Levothyroxine and Depression: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Roc...
• May 29, 2010

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was born with a thyroid condition. I am a 23-year-old female. I did the other brand for a while, and it made me tired, sad, and just made me feel hopeless. I am on Synthroid 88 mcg, and although I sometimes feel sad, my weight is maintained, I'm able to work, and play with my 1-year-old daughter, who, thank God, is healthy. Finding the right dosage is so important and is trial and error. If everything is good and you only have one symptom like sadness... get a hobby, again a close friend is so important and always take your pill!"

• Roc...
• May 29, 2010

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was born with a thyroid condition. I am a 23-year-old female. I did the other brand for a while, and it made me tired, sad, and just made me feel hopeless. I am on Synthroid 88 mcg, and although I sometimes feel sad, my weight is maintained, I'm able to work, and play with my 1-year-old daughter, who, thank God, is healthy. Finding the right dosage is so important and is trial and error. If everything is good and you only have one symptom like sadness... get a hobby, again a close friend is so important and always take your pill!"

• 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."

• 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."

• AAa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 1, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have had an underactive thyroid for 8 years. I could not handle Synthroid and was always going off. I like Tirosint, at first, I am only on a small dosage of 13, but my hair was falling out so badly that I started taking 2 pills during Corona because of no doctor. It stopped hair breakage, but if I take too much, I get headaches and have trouble sleeping. But now if I take 13 only, I get bad depression and my hair falls out again. Overall, I like the meds. I am diagnosed with Hashimoto's, and this is just my life-my own thyroid not being regulated. I have a bad headache today, so I can't take 2 tomorrow, so I guess I can prep for severe depression. Oy vey!"

• Pat...
• August 28, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "43-year-old female, 5'7", 76 kg. I used to be 56 kg, and in a matter of 2 years, I reached 80 kg after quitting smoking. I also had a plethora of other problems, among which were lethargy, extreme fatigue, and depression. My doc discovered by accident my TSH was 10, plus huge antibody values. Started me at 50 mcg Synthroid and I went up from there. I am now at 175 mcg, a huge dose, and feel fantastic. My blood values are low, TSH, upper limit T4. I kind of talked my doc into increasing the dose, as his choice was 125 mcg and I felt that was too low. I finally have the energy to go to the gym. I feel like my old self. I LOVE Synthroid and I hope he won't lower it for me."

• tmi...
• April 9, 2015

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had a goiter in my teens that was treated with radioactive iodine. I've been on Synthroid for almost ten years, having trouble finding the right dose. I was on 125 mcg for a few years, but my TSH jumped around a lot. Last time I checked, it was around 30, so not good. I decided to try 150 mcg. At first, I had a bit of insomnia, but otherwise, I felt great. Going to find out on Saturday if it's been working as good as I thought. I ran out 3 days ago, and I've already gained a bit of weight (looks like I'm bloated) and woke up this morning depressed. Oh well, I get more on Saturday."

• Pga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Like many, I was doing amazing on Nature Throid until about 2017, and since then I have bounced from no medication and from Tirosint and Synthroid. Synthroid has been the worst decision of my life! I feel so sad and depressed, which probably has to do with a 40 lb weight gain after switching to synthetic meds. I truly wished this worked for me!"

• Pga...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 14, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Like many, I was doing amazing on Nature Throid until about 2017, and since then I have bounced from no medication and from Tirosint and Synthroid. Synthroid has been the worst decision of my life! I feel so sad and depressed, which probably has to do with a 40 lb weight gain after switching to synthetic meds. I truly wished this worked for me!"

• SPA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 16, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Total thyroidectomy following Graves' substernal goiter 8 months ago. On 175 mg Levothyroxine. Felt good, but as the months go by, a host of symptoms: intense moods/anger, depression, spinning thoughts; hair loss, brittle, no curl, dry; diminished eyesight, dry, irritated; bone pain; hot poker nerve pain in feet; muscle cramps; tendon disturbances; Charlie horses in legs/rib cage!!; hot/cold flashes; itchy skin; swollen, itchy neck; diarrhea; joint pain swelling; and now shoulder blade hot poker pains. Insurance forced Levothyroxine first... I want to switch. Would love to have recommendations. I'm 70 but have always felt pretty good until now. Supplements of calcium and D3 have helped some. Also taking zinc, magnesium, and potassium - helping? Hurting?"

• Anonymous
• April 14, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "Levothyroxine - 0.50 mg for 1 year. Aged 54. I have had many side effects from this medication: severe fatigue, extreme weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating, depression, headache, insomnia, muscle weakness, extreme hair loss, skin rash, and decreased bone mineral density. I have been prescribed sleeping tablets and Prozac to no avail. I have also been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Having done some research, I have found that levothyroxine makes you deficient in iron, multivitamins, and calcium - hence the hair loss and weak bones. My GP said she's unable to change my medication as this is the only one available."

