Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid User Reviews (Page 4)
Brand names: Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Tirosint, Unithroid, Eltroxin, Tirosint-Sol, Levo-T, Thyquidity, Ermeza, Eutroxsig Novothyrox Levolet Evotrox …show all brand names
Levothyroxine has an average rating of 5.1 out of 10 from a total of 435 reviews for the treatment of Underactive Thyroid. 41% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 46% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Levothyroxine
- Nanny...
- January 23, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Before Synthroid, I was achy and tired. Now I have headaches, bloating, stomach pain, loose stools, and the feeling of being in a fog. I'm only on day 4 of the lowest dose cut in half. I'm stopping it. I was put on it before and it made my heart go to sinus tach, but the new doctor insisted I try it again! Hell no! I felt better before the medication!"
- Jaisa
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 29, 2019
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "I was on a low dose for 2 weeks and developed a rash and sore throat. I thought it was a virus. After 2 more weeks, I developed a severe headache, neck pain, and dizziness. Stopped the medication 5 days ago and am still having issues, but the severe headache is less. Not sure how long it will be before it is all out of my system."
Frequently asked questions
- Does levothyroxine cause weight gain or loss?
- What can I eat for breakfast after taking levothyroxine?
- Can I take other medications with levothyroxine?
- Does levothyroxine cause hair loss?
- Ralphh
- Taken for less than 1 month
- December 18, 2013
"Just diagnosed, my TSH has been in the 20s-30s, my T3 and T4 are at the low low range. Doctor says I have subclinical hypothyroidism. I refused the medicine for a month, lost 15 pounds, ate healthy, exercised, quit smoking, and was perfect. Unfortunately, TSH did NOT change. Started the medicine -- felt euphoric first few days. Around day 5... I felt like something was 'coming back'. A feeling that I lost 11 years ago when I was 18 years old (something I gave up trying to fix when I was 20 years old). I'm excited by the possibility that perhaps it was my thyroid and I can treat it now. Eager to see how I feel in a couple of months! I think I need more than 75 mcg. I have no side effects at all."
- Strong...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- August 1, 2015
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1999. First, I was given antidepressants for being tired and gaining weight (eyeroll). I have been on 88mcg of Synthroid daily. My blood work has always come back with my TSH at the high end of normal. Former doctor retired years ago, so no continuum of care (walk-in clinic). Recently, a new doctor suggested we adjust meds to bring down the TSH level. Started with 100mcg of Levothyroxine 5 days & Synthroid 88 - 2 days a week. In a few months' time, I suffered some pretty severe side effects - extreme dizziness/weakness, lack of energy, mood extremes, weight is either climbing or stagnant, racing pulse/heart rate. We checked levels, and now TSH reads at the extreme low end of normal. I'm scared, please help."
Are you taking this medicine?
- atrast
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- September 21, 2013
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "I was on Tirosint for over 6 months, and during that time, I've had fluctuating blood pressure, a sore neck and throat, sleepless nights, nervousness, and generally not feeling well. While it may work for some, it didn't work for me. I am now on the natural hormone Armour Thyroid, and I hope to stay on it."
- Ping
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 1, 2021
Levoxyl (levothyroxine) "Can't find a middle ground after using this med for 2 years. (Stopping, starting, readjusting dosage, etc.) My symptoms of hypothyroidism cross into symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and I'm stuck feeling like rubbish and not knowing what to do now. (I'm 51 years old, post-menopause.) I'm so tired of feeling bad."
More FAQ
- How long after taking levothyroxine can you drink milk?
- How long does levothyroxine stay in your system?
- How soon after taking levothyroxine can I take omeprazole?
- What is the difference between Levoxyl and Synthroid?
- Kat_PK
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- September 15, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I was taking Levothyroxin 50mcg for the past 3 months. My initial TSH was 13 when I started Levo; within 2 months, my TSH dropped to 2.5. Although my levels were normal, I continued to have some fatigue, sleepiness upon waking, night sweats, facial flushing, anxiety, and horrible brain fog. I decided to try my sample of Synthroid 50mcg and within a week, the brain fog, night sweats, and sleepiness were gone! I wake up with the most energy I have ever had! I am still experiencing some anxiety and facial flushing which we are monitoring, but overall Synthroid is working for me! I am 32 years old and 9 months postpartum. I also take my dose at night, hours after dinner."
