Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid User Reviews (Page 2)
Brand names: Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Tirosint, Unithroid, Eltroxin, Tirosint-Sol, Thyquidity, Levo-T, Ermeza, Levolet Novothyrox Eutroxsig 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
- Vin...
- March 16, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I just started this medicine about a month ago. It is making such a big difference in my appetite and my energy. I am a fairly young man at 23 years old. I knew something wasn't right with my body over the last few years, as I had gained about 30 pounds over the course of just a few months and felt so sluggish. It turns out, like many of you reading this, I have an underactive thyroid. I have heard that three drugs help with the thyroid hormones. Synthroid (T4 hormone), Cytomel (T3 hormone), and Armour Thyroid (T4 & T3 Hormones). Synthroid has gotten a bad rap because it's synthetic and it only covers the T4. Well, the T4 is most likely all you need because a T3 deficiency is rare. Synthroid is great. Stomach upset went away in 1-2 weeks."
- Squ...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 15, 2013
"I can't believe how much better I felt immediately after starting this (25 mcg). I resisted taking it for a year. I was afraid of side effects and wasn't convinced that my thyroid was the problem. My TSH was only slightly high (average 6; high 11). I was so used to feeling lousy that whenever the doc asked about my energy, I said it was fine. I thought I was just aging fast (I'm 38). I'm not overweight, I've been athletic most of my life but have dragged during exercise for the past 2 years. I've also suffered from persistent depression and anxiety. I took antidepressants for a while but never felt great. I feel so good now. My physical stamina and motivation are back, I wake with energy. Very happy."
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?
- Tra...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 3, 2013
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I started taking Synthroid about 6 months ago, and I feel really good. I went from feeling like a zombie to feeling like my normal self again. Before starting on Synthroid, I had most of the typical hypothyroid symptoms: tiredness, dry skin, cold intolerance, puffy face, etc. Now the only symptom that still bothers me is water retention. My doctor just increased my dose, so hopefully, that goes away soon."
- lau...
- April 24, 2021
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Amazing!! I started on 25 mcg of brand Synthroid, then 50 mcg, and now I'm on 75 mcg. I almost feel like the old me. My TSH went from 11 to 1.7. I wake up at 4 am, take my medicine, and go back to sleep till my 6 am alarm. I have a cup of coffee when I get up to start my day."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- KET...
- August 10, 2013
"Before taking this medication, I thought I'd look up reviews to check for any side or long-term effects caused by this medicine. I was terrified after reading so many bad reviews, but decided to take the medication regardless because I figured the medication would do me more good than harm. It's been about a year since I've been on levothyroxine 50mg and I must admit - I had never felt better! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 19 and started this medication quickly after. My levels are normal and I can definitely notice the significant change in my health and everyday life. I am back to being happy and enjoy going out, not like before. No more headaches or fatigue. Thank God for this awesome medication. I recommend it 100% of the way!"
- Bre...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- June 21, 2016
"This medication is used to treat low thyroid hormone levels. I have Hashimoto's. This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the thyroid until it no longer functions properly. Many people with low thyroid hormone levels have this but are not aware because doctors tend to treat with the medication rather than the whole disease. A lot of the people posting claiming side effects are actually describing side effects of LOW THYROID or HIGH THYROID! The medication is simply a replacement hormone and will not make you constipated, have brain fog, anxiety, fibromyalgia, heart palpitations, etc. unless you are taking TOO MUCH or TOO LITTLE of the hormone. A lot of the negative reviews of this medication are absolutely ridiculous!"
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?
- Jen...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- October 27, 2021
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "I was on Nature Throid for 13 years with no problems until they stopped manufacturing it. I tried Armour and experienced anxiety! I switched to Levothyroxine and have been in the dumps, suffering from upper back and neck pain ever since. Recently, I switched to Tirosint, my hair immediately started falling out, and I was having severe hot flashes. I stopped taking it, and both issues resolved, so now I just take Levo every other day. I'm not sure why these manufacturers cannot figure it out when there are so many people suffering. Please, someone manufacture Nature Throid again. I am at a loss."
- Hyp...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- November 23, 2019
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I am a 57-year-old woman who has hypothyroidism. I've been taking 100mcg of Synthroid for 10 years. I dread taking this pill every morning. I feel like I have an out-of-body experience, blood rushes to my brain, causing anxiety, hair loss, muscle and joint pains, itching all over, brain fog, and insomnia. For the past week, I have been cutting it in half. I will be stopping this crazy cycle. I have lost so much weight just from the anxiety and insomnia. I do not want to have to rely on a synthetic pill and Klonopin, and be told I am depressed. I feel better without it."
- ire...
- October 27, 2011
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I have been on Synthroid for about 7 years. I am 43 now, but I still feel very tired and have no energy or motivation. My bones feel weak. I have been telling my doctor that maybe I need a higher dosage, but he said no. I suggested changing the medication, but he insisted I am fine. But I know my body. My hair is falling out, it's thin. Maybe a new doctor can help me."
