on the current regiment of 25mg DHEA/B supplements/
EFAs/and Lyrica(25mg)/ and I have no energy at all-----i just want to sleep but i push myself but cant wait to hit the bed almost always right now--I never had these symptoms b4 I went on the T4 aprox 3months ago but now that Im going off I feel terrible, I am definitely calmer and less anxious now that I am off them but I cant make a decision to save my life and Im pooped!!! Does anyone know if going off 25 T4 could have such a drastic affect----thx so much-----

I have taken some sort of medication for hypothyroidism for many years, perhaps as many as 22 (I am 51).

Over the last few years, I feel like my health has deteriorated. Frequent, severe headaches, irritability, moodiness. My face had a sunken look.

I asked an expert in alternatives about the headaches and she immediately said that Levothyroxine has headaches as a side effect. I had not really considered the side effects of this medicine at all--I thought of it as completely safe. (The side effects didn't pertain to me--silly thinking, I know.)

Well, except for the thinning bones! Just a few months before, I read in *Strong Women Stay Young* that levothyroxine causes thinning bones. My doctor had diagnoses osteopenia, which is the beginning of osteoporosis. I don't want that, but it may be too late. (I am started a strength training program to strengthen my bones.)

I decided to stop the med. and try alternatives. The headaches lessened, but did not cease. Ran out of the alternative. Now I have what one site called "moon face." Puffy. Eyes look smaller. Very interesting -- makes me think I was taking too much before, because I looked haggard.

But even more interesting to me was the level of my general anxiety (and thus, my irritability) is down. Yes, I am tired, but I am also calmer!

Long story short (I know, too late for that!), side effects: headaches, anxiety, irritability, haggard expression, depression, thinning bones.

Here's to hoping that the alternatives work! I want to clear this med. out of my body (especially my brain) and try to feel better with healthy alternatives.

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.

I took synthroid for several years and became progressively more arthritic, with horrendous tooth problems and congestive heart failure. My doctor switched me to the lowest possible dose of generic levothyroxine for nearly two years, and during that time, I progressively felt better. Then they stopped making the generic 25 mcg, so I was switched to levoxyl 50 mcg (was told to split in half). Since then, the symptoms of aching joints and emotional rollercoastering has returned, along with sleep disruption and heart trouble. There is NO DOUBT that these thyroid hormones cause serious problems in many people. I am now trying accupressure to stimulate the gland, and slowly withdrawing the levoxyl. Already feel much better!!!

I have been suffering from severe pain and tingling in my hands and feet for over 12 months, now. Initially it was blamed on immuno-suppression drugs following my kidney transplant. When the immuno-suppression drugs were changed, the problem remained. It was then that the doctor suggested that the problem lay with Levothyroxine. However, he didn't have any suggestions to make to ease the problem.

At times, I can't touch anything or feel anything as the pain is so intense. I get hot sweats and it causes a ringing in my ears. It makes cold water feel hot to the touch. I have trouble sleeping some nights when the pain starts.

I've been taking 50mg of Levothyroxine for about 3/4 months. I don't feel an awful lot better, apart from the fact that I'm not quite as tired.
The main symptons I have experienced are... funny feelings around the neck area ( hard to explain, but it makes my hair irriate me) and, an incredible pressure around my forehead. which is not a pain, but just like someone has stuck a load of cellotape on my forehead.. very uncomfortable indeed.

Has anyone else had this weird symptons?

I am taking levothyroxine 50mcg along with metformin 500mg, plavix 75mg and crestor 10mg. I have very sore muscle along with being fatiqued all the time. I felt better berfore all this any help?

I've been on levothyroxine 50 mcg for about 6 yrs and for the past year I've noticed more and more hair loss, at first I thought it was because I'm 52 and going through menopause, but now I believe its the medication. Going to ask my doctor to switch me to armour. If not I will take myself off this medication.