- Nath
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 4, 2019
"If you have been taking generic levothyroxine and have been experiencing extreme tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches: find out if the formula contains mannitol (or other) and report it to the FDA. Go to the FDA website. Mannitol is not allowed in levothyroxine in France and Belgium because of its many side effects!"
- Kristen
- August 18, 2015
"Had to rate this a 10. My lethargy and depression feel non-existent. Been on medication for 2 weeks. I also feel like my appetite is normal, it's been out of control for a couple of years. Also, so surprised my joints aren't as stiff, about 60% improved. I have lost 12 lbs in 2 weeks, without even exercising."
- Anonymous
- August 16, 2011
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "The only confirmation I have that it works is my blood work. I feel no better or worse on Synthroid. It is very annoying to take. You have to take it in the morning, on an empty stomach, no food for an hour. And for some, no calcium for two hours. Tell me, how do you eat breakfast with this medicine!? It does work though, so I gave it an 8."
- Daey
- November 15, 2016
"I've been on Levothyroxine for about 8 months now, with varying degrees of success. My doctor told me it was because it wasn't absorbing properly. You MUST take it on a completely empty stomach. In the morning after 8-10 hours of fasting. If you follow this rule, you will find the drug works as it's supposed to. It changed for me, and I lost the weight I had gained."
- Lou...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 20, 2020
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "Euthyrox is a horrible medicine! I've been taking levothyroxine for a few years without any problems from Walmart pharmacy. The last time I had my prescription filled, they gave me Euthyrox, and I noticed right away that it was new medicine and talked to the pharmacist about it. He told me they were running a short supply of the levothyroxine and Euthyrox was the same as the levothyroxine. I came home with the new medication and gave it a try. Since starting the new medicine, I have had hives, angioedema, and anxiety now going on a month. I called Walmart, and they immediately filled my levothyroxine, and they told me the two medicines had the same ingredients but different inactive ingredients, and that was probably why I was breaking out with hives/angioedema. I have been off of the Euthyrox for almost a week and still having hives. They are some better, but I'll be so glad when they are gone. I won't be trying new medicine again. I'd rather not take any at all."
- Budacon
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 12, 2020
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "Very similar to other reviews offered. I was switched by Walmart to Euthyrox from Levothyroxine back in June. I didn't question the change (I should have and researched). I've had three primary side effects, which are sleeplessness, daily headaches, and weight gain (approximately 20 lbs in 5 months). I actually was issued Levothyroxine today as my refill. I had asked to speak with the pharmacist prior to noting the change back, so apparently Walmart got the message. When I got home, I decided to research and was somewhat relieved to read the other reviews. This is by far the worst medication I have ever taken."
- T Echo
- December 30, 2014
"The first two days of taking the medicine, I experienced body aches all over, headaches. Thus, I took aspirin in the evening to try to alleviate the pain. The third day and beyond, I felt/feel more energized, no headaches, no backaches, mental clarity, and just relieved. I say you have to give the medicine time to kick in and get in your system. I am thankful."
- Dennise
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 16, 2017
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "My doctor prescribed Levothyroxine for low thyroid, and I had been feeling so tired and wiped out. Levothyroxine did help improve my numbers (TSH of 7.5 dropped to 4.5), but I felt awful on it. Everything hurt, and I was so exhausted. After 3 months on Levothyroxine, I asked to try the brand name Synthroid. What a difference! It improved my numbers even more (same dose, TSH decreased to 1.75), and not only that, I felt better. I had energy. My experience is night and day. I know generics are supposed to be equivalent, but I can tell you there is a difference. Synthroid brand works so much better than Levothyroxine. Recommended."
- AmyBill
- August 13, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Diagnosed with Graves' disease, my thyroid was radiated and destroyed. Put on Synthroid, took a while to get dosage right, but I have been on it for 8 years now and without it, I would want to die. I take 100 mcg a day, and I set my phone alarm to go off at the same time every day so I won't forget it."
- SQL4FUN
- Taken for less than 1 month
- July 15, 2015
"I was finally prescribed this medicine after convincing my doctor that all my symptoms pointed to hypothyroidism. Since it was considered subclinical at this point, he didn't want me to take medicine at all. I was eating hardly anything (no appetite - less than 1000 calories), exercising only 2 days a week because I was so tired even after sleeping 8 hours and still gaining weight. On the weekends, I could accomplish a couple of things and then had to rest for a couple of hours. My feet were so dry. My joints hurt so bad it was hard to walk. Life had become icky. I have been on this medicine for a little over 2 weeks and feel like my old self again. I am not dieting, stopped gaining weight and can exercise 5 days a week. Yeah!"
