Levothyroxine and Fatigue: What Users Say

• joy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "In November 2020, I was diagnosed with low thyroid. My doctor put me on levothyroxine 25 mcg. I also went to Walmart and they gave me Euthyrox. I started taking it on the 11th. After taking it for one week, I began having hip pains that radiated into my legs. My joints ached and burned. I had headaches, low energy, dizziness, confusion, and a foggy brain. I didn't want to move as it hurt. I am a retired nurse and knew the recent change was due to medication. I stopped taking it on the 19th of November. I went to the doctor's office and was told to stop taking it. By Thanksgiving, I was feeling better. It took a few weeks to feel normal again. I have been prescribed Synthroid today and going to try it. It is the brand name of levothyroxine. Hopefully, I can use it. They need to inform people about how dangerous this medication is. I will stop using Walmart. They told me I was sick with a virus and treated me like I was delusional or making it up. I hope they never experience the same as I did."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 26, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was doing great on Tirosint until manufacturers changed to IBSA. I developed gastritis and arthritic neck pain, fatigue, and weakness. Felt like I had the flu. This medication has cost me a lot of time and money. Please start checking for any manufacture changes to your thyroid medication."

• Bos...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 31, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Been on Tirosint for 7 years after switching from other forms of levothyroxine. Been doing great on it, with small dose changes when needed. 4 months ago, was feeling unwell, endo tested me & my TSH was highest it's been since before I started Tirosint. We increased my dose, I'm now worse with full hypo symptoms that are affecting all areas of my life & functioning (intense pain, fatigue, brain fog, menstrual issues, etc.). Just had my thyroid panel & my TSH has climbed HIGHER on a Tirosint dose increase - opposite of what should be happening. Hasn't been this high since my thyroid was removed. I contacted the Tirosint manufacturer to see if the formulation has changed - NO RESPONSE. Will contact all the necessary channels to find out what's going on. It seems obvious that it must be the meds, since my issues coincide with their packaging & capsule sizes changing. I'm livid that they haven't responded. People's lives are at stake. Those without thyroids NEED effective hormone replacement to LIVE."

• ccg...
• October 23, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was falling asleep every time I sat down - even at the computer, rocking a baby, in a car ride. I was trying to lose weight, but gaining instead. Someone would touch me and I would start sweating. I am 58. I have been on Synthroid (not generic) for 6 days now. I too am feeling a whole lot better. I was at 202 lbs 10 days ago. Today I am at 187.6 lbs. I did fall asleep at the computer again last night, but my energy level is coming back."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Began taking in early June when Walmart pharmacy refilled my prescription, saying Euthyrox was their new generic and what I would be getting going forward. Within days of taking the first pill, I began to experience headaches that progressively increased in duration and frequency during the four months of taking Euthyrox. Then began the insomnia, tinnitus, heat intolerance, uncontrollable sweating, swelling in the face and eyelids, diarrhea, neck and shoulder pain, blurred vision, fatigue, occasional dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and brain fog. Stopped Euthyrox almost two weeks ago, and most symptoms have gone away except for headaches and neck pain. Definitely returning to the prior medication, this one was disabling."

• KET...
• August 10, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "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!"

• Joy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Walmart switched me to this brand back in April. They assured me it was the exact same thing as the levothyroxine brand I was taking. I had just had labs done in March. Things were good. By early May my TSH had jumped to a 14 from a 0.40. I had fatigue to the point that I was bed-bound. Headaches, sleeplessness, rapid heart rate, sweats, memory issues. This medicine is a dangerous medication. My doctor had several other thyroid patients complain of the same medication after Walmart switched them. It is absolutely not the same as what I was taking. This medication will crash your labs and make you feel like the walking dead. It shouldn't be on the market."

• hap...
• October 14, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I've had my thyroid removed 10 months ago, and I started taking the lowest dose of Levothyroxine (generic) six weeks after the surgery. I had my blood work done and dosage adjusted every six weeks until I ended up at 137 mcg daily, 5 months after the surgery. Then I switched to Synthroid brand. All this adjusting was done by an endocrinologist. I feel great, definitely much better than before the surgery when I suffered from severe hyperthyroidism. I did gain some weight right after the surgery, but once the dosage was correct, I was able to lose the pounds easily. All of my other symptoms (hair loss, abnormal sweating, fatigue) were gone once the dosage was correct. The right dosage is extremely important."