Hello all: right now i am on 0.075 mgs. of levothyroxine and i would like to lower the dose to 0.050 mgs. because at the present dose i feel real hunger most of the time, more nervous, and extreme heat when the weather gets too hot. Do you all think i should lower the dose to 0.050 mgs? i have tried lowering the dose, but then i would feel real depressed, and that doesn't help a lot because we need a lot of motivation to cope with this capitalist hell in which we live !! Thanx all and hope you all get better

I have been on Levothyroxine for about 4 yrs. I have head aches all the time my head burns allthe time.I dont sleep well.I've also gained a lot of weight. Has anyone else gained weight? My Dr. says my thyroid is normal.Thanks
Knoxwanda

Wow, I am so glad to find this site. I have been taking Levothyroxine for probably 3-4 months. At first, I felt great. Now, I have numbness and tinging in my left arm and what I believe to be carpal tunnel (developed in just the past week). I feel depressed, can't stop crying, and I ache like I'm 90 years old - I'm just 25! I have been so scared. I have a Dr. appt. later this week, now I am thinking I need to go off this med. I only have slight hypo, so it's not worth it to be on this stuff! I'm so glad it's not just me.

I started taking Levothyroxine about a year ago. A couple of weeks ago, I started to have problems sleeping. I would fall asleep just fine, but I would wake up in the middle of the night or an hour or two before I would have to get up and would be unable to go back to sleep, even on days where my stress was minimal or not enough to get me anxious around bedtime. It would seem strange that the side effects would start so late into the therapy, but sometimes long-term usage of a drug can cause side effects. I went to the doctor for my yearly physical in January, and my blood test results showed that my thyroid levels were normal. Has anyone else experienced this problem? Please contact me if so. I'm trying to figure out the cause of my insomnia, and it would be great if I could either eliminate this medication as the cause or contact my doctor with information about sleep problems that others have had while using this drug. I believe I'm on the .025 mg dosage. Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

I just started on levothyroxine 9 days ago. I experienced nervousness right off the bat but that has calmed down somewhat. I have a headache all the time and my eyes burn so bad that I can't look at anything. Even when I shut my eyes they continue to burn. I am constipated also. I do not like this medicine. I, also, felt better before I was on it than now.

I'm 26 and was diagnosed with HYPOTHYROIDISM in Oct 2005. I was put on LEVOTHYROXINE. At firt I felt sick to my stomach, and then started having really bad head akes. My MD lowered my dose and I felt like a new person. Had more energy than my 4 year old. I have had some site effects such as HEART PALPITATIONS, MILD DEPRESSION, UNABLE TO CONCENTRATE, FATIGUE AND SPACED OUT FEELINGS! But the one site effect that I have not seen anyone talk about is "RINGING OF THE EARS!!!!!!" PLEASE IF ANY ONE IS HAVE THE RINGING OF THE EARS...LET ME KNOW, IT IS DRIVING MY @&*!%#^ CRAZY. My MD says its ANXIETY! Give me a break pal, I know my body good enough to know when im NOT anxious. Also my sex drive is flat lined. Please email me if you have these same site effects.. Bless you all

Lowi~ Washington

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?

I had been on Synthroid for years and felt fine. Switched to Levoxyl and felt the same. Then they put me on Levothyroxine and still feel fine. Then they upped me from .125 to .150 and I have felt worse since. A faster heart rate, dizziness, and always blacking out.

After surgery for a goiter with numerous nodules, I was started on 100 levothyroxine and felt fine. Due to too high TSH level (10+), dosage was increased to 150 and I went to the other end of the scale (.45). and the dosage was lowered to 137. Now my GP has reduced to 125 due to fatigue and depression. Have been at that level for 2 weeks and still have some depression and insomnia. Should I seek advice from my endo?? or keep waiting to see if these symptoms subside. It obviously is not easy to wait but don't want to compound the issue.

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.

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.

I have been hypothyroid for 8 years. I was taking generic levothyroxine SOD for years, and had no extreme problems. However, they switched me to levoxyl about 4 months ago and it has been bad ever since. Stomach problems, very tired, can't sleep well, hard to function, and woozy in my head all of the time. I quit taking it for a couple of days and I felt somewhat normal again. I do not know what is in levoxyl that is different, but I am going back on just generic levothyroxine SOD.

I've been on Levothyroxine for years, and recently my fingers on my left hand tingle,are numb, I can't FEEL with them. So after complaining to my doctor, he shoots some cortisone in my wrist telling me it's carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel, my butt!! I don't know what made me do it, but somehow I got to this site. I've been on antideppressants for years cause I'm tired, fatigued, then on valium so I can sleep,
I can't concentrate at all, my memory is GONE....
I called him this afternoon and said I wanted to go on Armour
Thyroid. His nurse tells me that he says " We'll address that when he sees me in April". %#@* that, I'll be 400 lbs by April!! My sex drive is nonexistant, and I'm a freakin' couch potato when I used to go to the gym, go out with friends, DO THINGS!! Now I'm lucky if I make it through work. ENOUGH DRUGS... I'm goin' off everything and starting over. I'll get up the money and see an endocrinologist. I'm through being a drug reps dream....

