Levothyroxine and Brain Fog: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mea...
• February 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Taking Levoxyl for about 6 months, and unfortunately not working for me. The stomach pain is unbearable at times and unpredictable. Hair loss, spasms, vivid dreams, headaches, that horrid brain fog. (Hashimoto causes hair loss, including the medication. Make sure your iron levels are optimal.) These are just a few of a long list of side effects. Took Synthroid for about 2 years, and it worked to some degree, but hair loss was a nightmare and the lactose coating was a no for me-continuous digestive issues. Digestive issues with Levoxyl is enough to get me to seek other treatment."

• Dio...
• December 11, 2019

For Hashimoto's disease "My mother and I both have hypothyroidism, and our pharmacy switched our levothyroxine to the Lupin brand. Months after taking the new pill, we were ill again. We experienced all of the symptoms we had before being diagnosed and medicated: extreme exhaustion, weight issues, brain fog, and generally feeling sick. I feel that this “medication” isn’t even medication. It is terrible. After calling around to different pharmacies, we found the old brand we took before, and now we are feeling 100% again."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I first found out I had hypothyroid 10/24 (OB checked because I've been trying to conceive) TSH level 8.7. After taking 50 mg for 1 month, my TSH level went to 3.0. Unfortunately, after that, I started getting negative side effects such as constantly sleepy, unfocused, and feeling really out of it, slight depression, and exhaustion. I hated it. A friend who was hypothyroid recommended taking Kelp vitamins for the iodine. I started taking 25 mg Levo and my Kelp vitamin daily. Jan 20, TSH was at 3.5 (Dr. wanted me to stay on the same 50 mg prescription, but I was still having negative side effects). I also had Vitamin D checked Jan 20 per friend's recommendation and found out that was low too. So I STOPPED taking Levo and ONLY took Vit D and Kelp Vit. Apr 18 levels checked again, and TSH was 2.8 HALLELUJAH!"

• Mrs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Today is my third day on this medication, and so far I haven't had any adverse reactions. I have had a goiter for over twelve years. For years my doctors have been telling me my blood tests are normal. Last year I pushed and had a thyroid scan. They found three nodules, with one having its own blood supply. For years I've been silently suffering, dealing with low sex drive, weight gain, chronic constipation (enema, laxatives), brain fog, tiredness, body aches, depression (meds), hair shedding, and now I'm noticing my extremities are always cold. And so once again I told my doctor something is wrong. She started me on 25 mg levothyroxine. I'm nervous because I don't want more hair loss. Today I'm wearing a wig, ashamed of my hair."

• Don...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 30, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I am 22 years old and a fairly healthy, educated young woman. I had blood work done in August 2015 and found out my TSH was 60, so my doctor prescribed 50 mcg of levothyroxine. In January 2016, I had my TSH rechecked and it was down to 30. I continued to take the levothyroxine for a month and a half, from late January to the middle of March. During the time I was taking this medication, I felt so lethargic, I had terrible brain fog, and I was so bloated that I actually got stretch marks on my stomach! I have never been pregnant or even had sex, and I got stretch marks from being miserably bloated! Also, with the levothyroxine, I had the worst heartburn in my life. The acid reflux was so bad that I would get choked and start coughing from it."

• 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."

• Vee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 21, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Was on generic levothyroxine for several years, then last year got switched to Euthyrox. Almost immediately started feeling awful. Nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, brain fog. My doctor couldn't explain why I was having issues. Reading similar reviews makes me realize it's not just me. I will have to find a better alternative because I can't function like this."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "I didn't even know I had hypothyroid until my doctor ran tests based on family history. Once it was brought to light, all the symptoms made sense (I had equated them all to weight gain due to change of lifestyle). I'm still in the process of finding the right dosage, but even on the first legs of that journey, I've felt better. Less lethargic (I'm going to the gym 3 times a week now), fewer mood swings, a bit better mental clarity, etc. I haven't noticed nails getting better, but I've always had weak nails. I have noticed an intense melancholy and inability to focus and stay awake the one time I missed a pill. I'm glad I started this early (29) compared to my poor mom who didn't learn of her deficiency until her late 40s."

