Levothyroxine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Hyp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "6+ years on Synthroid, and this is what I have to show for it. Used to be a size 12, now a 28, no periods, pain all over, hypo symptoms still, mental and mood symptoms (anxiety, depression, mood swings). My growth hormone is only 40 and my FSH is 78. I can't have children. Finally switched to Cytomel, it broke me out and still had the same symptoms as above. My level was over 20 last they checked. Just got a prescription for Armour, hoping I finally get my life back."

• Jac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Lately, I have been experiencing flu-like body pains. Feeling achy, weak legs and arms. This medicine is ruining my life. Every time I increase the dosage, even by small amounts, I feel so nervous and withdrawn."

• Big...
• November 16, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Hypo/Hsahis - 42 years. I recently moved, and I went to an endocrinologist who looked at the last several years of labs and advised she could see I was not absorbing meds, so she put me on Tirosint. My TSH was 14.99. Three weeks later, my TSH was 0.78. After that, depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and major bathroom issues around the clock for a month. Went to the Mayo Clinic to figure this out, and after two months on Tirosint, my TSH was 43.2. No one believes I am taking meds. Yes, I am. Mayo put me on NP Thyroid last week. Tirosint had already done its damage to my gut. I ended up in the ER Monday with severe stomach pains, bloating, pressure, pain, and bleeding. A CT scan revealed ulcerative colitis. I took the med as prescribed. The doctor that prescribed it to me called me and told me that she can clearly see I stopped taking my medication over two weeks ago. No. I have no thyroid, my Hashis attacked it, and it is no longer there. I am 100% dependent on thyroid replacement now."

• Car...
• November 16, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "Prescribed .25 levothyroxine (generic) about 4 weeks ago for borderline hypothyroidism. They say 'borderline,' but, honestly, the TSH ranges are too broad. If your TSH is 4.5... you're gonna feel it mentally and physically. No earth-shattering side effects to date. However, I will say that I haven't had an anxiety attack since about the first week of starting this...not one, and I was having them frequently. Looking forward to some weight loss, but nothing so far."

• Anonymous
• August 16, 2010

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's about seven years ago, nine months after giving birth. I was so tired, losing hair, had terrible brain fog, and was very irritable. My doctor placed me on Levoxyl 110. My symptoms went away fairly quickly (2 weeks), but then I started having panic attacks. She reduced me to 88 mcg, and the anxiety went away. I stayed on that dose for the next seven years. Though my blood work showed normal, I was still always cold, found it hard to wake up in the mornings, and would feel lethargic after workouts. I convinced my new doctor to let me try the next higher dose - 100 mcg. I feel so much better now. My feet are never cold, I don't lose hair, and I am back to being a morning person. Blood work AND symptoms must be addressed."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2014

For Underactive Thyroid "I started taking 25 mcg of Levothyroxine about 7 weeks after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I'm on my third day of the medication, and I hate it so much that I haven't even taken it this morning. Just 2 days on it, and already, I have severe tiredness, sweaty feet, shaky muscles, headaches, shortness of breath in the afternoon, suicidal thoughts, anxiety attacks, sensitivity to heat, and low energy. I'm a dancer, and in my last rehearsal, I couldn't even dance full out because my energy was so low. I have an appointment with my doctor in a few days, so hopefully he'll prescribe a name brand for me. I believe I'm on the generic brand."

• Ral...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "11 days ago, I was prescribed 25 mg of levothyroxine, and it was bad from the start. I took it for 2 days straight. I got super hyper. The third day, I thought I was dying. Tremors, hyperactivity, confusion, and others I forgot. I actually got my last will and testament out and put it on the table. I called my internist that night, and he told me to just take some sedative and go to sleep and take it every other day to further cut the dosage down. That helped a lot, but I get anxiety and panic attacks along with insomnia. It also increased my blood pressure about 30-40 points, along with increased heart rate. I always had low blood pressure (in the 100s) and blame it on the drug. I had no hypertension before taking this drug, but the doctor does not believe me. The doctor just wants to put me on high blood pills to counter the side effect of levothyroxine. This drug is disgusting."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I took my first dose of Tirosint in the morning, and within a half hour, my ears started ringing, and I got a bad headache. By the time it was bedtime, I felt so nervous and shaky that I never fell asleep. It was an awful experience. The next day, I went back to my Synthroid."