- Ann...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- May 2, 2018
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I was taking Synthroid for three years. I was extremely ill during that time and it worsened. I could not eat, walk without falling, gained 30 pounds, and my numbers did not go down. Finally, my endocrinologist agreed to put me on Armour Thyroid medication. I lost all the weight I had gained in two weeks, could eat, and walk. My whole life changed dramatically. Doctors are giving Armour a bad name, but I can tell you from my experience, it changed my life."
- pat...
- July 24, 2013
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "Tirosint has been great for me. I have hypothyroidism and was starting to have recurring symptoms. Tirosint got rid of these symptoms. My recurring symptoms while on Levoxyl (but only after over ten years on it) were: puffy face, constipation, fatigue. When I took Tirosint, the symptoms were gone. I am very happy with Tirosint. I have no side effects."
- Tia...
- August 22, 2013
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Although Synthroid keeps my test results 'normal,' I still have all of the hypothyroid symptoms. Severe exhaustion, sensitivity to cold, trouble concentrating, etc... like I haven't experienced since before I found out I had hypothyroidism. I was only put on Synthroid since the medication I am normally prescribed is no longer available."
- Mic...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- June 25, 2020
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "For the people who have concerns with hair loss. I have heard that if you need and can tolerate taking zinc supplement, it decreases hair loss and also helps convert the t4 to t3. As always, consult your doctor."
- Nat...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- March 1, 2019
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "I was on generic levothyroxine for over 30 years at 112 mcg per day. I felt ok, but over the past couple of years, I had ups and downs with it. It got really worse since January with dizziness, extreme tiredness, and nausea. Come to find out, the manufacturers replaced the lactose ingredient with mannitol, which was our culprit. After researching, I discovered that mannitol is no longer allowed in France and Belgium due to its side effects. I asked my doctor to switch me to Tirosint (pure form with no mannitol or dyes), and my symptoms have subsided! So far, so good. I need to wait 2 weeks to check my levels. I bet I may even have to lower my dose as I seem to absorb this one better. I am thankful to the manufacturer of Tirosint, as I feel so much better!"
- isa...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 2, 2020
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "I have been on every and I mean every thyroid medication known to my doctor. The Tirosint had worked the best because of my gluten and lactose issues. However, my insurance company refuses to pay for the medication and since my husband is retiring soon, I will have to go off my meds altogether. I simply cannot afford to pay. I also suffer from Lupus and other autoimmune diseases."
- Les...
- September 11, 2011
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Been on this medicine for about 9 months after discovering my thyroid was starting to malfunction. I have had no weight gain or mood changes, and not a problem to speak of. My hair stopped falling out so much, it started growing like crazy along with my nails. I know I metabolize food more quickly, I will spare you the details. My skin isn't as dry, and I have been having an easier time with my mood in combination with other medications."
- gfm...
- Taken for 10 years or more
- February 2, 2013
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I have been taking this medication for almost 22 years. My thyroid is dead, the doctor said due to childbirth. I started out on the lowest dosage. The doctor didn't want to shock my body, so I had to cut them in half for 2 weeks and then slowly go up from there. I am now taking 200 mg, and have been for several years now. The medication works well for me. If I miss a day, I can tell, and I feel really tired."
- Rie...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 1, 2020
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "Been on thyroid replacement therapy for 30+ years. Originally diagnosed by an endocrinologist and followed by this dr yearly for many years. He always insisted on brand (Synthroid); said generics were too inconsistent. For the past 20 years, my thyroid levels have been followed and treated by my primary physician. Slight variances over the years, no notable issues. I'm a VERY compliant patient. Within the last year, Walmart, who I've used since they started offering $4 maintenance drugs, refilled my levothyroxine with a carded medication dispensed in boxes of 30 - Euthyrox. Four months ago, my yearly thyroid lab was slightly out of range - 0.1 on a scale of 0.3 to 5.6. My dose was adjusted from 0.112 to 0.100. My labs went from 0.1 to 41.6 Labs this out of range are typically newly diagnosed patients who have not had their thyroid tested and/or were not on medication! Euthyrox should not be available in the US and Waltmart should not be dispensing."
- Bob...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 22, 2020
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "Walmart switched my levothyroxine medicine without doctor permission. I started taking Euthyrox in May, started having sharp pain, muscle spasm, headache, dry mouth etc. The pain became unbearable. Went to the doctor and had inflammation, high sodium, kidney function decrease, and pain all over. I couldn’t focus as I had brain fog. This medicine should not be sold. Walmart is trying to save a dollars while putting our lives at risk."
- Sta...