- Anonymous
- March 29, 2009
"I have been taking generic levothyroxine for about one month. Prior to starting on the drug, I had multiple symptoms of an underactive thyroid that I never connected until my doctor did a routine screening based on family history. My symptoms included extreme sensitivity to cold, blurry/burning eyes, and even an incident of double-vision, inability to concentrate, lethargy, fatigue, lack of motivation, depression - the list goes on and on. Within two days of starting this drug, I felt much better and my symptoms were much improved or gone altogether. I have not had any side effects so far as I can tell, and I will have my blood checked in a couple of weeks to see if an adjustment in dosage is needed. This drug has changed my life."
- Teddy...
- July 31, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I feel awful! I have been on this drug for 6 weeks. I have so many side effects. 1. Very tired (no energy). 2. Nausea. 3. Headache. 4. Can't sleep (even if I take a sleeping pill). 5. Always feel hot. 6. Sweating. 7. Clammy skin (have to have the fan on all the time). I live in Canada so it's not that hot. Never felt so sick."
- Anonymous
- September 27, 2009
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I was born without a thyroid and I've been taking Synthroid every night. I'm only 13. I have to tell you this is the best thing ever. If I didn't have this medication, I would be barely alive. I wouldn't be this tall either (5'7). This medicine is my lifeline."
- Smiling...
- February 20, 2015
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "The only problem with Tirosint capsules is the out-of-pocket price... We are low fixed income due to my hubby, who is an Elderly Disabled Vet, and I must be home taking care of him, so nearly $44/mo comes out of the grocery $, Yet I prefer Tirosint capsules over any other thyroid meds I have had because I have not had any negative reaction to it like I have with all the others I have tried, Levothyroxine tablets give me big migraines. With Armour, I have an allergic reaction that makes me feel like a zombie."
- Jo jo
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 8, 2018
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "For underactive thyroid, I was first given Synthroid. I had very bad side effects, which included feeling very hyped up, terrible insomnia, and anxiety out the roof. I felt crazy, like I was on street drugs or something! Horrible experience that went on for many weeks. I finally was able to see an endo, who right away put me on Tirosint. Wow, what a difference! No side effects. It took almost one year to get my levels right and my medication dose settled in, but it was worth it. In the short term, I felt much better after about a month. My doctor says the dyes and other fillers could have been causing my previous reaction. I am super sensitive to drugs and will not take over-the-counter meds or anything because of this. Tirosint is worth the extra cost if you are having problems like mine. They do offer a $35.00 coupon good for 18 months online if insurance won't pick up the cost."
- anast...
- September 29, 2008
Levoxyl (levothyroxine) "I feel worlds different - I don't need caffeine to get through the day, and low blood sugar doesn't bother me anymore. Yes, I'm even losing some fat, but I think that's because I can go longer between meals and it takes less food to feel full. The only odd thing is that my lips are unusually dry."
- plinv...
- October 25, 2009
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I have taken Synthroid for 23 years. The first 3 years I did okay on it but over the past 20, I started to feel lousy. I'm tired all the time and very irritable. I've taken from 0.050 MG to 0.125. I still feel bad. It's been adjusted at least 30 to 35 times throughout the course of 23 years. I feel totally helpless and hopeless. My doctor will not change my thyroid medication."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
Learn more about Underactive Thyroid
Care guides
- Acquired Hypothyroidism in Children
- Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypothyroidism in Pregnancy
- Induced Thyroid Disorders
- Subclinical Hyperthyroidism
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism
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Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I've been on Synthroid (Levothyroxine) for about a year and a half now. They've changed my dose 4 times so far and I'm currently at 100 mcg. Once they keep me on a dose for a bit, I feel okay, but with every change I have a few annoying side effects. I can say that if you take it every day like you're supposed to, it will work eventually. You have to be patient, it won't make you feel great right away. It took me about 3 months. But it helped with my lethargy, weight, and even depression. It's pretty good if you take it as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly, the effects of hypothyroidism come back pretty quickly and severely, so I recommend taking it as your doctor states."