How much difference-if any-is there between Synthroid and Levothyroxin? Are they interchangable?

No they are not the same. Generic medicines are allowed to use different "fillers" the actual medicinal part is exactly the same but other ingredients can be used to be more cost effective as in a synthetic or natural product. After having my first child I had so much trouble getting my thyroid level to stay in the norms that were accepted I was sent to an Endocrinologist. For over a year they did tests and all kinds of dosages of Levothoraxin. He then out of frustration decided to use Synthroid and within one month my level was at a normal level. That was 17 years ago. When our insurance company started making us use generics i told my doctor about what happened all those years ago. He just put a notation in my records and had one phone call with my insurance and I still get Synthroid. However the generic is a little over $3.00 and for the name brand I pay over $37.00.

I used to be on levothyroxine then one time the they gave me name brand synthroid. I felt different fatigued for about a week until my body got used to the name brand Synthroid now my new insurance won't cover the name brand anymore so right now I have to go back to Levothyroxine and this is going to be a real pain in the butt but I guess this is what I have to do because I can't afford to pay out of pocket for name brand. It's only about a week of fatigue tho. At least that's how we it was before hope this info helps u.

There is a significant difference between synthroid and the generics. I pay extra for synthroid because I've had a big improvement in my energy level as well as hair loss and skin issues. The generic does nothing for me. And in fact cause significant depression. FYI: I've taken both drugs for 30 plus years and there is a difference depending on your metabolism.

I have been on Levothyroxin at same dose for almost 8 months, has anyone had mode swings because of the this med? restless sleep at night but can sit down and fall asleep in the day ?\

T 4-based medication must be taken at bedtime in order to receive the full strength. When taken at bedtime AND on the right dose it regulates: the circadian rhythm, relieves body aches, lethargy disappears, regulates BM, regulates menstrual cycle, less hair loss, dizziness disappears

I hope you find this information somewhat helpful.
Good luck with the Levothyroxine

Insurance did the same to me, two months later on generic and I have had no issues. Heed the advice of those above, if you feel crummy or weird, you may need another blood test and a dosage adjustment. Good luck!

jackiewright, there is a difference. My brother's friend's wife WAS on levothyroxine and is now on SYNTHROID. She says it is so good that she takes less of a dose then the Levo.

It is worth it to make your doctor jump thru hoops for YOU.

Wish you the best

I am in the same situation. I cannot afford the script synthroid. i have been on the levithyroxin for about 4years. it is making me sick as a dog. my whole body hurts, i feel like i am living in a fog. no energy. sweet cravings constantly. i am on my fourth day without it and i feel like a new person. i am seeing a new endo in a couple weeks to inquire about something else. i had my thyroid removed so i HAVE to take it and will start again tomorrow. just wanted to see how i felt without it. i was thinking i had a serious health issue i was feeling so bad. must be those pills because i feel great without them. i am hoping she can give me something else, i cannot live that way. all i do is lay on the couch, can't think, depressed, etc. all my blood tests for my tsh and t4 come back good, so my doctor says not much else i can do. there has to be something. i will post again once i see the new specialist!

I am using Synthroid for 18years. As I know it is not recommended by the doctors to switch Synthroid to levothyroxine. Your doctor will have to decide if it is ok for you. And if you have side effects from Synthroid he may prescribe you different meds..

My Endo just switched me from Levo to Synthroid, and told me it is like comparing apples to oranges. No Generics, he told me the generic versions can be different each refill depending on where the pharmacy gets it stock., and what fillers each company uses in there manufacture. Synthroid is ithe best as it is always the same. I was on Levo for 4 years and had problems with bouncing from high to low. Will know my next labs if I am doing better on Synthroid...

I too was switched to levothyroxine from synthroid, my hair was falling out and it was brittle, so i stopped taking it, then my legs and feet hurt sooo bad,now i am going back to the synthroid, i am not sure if the pain is from being off for a month, we will see.

I have been on synthroid for about 8 years. When I use the generic, my system is pretty messed up. I find I cannot use any generic, but the brand synthroid. Now I think I need T3's. Just had a full panel TSH blood work and will get the results either tomorrow or Thursday. I've been hearing wonderful review on Armour thyroid, a more natural medication that has T4, T3, T2 and T1. Depending on the results, I'm thinking of switching over.

I don't take thyroid replacement myself. I do know that levothyroxine is a fine drug to be on, but it is a slightly different formulation than synthroid. You may be feeling crummy because your TSH might have changed slightly, and your doctor might need to adjust your dose a bit to make sure you're back where you were before.

If you continue to feel "not right," however, maybe the synthroid formulation is better for you personally. I would talk with you doctor. Definitely don't feel guilty about asking her to jump through hoops. It is annoying, but unfortunately part of the job these days.

Good luck!