• MCL...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2021

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was seeing an endocrinologist who prescribed Armor thyroid. She worked with me to keep my TSH at a 1.0. She retired and I started seeing another endocrinologist. He put me on Unithroid, and I felt awful on it. I was constipated, bloated, carpal tunnel in my hands, and major brain fog. I convinced my primary care physician to prescribe Armor for me, and I feel so much better."

• Den...
• March 4, 2016

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Do not do it! It causes tiredness, mental fog, emotional instability, and depression. The thyroid is critical to mental function. This med will cause you to behave in ways you find surprising. The problem is that this is a T4-only medication. Your body also produces T1, T2, T3."

• 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."

• Dus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Euthyrox, this is an awful medicine. Firstly, I live in Europe, but in a country that is not in the EU, but in Southeast Balkans. Whatever, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in 2019 and was put on thyroid replacement drug, 25 mcg of levothyroxine, which in my country, N. Macedonia, you can only find under the brand Euthyrox by an American-German company, Merck. From the very first day, I had horrible side effects like skipping heartbeats, fainting, headaches, digestive problems, dizziness, sleepiness, blurry vision, brain fog, and general mood swings. I tried several times to stop this medicine, I felt great, but as the symptoms of Hashimoto's persisted, the doctors advised I keep taking. I got used to feeling like this, doctors raised my dosage with time from 25 mcg to 50 and then 75 mcg. Very often, when I take this pill in the morning, my libido, mood, and zest for life go from great to almost zero. I really hope I can find a source of supply of some other brand of levothyroxine to switch to."

• joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on thyroid medications (Synthroid and levothyroxine) for quite a few years with no problems and good results/bloodwork. Several months ago, Walmart Pharmacy placed me on Euthyrox, and it has been a downward spiral since that time. I began experiencing many symptoms that only continued to worsen over time: muscle aches, fatigue, brain fog, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness. It was relatively easy to tell myself I was depressed, I was working too hard, it was age-related (I am 74), and on and on. Finally, I went back to when my symptoms began and knew the only change in that period of time was my medication. Then I checked out patient reviews of Euthyrox and knew I was not alone, so why is this medication still being prescribed? I called my pharmacy to put me back on my levothyroxine and never substitute that medication with any other drug again. My following lab level also showed a decrease in my level. Why is it still out there?"

• Ave...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I've been on this medication for a month. 50 mcg. It makes me so tired I can barely stay awake to work during the day. It makes it very hard to concentrate. I didn't have fatigue or brain fog before starting this medicine. It has improved my joint pains, itching, and the ringing in my ears."

• Eut...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "On a whim trying to figure out what is wrong with me. No doctor seems to help me. I researched the difference between the two drugs & mercy. Have I found the culprit? I have been feeling so lethargic, insomnia, weak, dizzy, fast heart rate, sweats if I try to push myself and faint. Physically unstable, nauseated, ankle and leg cramps, foggy, foggy. Memory getting bad, vision, headaches, chest, indigestion. I was given Euthyrox by Walmart instead of Levothyroxine. Taking for 3 months. Changed pharmacy in the meantime to Walgreens. I picked up new 90 Levothyroxine."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on Synthroid for four weeks after I had a prothrombin time (PT) test. I didn't notice much change until week four, and I developed pretty severe heart palpitations that I'm still getting on and off. My anxiety increased, and I had brain fog, bloating, and weight gain. I have been off of it for a week, and my numbers are double what they were prior to starting it."

• Mis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 17, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "Levothyroxine is awful. I've been taking it for 7 years, and the side effects (nausea, brain fog, depression, PVCs, PACs, air hunger, muscle twitching, muscle pain, and stiffness, headaches) began 5 weeks after starting it. I've been up and down the TSH range, and nothing helps. The horrible side effects are worse than the disease. I've tried Mylan, JSP, Sandoz, and Tirosint. Endocrinologists are only concerned with TSH, with no capability for critical thinking. If all that matters is keeping TSH within range while ignoring everything else, this can be more effectively done by a computer. If you want to remove all quality of life, this is the drug for you."