• Mic...
• April 11, 2015

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "My Hashimoto's with a benign nodule was found after losing my twins to early delivery. Endo believes this was a missed factor in my loss. My TSH was over 4. Started on levothyroxine 100 mcg was great for 2 months, but by the third month, my blood sugars dropped, heart was racing (palpitations), body itching like the burn you feel after a workout, my hair was falling out, severe anxiety, and I was losing 2 lbs every few days (that part I didn't mind). I was insistent to check my TSH and it was 0.27, adjusted down to 88 mcg with an extra half tab once a week. My TSH is now 2.2, but I feel the depression and fatigue. Adjusting back up to 100 since it's been 3 years. At least now I know what to watch for. I no longer experience PCOS or DM 2."

• Jan...
• January 29, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I'm not sure how to rate Levoxyl, honestly. I had thyroid cancer and a full thyroidectomy 2 years ago, and I still have yet to feel like me again. I'll be good for a few months, then the weight goes back on. I'm exhausted, brain fog, and anxiety. I'm on 176 mcg and 10 mcg T3. I still feel like crap and am unable to lose weight. I used to do bikini competitions for bodybuilding, so I know how to be motivated to eat clean and hit the gym. I'm doing all of this with zero results. I'm beyond frustrated."

• Bin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was excited to switch from Synthroid to Tirosint because my doctor told me that it was gluten-free compared to other medications. I have been on it for a little over a month after switching from Synthroid, and I feel so terrible: anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, lots of hair loss, and weight is stuck, and my goiter in my neck is enlarged again. I called my doctor because I want to go back on my Synthroid. I did read that some people do better on it than others, and I believe it is just not for me."

• Msj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My experience is very similar to most complaints about Euthyrox. I was on a different generic (I am not sure of the manufacturer, but the usual color-coded variety). Same deal, Walmart just arbitrarily changed the script. I DID protest when I received it but was assured it was the 'same.' I was on this drug for approx. 2 weeks, and I started feeling horrible. Depression, anxiety, tremors, and dangerous high blood pressure. I ended up in the ER with sustained BP of 220/110. This lasted for several hours. I went cold turkey (I am on 50mcg), and it took about 4 days to feel somewhat normal. I told ER docs to check my TSH, it was down to .2 from about 1.8. It should be pulled from the market. Incredibly dangerous drug."

• Cap...
• October 24, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I had been on levothyroxine for about 6 years with no problems. I got a new doctor closer to my home, and he switched me to this drug. On it, just 2 weeks, I got severe anxiety attacks (hyperventilating). He has given me samples, so I do not know if this will be covered by my insurance yet. I got a blood test, and he said the levels were fine, that I should see my internist for my anxiety. NOT. I will go back on my regular meds for 2 weeks, then try this again. I think it is this drug."

• Syd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Post partial thyroidectomy due to a large benign nodule. Started on 50 mcg of Unithroid. First few days were fine, took only 6 doses. Started having severe anxiety, restlessness, high blood pressure, high heart rate. Started at a TSH of 4.1, with 6 days of taking medicine, TSH dropped to 2.4. Will not take any more! Feeling like I was overmedicated."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 29, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had a total thyroidectomy in June 2018 after being diagnosed with cancer. I was put on levothyroxine. Ever since, I have felt absolutely horrible. I feel the worst possible. Anxiety, tremors, mental confusion, shaky legs, hyperventilating, chest pain. Hand cramps. Feeling like I'm going to pass out. Can't drive without feeling disoriented. Several trips to the ER, MRIs, CTs, dozens of trips to the doctor. Chalked it up to just not having a thyroid until I read others had the same symptoms. My levels keep coming back too high. They keep lowering every six weeks. I feel like I'm poisoned. I have asked my doctor to switch to Synthroid from levothyroxine. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else. We will see how it works. Just want to feel normal again. Please...."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I started on levothyroxine after my thyroidectomy due to cancer. After about 7 months, I decided to switch to a brand name, and my doctor picked this. While my body adjusted to the new stuff, I felt awful. I had a couple of days I felt really good, and then, boom, it all went downhill. My period was four days early and horrible. I also became extremely anxious and depressed. This med is not right for me, and I am hopeful to get to switch and try something new. If I have to be on it for life, better make sure it suits my body."