• DCG...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 28, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I went on Tirosint when Levoxyl stopped working after they changed the formulary. It worked great until March or so of this year. Now my hair is falling out, I’ve gained 8 lbs., my temp is 96, I’m exhausted, etc. Because of the pandemic, I didn’t figure it out right away. Obviously hypothyroidism and I’m so bummed. Awaiting test results and a consult with my doctor. What did they do to Tirosint? Synthroid or Levoxyl don’t work for me. What do I do next? What a nightmare."

• pat...
• July 24, 2013

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "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."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Synthroid is terrible, it gave me an exacerbation of mental health symptoms! Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, constant dark thoughts, and depression. My TSH dropped from 0.50 to 0.02, and still no symptoms of hyper, just the same symptoms of hypo: weight gain, tiredness, and depression. I thought I was losing my mind! Trying to adjust my psych meds, thinking that was the issue, didn't work because it was the levo causing the problem. It's difficult to separate symptoms of mental health problems from thyroid problems because they can be similar. I got a referral from my PCP to see an endocrinologist. They switched me to Armour. Significant improvement. Levothyroxine stinks! I'd rather take no thyroid medication and suffer the consequences than take Levothyroxine."

• LJL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 8, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This drug has many side effects that I am experiencing: labored breathing, hair loss, blurred vision, fatigue, chest pain, heart skipping beats, nausea, and insomnia. I was taking a little oblong yellow levothyroxine that worked great, but the drug store changed companies, and this pill is round and white."

• bby...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "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."

• 50y...
• March 29, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My surgeon took charge of my Synthroid medicines - big mistake - it was not until I saw an endocrinologist that I found the correct dosage and felt better. It took 18 months to find the correct dosage. I now take 0.2mg Mon-Fri and add 0.05mg on the weekends. This works for me. I had many problems before I got the right dose, and my surgeon said they were not from the Synthroid - he was wrong. I had extreme fatigue, sleeping 10 hours per night and 1 hour in the afternoons. I had trouble remembering things, as well as the inability to concentrate. I was off balance and frequently missed steps and curbs while walking. As well as often feeling like I was going to black out or faint - never did. With the correct dose everything is much better."

• bba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 20, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on several thyroid medications for over 8 years. I was always tired, had fatigue, experienced hair loss, and extreme weight gain. I started Tirosint, and instantly I started feeling better."

• tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I started taking Levothyroxine around 2 months ago, building up from 50 to 75. Recently had blood test back, and my results have come back as normal now! I went from nearly collapsing while out walking my dog. Having aches and pains. Brain fog, no energy at all... falling asleep at the drop of a hat! Fights with hubby, because I was so fatigued! Was going on like that for years, until Doctor gave me the blood test, and realized it was a medical condition. I thought it was me, just being tired and irritable. Now I am starting to recover, slowly, weight gain. Went from 9 stone to 12.2. 3 stone. now I have to lose all this weight because of hypothyroidism... nightmare! But I feel more awake, more energy, hope this review helps someone!"

• Jca...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 24, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I have hypothyroid but still have my thyroid. So Levo works well for me. Lowers my TSH and even aided in weight loss. I always have better bowel movements when taking this medication. It stopped my hair from stripping out. BUT, at first, it did cause my heart to race when I was bumped up to 0.75, and it does cause fatigue. I would get really sweaty when I started taking the 0.75. I see now why they don't want you taking this if you've been experiencing heart attack symptoms because boy did this make me feel like I was having one. Only issues I had with taking 0.50 were the fatigue, but my TSH was steady going down. The side effects have subsided. Guess I just needed to stick it out. I feel better on levothyroxine than without it. It works. Prayers for healing for us all"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 12, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have been on Tirosint for 21 months along with a T3 only med. But for the past month, I have been exhibiting hypo symptoms when nothing else has changed. This is for the 100 mcg dosage. I called the number on the box and reported my symptoms. The woman said she has been getting other complaints recently, too. What's important to note is that in December 2018, Tirosint changed distributors. I think there is a batch consistency issue. I am sleeping 12 hours a night, having depression (nothing changed in my life), increased joint pain, and severe fatigue. The only reason I rated it an 8 is because for the first year and a half, with the old distributor, I had no issues. I REALLY don't want to change thyroid meds again. That would be devastating."

• Lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 12, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Originally, my doctor put me on Levothyroxine when I first had symptoms of hypothyroidism. I continued to have the symptoms and ended up putting on a total of 43 lb! I then asked to see an endocrinologist and begged them to put me on Nature-Throid. Due to my persistence, they put me on 82.75 mcg of Nature-Throid. After 3 weeks of it in my system, I began to have energy again, stomach aches went away, slept better, and was able to work out daily again! My new endocrinologist insisted that Synthroid was better than Nature-Throid, so I will switch to Synthroid. Unfortunately, stomach aches and fatigue came back. Synthroid and Levothyroxine don't help."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was taking Levothyroxin 50mcg for the past 3 months. My initial TSH was 13 when I started Levo; within 2 months, my TSH dropped to 2.5. Although my levels were normal, I continued to have some fatigue, sleepiness upon waking, night sweats, facial flushing, anxiety, and horrible brain fog. I decided to try my sample of Synthroid 50mcg and within a week, the brain fog, night sweats, and sleepiness were gone! I wake up with the most energy I have ever had! I am still experiencing some anxiety and facial flushing which we are monitoring, but overall Synthroid is working for me! I am 32 years old and 9 months postpartum. I also take my dose at night, hours after dinner."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My doctor prescribed Levothyroxine for low thyroid, and I had been feeling so tired and wiped out. Levothyroxine did help improve my numbers (TSH of 7.5 dropped to 4.5), but I felt awful on it. Everything hurt, and I was so exhausted. After 3 months on Levothyroxine, I asked to try the brand name Synthroid. What a difference! It improved my numbers even more (same dose, TSH decreased to 1.75), and not only that, I felt better. I had energy. My experience is night and day. I know generics are supposed to be equivalent, but I can tell you there is a difference. Synthroid brand works so much better than Levothyroxine. Recommended."

• Akj...
• August 14, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Started this Euthyrox about a month ago after Walmart switched me to it. Since then, I’m having daily headaches, sometimes migraines, more hair loss, and fatigue. Called Walmart, and they switched me back to my previous manufacturer with no problem. This brand didn’t work for me."

• Tin...
• January 6, 2023

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Tirosint Sol has given a consistency in efficacy. Other 'natural' brands were always being recalled for either too little or too much thyroid. I kept having issues of heart palpitations when the other brands I was taking had too much thyroid, and other times I would be sluggish and have brain fog when there was too little. A month or two later, after the fact, I would get a notice that the batch of thyroid NP or Armor Thyroid was being recalled. It was a roller coaster. So with the Tirosint Sol, it has given me consistency, and the solution I feel is more quickly absorbed. I wish they would come out with something similar to a glucose monitor for thyroid levels so that one could monitor their thyroid hormone levels throughout the day."

• Str...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 1, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Since being diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 1999. First, I was given antidepressants for being tired and gaining weight (eyeroll). I have been on 88mcg of Synthroid daily. My blood work has always come back with my TSH at the high end of normal. Former doctor retired years ago, so no continuum of care (walk-in clinic). Recently, a new doctor suggested we adjust meds to bring down the TSH level. Started with 100mcg of Levothyroxine 5 days & Synthroid 88 - 2 days a week. In a few months' time, I suffered some pretty severe side effects - extreme dizziness/weakness, lack of energy, mood extremes, weight is either climbing or stagnant, racing pulse/heart rate. We checked levels, and now TSH reads at the extreme low end of normal. I'm scared, please help."

• miz...
• December 30, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I ended up with an emergency complete thyroidectomy after an ultrasound revealed the tumors (2 in each lobe of my thyroid) had grown and were the culprit for me having to turn my head to the left to swallow food or even drink liquid. After years of taking levothyroxine, I was put onto the brand name Synthroid. At worst, my levels were 86.4. Yes, you read that correctly. My hair falls out in clumps, I feel tired, exhausted, have body aches and joint pain, and chronic fatigue, etc. Now my routine is to take my Synthroid at bedtime with vitamin C. I wake up fine, I'm down from 325 to 181, and I feel great! Please remember your thyroid takes weeks/months to change, you won't notice anything three days to a month into taking this."