• Bre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 15, 2018

For Hashimoto's disease "I was put on levothyroxine for Hashimoto, and it was horrible. Never felt good, horrible fatigue, tons of inflammation, brain fog, and antibodies were over 1000. Took a year to find a doctor to prescribe Armour and will pray I NEVER have to go back to levothyroxine. Armour has been a lifesaver for me. I am not at 100%, but feel I am about 85% better than what I was on levothyroxine."

• Sun...
• July 7, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on levo for a year and a half, and I have experienced a few side effects that are not mentioned when prescribed. I have heartburn, acid reflux, brain fog, always tired all the time, but I love this med. It has my periods back to normal, which is what I was hoping for, so it's worth the side effects. Before being tested, I didn't have a period in 18 months."

• DCG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I do love the internet for this type of communication. Wal-Mart switched me back in late November 21 to Euthyrox. By late December, I thought I was going to need my prostate removed. Body aches, joint aches, fatigue, and brain fog to boot. Do not let it happen to you. Back on levothyroxine, and after 2 days, everything improved."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "This stuff is awful. Had thyroid removed November 17th, 2022. It took a while to get my levels normal. When they finally were normal, I felt terrible. Chest pains, anxiety, going from cold to burning up, insomnia, loss of focus, and so much more. Through the grace of God, I found this website. The doctor immediately changed my medication when I showed him what I found. It is really bad and makes you feel out of control because you can't slow your heart down or do anything about the anxiety. I have been off of it for 3 days, and I am praying the side effects go away soon. If you are having these problems, take a deep breath and give yourself a break. Exercise was the only thing that would help, but the chest pain, fast heartbeat, and anxiety would come right back. Tell the people around you so they can give you a break. It makes everything really hard, and the smallest thing will frustrate you, and then you feel worse. Try to remember it's the medicine and not you, and it will get better."

• Ext...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 8, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was doing okay on Levoxyl until my last refill. Finally put it all together tonight and figured it out. Refilled March 3, 2022, and started to feel bad three days later. At first, I was tired, and then cold, hair falling out, my ears are ringing, increase in appetite, aches and pains, constipation, dry mouth, foggy brain, and just getting worse and worse. I do not have a thyroid, so I completely depend on the medication. This happened once before when I was on levothyroxine, and they ended up recalling that med. This is awful. Will call pharmacy tomorrow. Heart rate is in the 50’s, slowing down."

• Arv...
• April 8, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "I’ve been on this since 2009. After 8 months of very little improvement, I went to my GP and begged them to add Cytomel. This combination of T3 and T4 works for me. You get to a point where you know when you need to be adjusted due to feeling exhausted, gaining weight for no reason, brain fog, etc.—it’s been a struggle to get a doctor to increase my dosage due to my high TSH levels. Finally, I found someone who went the extra step and ordered further testing. I’ve been diagnosed with a benign pituitary tumor, which was causing my pituitary to overproduce prolactin and TSH. My suggestion, if after 8 months of taking Levothyroxine your symptoms don’t seem to be alleviated—ask to add a T3 med, for me, it made a huge difference in quality of life."

• pol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2023

"I have got a lot of thyroid symptoms like being cold, headaches, nausea, leg cramp, weight gain, constantly fatigued, and brain fog. I was on 50 mg Pharma Mercury, one a day, I felt awful and went cold turkey, as they made me feel worse. I am starting to feel normal again. Doctors are no help at all. Would not recommend these."

• But...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "The Euthyrox is horrible for me. Took it for a month, maybe more. Had headaches, terrible fatigue, muscle cramps, foggy brain. Probably more symptoms, just didn't make the connection. After researching, I read all the side effects. Went to Walmart and told them I did not want this Euthyrox anymore. It is confusing when I compared the generic of Synthroid and Euthyrox, it both said Levothyroxine. I told the pharmacist I no longer wanted the Euthyrox, but if they label it all as Levothyroxine... my rx history only shows Levothyroxine. So very leery. Will be asking for Synthroid generic to be more specific. See if that changes anything. Until then, I am miserable right now. I suggest DO NOT TAKE EUTHYROX."