• hat...
• November 24, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Tried 25.50, .75, .125, doctor changes amount like no man's business. Mercury. Actavis, Whochatdt. All seem to have bad side effects. I'm sick of headaches, nausea on a good day, tremors, heart palpitations, jittery, etc. on a bad day, which seem to be 5/7 days a week. I don't want to poison my body anymore, but I've been scared into taking it. I think I'm scared of coma, not dying, just a coma. What else can I/we try? I know I am not alone."

• S_C...
• March 4, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "This is by far the worst medication I've ever been on! I basically got 30 more problems to attempt to 'fix' one problem. I've been on it for a week and a half and have had a horrible rapid heartbeat, feeling like I can't breathe, increased anxiety, a rash covering my whole body, and a distended stomach that makes me look 4 months pregnant, not to mention swollen hands and fatigue (which isn't a big deal), but the other stuff honestly makes me sick. My mom is on it too and has had bad side effects. We both really want to stop taking it, but apparently it's really dangerous to get off of it. I feel like I was totally trapped. I hate it! Seriously consider everything before taking it. I wish I would have."

• ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "My concentration and vision had been affected by this medication, both have become very poor. I was informed that the med had reduced my TSH to a more normal level. My dose is up to 125 mcg. My energy levels are amazingly high, but my muscle strength has weakened to the extent that my joints hurt a lot and keep me awake at night. It does not improve weight or alter the state of hair and nails. Although tired and weak before, I remember being happier than I am now. I have gained a lot of weight and anxiety since taking this med. I don't recognize my reflection anymore."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking levothyroxine for several months. Never had any symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Test results determined the problem. Lately, I have been experiencing some palpitations and tiredness and am feeling a bit nervous."

• Jax...
• February 11, 2010

For Underactive Thyroid "When I first started taking Synthroid, it was like waking up from a long sleep. Suddenly, I had energy, and I started to lose weight! The only side effect is that my hands aren't as steady as they used to be. Some days, it almost feels like I've had too much coffee, and other days, I don't even notice. Small price to pay for getting more energy! My dose is 175. I get my blood checked every 3 months, and my dose has been the same for 3 years now."

• Nis...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 10, 2018

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "This drug does me no good, swells up my face, body, fatigue, no energy, brain fog, more depressed, insomnia, appetite increase, more migraines, dry swollen irritated eyes, sinusitis, blurry vision, anxiety, overnight weight gain, heat intolerance, sweating more, hair falling, heart palpitations, muscle spasms in neck, shoulders, back, legs, acne, just miserable. I've told Drs. I can't take this medicine, it does nothing for me, but they don't listen for over 50 years. I've had a total thyroidectomy, thyroplasty, and as a result of surgical negligence, permanent paralyzed left vocal cord, compromised voice box, permanent laryngeal spasms. So miserable."

• Lyn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched my meds without even asking. My levels before were always in range, TSH had never been above 4.56 in 15 years. I was on Euthyrox for only 6 weeks before I went for labs and found out my TSH level skyrocketed to 13! I was having anxiety attacks and just not feeling myself. It was as if I had stopped taking my medication! This company should be sued for all the pain and suffering!"

• jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on both Synthroid and levothyroxine since March 2015 and have no issues with either medicine. Unless it was my fault for not taking it. Very bad idea. My levels changed for the better, and my Dr. took me off cold turkey. Not wise. So I took half a pill to be 25 mg, and I am fine. Once in a while, I feel nervous or anxious, so I increase to 50 mg. Then go back to 25 mg."

• jus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 5, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on both Synthroid and levothyroxine since March 2015 and have no issues with either medicine. Unless it was my fault for not taking it. Very bad idea. My levels changed for the better, and my Dr. took me off cold turkey. Not wise. So I took half a pill to be 25 mg, and I am fine. Once in a while, I feel nervous or anxious, so I increase to 50 mg. Then go back to 25 mg."