• 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."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2012

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've been on this medicine for more than 4 months. Not feeling any better at all. More tired, and more hair loss is what I've been experiencing. Still feeling no motivation, lethargy, and depressed/isolated."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2021

Levothyroxine "I was on my levothyroxine for over twenty years when they all of a sudden gave me Euthyrox at my Walmart Rx and asked my doctor why the change. He said it was the same thing, so I tried it for like 3+ months, and it was NOT the same! I felt like I was dying! My bones and muscles felt like they were deteriorating, I could stay awake for nothing, no matter how much sleep I had. The depression came on with vengeance. I gained weight. My bladder became weak. That drug should be outlawed, but the way they promote it, someone’s making money on it for sure. That’s terrible when lives are at stake. It’s bad enough having the health issues that we have, let alone people making it worse. That’s what the almighty dollar does."

• lev...
• October 17, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on levothyroxine, and I hate it. Palpitations, fast heart, nausea, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, tremors, irritability, depression. I can't understand why doctors don't really care. You get told you need levo, no other medication, just that one. Why? There must be more out there. In the UK, no decent choice. Do doctors get paid more for giving levo only? I was so ill on this horrible thing I went to A&E. Too much levo only, I was on 75."

• Djm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Do not take it! I was switched from Levo when I moved states. I was miserable for the 2 months I was taking Euthyrox. I had extreme exhaustion, I would take the meds in the AM and be back in bed for hours after. I would get exhausted doing laundry. More exhaustion than when I was pregnant. Extreme depression, and my hair was falling out. Also, the weight gain. I found this website, and it made me not feel crazy, but it was, in fact, the medication. My family doctor told me my numbers are in range, that it couldn’t possibly be the medication causing all this, and that I needed a “happy pill.” This is as I’m crying in his office, begging for something different. He then agreed to put me on Synthroid. It was more expensive, but it is what it is. He had told me my mono came back… Listen here, 2 days being on Synthroid and I got my life back! 2 weeks on, and I was running around Disney not needing a nap! Do not take this crap!"

• SMa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart switched me from Levo to Euthyrox. I trusted that the medications were the same..... THEY ARE NOT!! I've been suffering for almost a year on this Euthyrox garbage. I've been sick, hair falling out, joint pains, migraines, diarrhea, fatigue, depression, heart palpitations, etc. TSH skyrocketed. I just got my new script and noticed it was Levo again..... after 5 days on it, I feel like a new person! Euthyrox is garbage! And I didn't connect the dots at all. I will NEVER take this AGAIN! I've been suffering for a year! Take this OFF THE MARKET!!!"

• 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."

• Fru...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have been taking Levoxyl for the past 10 years and doing well on it. Then all of a sudden, I was having severe hyperthyroid symptoms after my dose was increased, and I was switched to Synthroid. This stuff feels like poison. It caused heaviness in my chest, felt like it was more difficult to breathe, and caused me to feel very depressed. I took it for a month and said no more. I am back on Levoxyl now, and all of those horrible symptoms went away almost immediately. I have tried several different levothyroxine brands, and it’s so difficult to find the correct one. The batches seem to be inconsistent lately as well for both Synthroid and Levoxyl. But if you’re having horrible side effects from Synthroid, please switch to a different brand. It really makes a difference."

• Nad...
• February 6, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I get sick, angry, and depressed from the medicine. I get migraines, I can't take it, but through my research, I am going to ask for Armour. It is natural, but it replaces two hormones, and you do need a prescription."

• Luc...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 15, 2016

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I am so frustrated. My endocrinologist keeps saying my labs are just right on 88 mcg daily of levothyroxine. But I am miserable since thyroidectomy 3 years ago. He originally had me on a higher dose but brought it down twice. I've gained 35 pounds, lost a lot of my hair, have constant headaches, vision problems, body aches, and absolutely no energy! The doctor says it's not because of my thyroid meds and says there is no alternative medication and he will not increase the dosage either. I am increasingly depressed by this but don't know where to turn. I have also lost much bone mass but refused Prolia because of known side effects."

• kin...
• July 18, 2010

For Hashimoto's disease "I have been depressed for almost 3 years, could not get enough sleep, was no fun, slept all the time, had no interest in anything anymore, felt like I was in a cloud most of the time, had vibrations in my thyroid, have gained 40 pounds. I started to take this medicine 3 days ago, and I feel like a different person - the old me. Everyone is commenting on how different I am. My body must have been so depleted of the thyroid hormone for years, and my body was not working right. If this gets better and better, my life is going to change! I am so happy!"

• 21Y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism. My TSH level was close to 7. I felt dizzy and had a low appetite for the first few days on levothyroxine. I started to feel better after that, but on the third week, I felt depressed, I couldn't process what I was reading, I felt paranoid, and had no energy. It was scary! I requested another blood test, and the results showed that my TSH levels dropped to 0.5. My dosage will go from 25 mcg to 12.5 mcg starting tomorrow. I will come back in a few weeks."

• MRa...
• November 30, 2009

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have Grave's disease, and after treatment, my thyroid is hypoactive. My doctor put me on the levothyroxine, but I struggle with constant fatigue and insomnia. I changed to Armour thyroid a few months ago and noticed considerable improvements-not only in my fatigue and energy levels but in my mood. I struggle with depression while I'm on the levothyroxine, but I don't on the Armour thyroid. Also, on the Armour thyroid, my skin and hair were much healthier, my appetite and gastrointestinal system more regular, and what an incredible thing it was to actually sleep! I have had to go back to the levothyroxine because of problems getting the Armour thyroid (it's on backorder). I have insomnia again, and I'm always miserably tired."