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.

I had my thyroid removed in October, I have been on Levothyroxine for 2 months. In the past 3 weeks I have had a severe headache 24/7, vomiting, nausea, tremors inside, I have been feeling really strange and of course the doctor never even suggested it might be the medication. I am going again tonight to see what he has to say when I bring it up to him. Anyone else out there feeling these symptoms? Please let me know, thanks

51 year old female. I have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

I just started Levothyroxine 75 micrograms last thursday. Immediately my constipation issues improved, my libido increased and I was more alert after taking it on an empty stomach in the morning. I have not experienced any joint pain or depression yet. Previous to diagnosis I had difficulty losing weight, dry skin, cold-natured, lethargy, experienced three major depressive episodes, two which were almost suicidal. My thyroid hormone levels were within normal range even though I presented with these symptoms of low thyroid function. My pregnancies were difficult (3 births but pregnant six times), with the third and last pregnancy resulting in three false labor trips to the hospital and a post partum depression that would not go away for 13 years. Accupuncture took care of the depression since i tired of the many years of antidepressant side-effects.

I finally went to an endocronologist because of the growing goiter on my neck and all the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

I'll post any negative side effects as time goes on. For now, I am happy with Levothyroxine since I have begun to lose weight slowly and do not have the terrible constipation. Previous to starting this drug, no amount of Weight Watcher meetings or exercise regimens would allow consistant weight loss. Only in the years before my enlarged thyroid could I achieve my weight goal. In 2000 I lost a lot of weight by running 5 miles a day and attending Weight Watcher meetings, extreme measures by any standard. Even then, my weight loss was much slower than the other attending members.

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.

I have a pitutary brian tumor and I have been taking Levothroxine for about 7 years and I need to know what happen if you quit taking this pill? I have been thinking about it, to see if I feel like my old self again. I am only 38 and I have extreme about of hair loss, hungry all the time, dry skin, no sex drive, no memory, the shakes, weight gain and can't lose any. I have been the same weight since the removal of the tumor. Ihaven't lose a pound and haven't gain a pound but I sick of being fat and can't lose a pound. No matter what I do. And I am always tired . I sleep about 90% of a day. I am to young to feel this way everyday. I feel they should of left the tumor in there so I could of still been myself for a little longer. Than to live like this each day. I just want to know what will happen if I quit taking this Levothyroxine?
Let me know, please. Thanks!

I am a 16 year old female who has been on different thyroid medication for at least 3 years. Along with my thyroid disease I have type 1 diabetes also. Right now I am taking LEVOTHYROXINE. I have taken levoxyl, synthroid, and I cant remember any others. Over the years I have gradually increased my dose to 125 mcg. Instead of losing weight with these medications, I've actually gained 25 lbs, and Ive kept my slow metabolism. Ive experienced bloating, gas, fatigue, spaceiness-like out of it, unable to concentrate, increased appetite, and mild depression. I usaully am able to get fantastic grades, and catching on to things comes easy. But now ive lost interest in friends, sports and overall life. I am wondering if this thyroid medication or my other medication- Metformin has anything to do with how I feel or overeating?

Hello all: I am from Domincan Republic, and i am taking levothyroxine for about 3 years, i have been on different doses, first on 0.1 MG then on 0.05 MG then back to 0.075 but i will try to decrease my dose to 0.05, let me tell you something all: All meds have second effects, the thing is that if your thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroxine you DO NEED TO TAKE IT, because without levothyroxine you will probably get fat easy, get bloated, feel sluggish etc. Face it illnesses do not cure themselves. Just ask your doctor to adjust your correct right dose not too high nor too low

I have been on levothyroxine 50 mcg for about 8 months, i have gained 20 lbs. i get rashes and my eyes swell and itch very bad, i wonder if anyone else has the same symptoms, and if they are related to the drug, i have stopped taking the drug for now, will see if my symptoms dissapear, and go from there,