- November 16, 2020
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "I've been taking levothyroxine 75 mcg for several years without any problems. I was recently switched to Euthyrox 75 mcg by Walmart Pharmacy. I realized right away that they had given me a different medicine. I talked to the pharmacist right there about it, and he said it was the same as the levothyroxine and that due to the pandemic, they were having a short supply of the levothyroxine. I took this medicine for almost a month before I realized it was causing me to have hives and also swelling in my lip, foot, and hand. It also caused my voice to change. I have been trying to figure out what I was allergic to, thinking it was food allergies or detergent, etc. After reading others' comments, I now realize it's this horrible medicine. I called Walmart 4 days ago and told them about the hives and swelling, and they immediately changed me back to my original medicine. The pharmacist told me it could take a week or longer before the swelling and hives are gone."
- Kcw...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- January 22, 2017
"I've been on levothyroxine for 2 weeks now. I tested negative for Hashimoto's but I do have multinodular goiter. The doctor told me that it may take a few weeks to feel better. Two days after taking this medication, I felt a tremendous difference! I'm not tired all the time, cravings for carbs went away, I don't feel depressed, and I feel more like myself than I have in years! I'm losing a lot of weight, but I have completely changed my diet as well. I don't eat any processed foods anymore, and it's been incredibly easy to do. I'm thankful for this medication because after 4 years of suffering with hypothyroidism without knowing what was wrong in the first place was awful."
- Spu...
- November 13, 2019
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "Mine is a long story. I began taking Synthroid in 1993 after a required doctor visit. All I can say is WOW! It was not a sudden boost, but a lifetime of feeling listless and tired was gone. I have been on the medication now for about 22 years. If I miss a dose, generally doesn't feel bad. Miss it for several days and I start getting tired, etc. Can't imagine being without it. Certainly changed my life. Didn't do it overnight but it sure did take away that sleepy feeling. In 1997, the doctor told me it was known to be uncommon for men to have thyroid issues. Well, I think that's because men aren't tested as much. Now in 2019, I believe the treatment rate for men is probably just below that for women. Good deal. Never had a real bad experience. Not sure though where the meds come from and the whole concept of changing brands. I'm sloppy in taking it as I do it in the morning then drink coffee and often can eat breakfast right away as well. Good luck to all."
- Hyp...
- March 19, 2016
Tirosint (levothyroxine) "Personally, I really like Tirosint better than any other thyroid medication I've taken. I was on Armour for 3 months and started to lose my hair, and my nails got very thin. Then, I switched to Synthroid hoping that my hair would stop falling out, but it only got worse. After a month on Synthroid, I lost at least half my hair. So I talked to my doctor, and we switched me to Tirosint, and after 3 weeks of using it, my hair has barely fallen out! I personally have had no harmful side effects with Tirosint, and I am glad I switched. Yes, it may be a little pricey a month, but it's totally worth not having my hair fall out!"
- bby...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- November 14, 2016
Synthroid (levothyroxine) "I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the last days of October of this year. My doctor prescribed me 50mcg levothyroxine distributed by Mylan. I was only on the medication for 3 days! The medicine made me so fatigued and tired, I could hardly go through my day without wanting to pass out and go to sleep. And not only that, but my chest was feeling really uncomfortable. It felt like someone had put 20 pounds on my chest and overall having difficulty taking a deep breath. My doctor then prescribed me the brand name Synthroid with only 25mcg. I had energy like I haven't had in a year, but on the third day, I was having shortness of breath, my heart was beating so hard and fast, and I felt so lightheaded. Seriously, scariest experience I have had."
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
Symptoms and treatments
Medicine.com guides (external)
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Other brands
Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Tirosint, ... +4 more
Professional resources
- Levothyroxine monograph
- Levothyroxine (FDA)
- Levothyroxine Capsule (FDA)
- Levothyroxine Injection (FDA)
Other brands
Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Tirosint, ... +6 more
Euthyrox (levothyroxine) "Horrible drug. Almost landed in ER. Been taking Levothyroxine, generic for Synthroid, for years, a little yellow oval pill with no issues. Called for a refill at Walmart. Arrived home to find boxes of blister packs. Definitely not my normal pills, which came in a pill bottle. Called Walmart and asked about this drug Euthyrox by Merck in Germany. Person who answered the phone said exactly the same, no worries. HE WAS WRONG. Didn't put 2 & 2 together for over 3 weeks as I became sicker, my side effect symptoms were brain fog, strange headache all day, every day, dizzy, heavy pulse in my neck, sudden heatwaves, unsteady on my feet, vision weird, and exhausted. Figured out it was due to changing to this manufacturer. Many reviews from people who experienced the same side effects after Walmart changed to this manufacturer. Walmart should have said something. Doctor gave me a prescription for the old Levo. Immediately stopped taking Euthyrox. Today is the 4th day back on the old pills. 90% better. Called Walmart Corp. & FDA. NOT LIKE OTHER GENERIC LEVOTHYROXINE."