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Thyroid Disorders
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Posted 10/17/2012 9:07 PM (GMT 0)

I started taking levothyroxine about 6 months ago. Since then, I have been experiencing MAJOR headaches, nausea, and sleeplessness. I went to the Emergency room just the other night because I felt like my head was gonna explode. They did a CT Scan that showed no abnormalities, which was a relief since in 2006 I was in a head on collision and suffer from a brain injury. NONE of my DOCTORS have even mentioned that my hypothyroidism medication could be the cause of my headaches, nausea, or sleeplessess. I want to take control of my health. If I have to trust the internet for answers, what do I need a doctor for? GRRRRRRRRRR! Makes me mad! It's not like I am made of money and can afford to see the doctor when I have a problem, only to have to figure out the problem on my own. Does anyone have any advice? I have heard there are drops available that don't cause nausea. They are homeopathic drops off the internet and I am hesitant to shell out more cash for medicine that may or may not work. Does anyone have any helpfull advice?

Posted 10/18/2012 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
The thyroid hormone is produced naturally by your body, and it's unusual for anyone to have problems with the product itself. Sometimes the inactive components of a tablet will cause issues, so another brand may help. If you really can't tolerate the levothyroxine, there is a preparation from Armour which is prepared from pig pancreas so is natural. I believe it may be more expensive (not sure) and it's not used a lot these days, so some docs may be less familiar with it.

I'm assuming you've had follow-ups with your doctor and had levels checked, because too much thyroxine can cause issues such as you're having. If you haven't, please do see your regular doctor and have some blood levels done. If your primary doctor doesn't seem as knowledgable as you'd like, consider asking for a referral to an endocrinologist.

Hope you feel better soon.
Posted 10/18/2012 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
What dose are you on? for how many time?
If you have recent blood tests please post them with reference range!

The symptoms you mention can be caused by over medication.

good luck,
S
Posted 10/19/2012 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kristies,

Yes, it sounds like you might be on too high of a dose. Most doctors that I have read
recommend starting with a low dose of hormone (about one-fourth) and gradually
increasing the dosage. What medicine are you on?

Also, in the book Hypothyroidism Type 2, Dr. Mark Starr said that some of his hypothyroid
patients cannot tolerate even a small dosage of thyroid hormone. He has found that
treatment is complicated because these patients suffer from one or more of these
additional problems: adrenal deficiencies, iodine and magnesium deficiencies, stomach
and intestinal problems such as candidiasis, food allergies and/or environmental toxicities.
I wonder if it would help to look up some of these things on the internet and see if
any sound like they could be a possibility.

Also, if your insurance covers it, you might consider going to a naturopath or a doctor
of functional medicine. I have found them to be very helpful for chronic medical conditions.
Posted 10/19/2012 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks you guys for the replys. My doctor took me off the generic levothyroxine 50mcg and switched me to the brand name Synthroid 50mcg. It has only been two days since the switch, but it has made all the difference in the world. I feel so much better! My nausea is gone, and my headaches have decreased in frequency and intensity. I think they may go away all together once my body adjusts to the new medicine. I feel better today than I have in a VERY long time! Fewer, less intense headaches and no nausea is such a blessing!   :-)
Posted 10/20/2012 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
That is great news! I've heard that some people have trouble with generic thyroid.
So glad to hear that you are feeling better.
Posted 10/20/2012 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad I found a place I can come to with questions when I have them. I have noticed today that I am a LOT drowsier than usual, which is a good thing since most of the time I can't fall asleep without some sort of medication, just not good to feel this way ALL day.
Posted 11/3/2012 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Kristies, I am allergic to cellulose which is the binder in the levothroxen. There is no cellulose in Synthroid. I used to take Armour until they starting using cellulose as their binder in 09. Am on Synthroid now. FYI, start reading labels and try to stay away from cellulose. I became so allergic to it that all my meds now are compounded and if eat one piece of bread with cellulose in it my throat swells up. The FDA is allowing cellulose in our meds and foods. No warning necessary. They say it is safe. It is not safe for many of us especially those of us with thyroid issues. Start checking it out on the net. You may save yoursel the extreme of where I am now.
Posted 11/23/2012 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
kristies, here are some reads on generics and thyroid meds.

www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/11/11/how-good-are-generic-drugs-1/

www.peoplespharmacy.com/2011/06/27/questions-about-generic-thyroid-medicine/

Synthroid is a Narrow Therapeutic Index drug, so if the dose of the generic is off even a little, it could significantly affect the TSH level.

My wife's doctors are adamant. No generic Synthroid.
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