Levothyroxine and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 2)

• LoL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have had Hashimoto's for 8 years. Tried Levoxyl, Synthroid, Armour thyroid. Finally went to generic since they all seemed about the same and the cost was far less. I felt great, very stable TSH, etc. Walmart switched to Euthrox with my last refill, and I feel absolutely horrible. Low energy, weight gain, complete brain fog, and many, many more. Since it was a new med, I alternated it every other day with my old generic and this. Felt okay, so I switched to Euthrox daily and honestly feel as if I am taking NOTHING. Glad to hear it seems to be an almost universal complaint. I plan on visiting Walmart tomorrow to see if there is anything they can do about replacing this horrible medication."

• dan...
• November 14, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was switched from my normal levothyroxine to Euthyrox recently because Walmart pharmacy switched me (without asking me). I was told the blister pack was a better option because it maintains the freshness of the medication, which is supposed to make it work “better.” My TSH typically sits around .9-1.2, and now I’m at 3.69 as of last week. The only thing that has changed is my medication! I’ve felt terrible - very cold, lots of crushing headaches again, joint pain, fatigue... I’m afraid it’s from switching over to this med. I’m calling my endocrinologist to try and move my rx to a different pharmacy to see if I can get off the Euthyrox."

• Lbj...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 13, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I'm taking Synthroid - it's a horrible drug. I'm losing all my hair, headaches, insomnia, depression, fatigue, brain fog, etc. This drug sucks, I have no idea why doctors keep pushing this drug. I have a new insurance and doctor, hopefully, I can start taking Armour. If not, I have no idea what's to come."

• jrb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I had a partial thyroidectomy in 2007. I've been on generic Levo 88 mcg for about 10 years now. Maybe it would be different had I been started on Synthroid from the get-go, but I've tried Synthroid two times, once at 75 mcg and this week at 88 mcg, and the results were the same. Within three days, I had muscle weakness, muscle spasms, more pain in my neck, and extreme fatigue. Regulation mandates 95-105% of the active ingredient be present. I've taken Unithroid 88 mcg, and I never had the extreme symptoms like with Synthroid. I steer clear of this med because I can't afford to miss another week of pay fiddling around with it. Generic and Unithroid aren't perfect, but at least I can function."

• BJe...
• September 7, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I take my medicine as prescribed, first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (5:00 am). I do the regular blood test, which my doctor says my levels are 'ideal.' While the levels may be ideal, I am not. I have never felt so miserable in my life! I went to her and showed her all the side effects I was having that are listed from the pharmacy. She told me, 'Your levels are ideal.' In the 9 months I have been on Levothyroxine 0.075 MG, I am experiencing: excessive sweating, palpitations, joint pain, leg cramps, mood changes, muscle weakness, headaches, shortness of breath, my face has a tingling sensation at times, bloated, puffy around the face, lack of concentration, extreme fatigue, and huge weight gain-40 pounds! Is there something better?"

• Jou...
• February 20, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was started on levothyroxine, then Armour, and my symptoms were worse than before medication. Tirosint literally gave me my life back. Then new insurance made me try Nature-Throid. Back to the same misery that plagued me the better part of the year. Whatever the cause or effect in chemistry, I am immediately changing back. Brain fog, sore muscles, lethargy, fatigue, constant hunger, weight gain. Never again will I try another medicine."

• She...
• April 6, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on one form of hypothyroid meds for the last 20 years. I have used Tirosint for a year and a half. The only thing that I can say for it is the doctor loves it. I hate it. I was hoping it would help with my fatigue, swelling, and forgetfulness. The only thing that has changed for me is my cheeks are redder, I feel bloated all the time, and I am losing my hair. I'm still tired and still think I'm losing my mind. Logical worked better than all of them, including the Armui."

• Anonymous
• August 21, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have been on Synthroid now for 4 years. I wasn't able to take the generic Levothyroxine because it caused me high blood pressure. I was shocked to find out I had thyroid disease. My dosage continues to go up, I'm on 125 mcg now, and just had my TSH checked, and it's again on the low end (which I can tell because of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss). I demand my thyroid to be tested every 4 months. When it's in the middle of the 'normal' range is the only time I feel good!"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2023

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I am on Tirosint and also Armour. I cannot sleep, and my fingernails stay horrible. My TSH fluctuates. I feel better when it’s around 2.0, mine is 3.93. I fight fatigue and mentally lack ambition. I wonder if others have this same complaint."

• Anonymous
• June 24, 2010

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on this medicine for about 6 months, and in that time, I felt worse than when I wasn't taking it. It took the migraines away, but I still had muscle aches, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and more. The huge symptom I had on this medicine that bothered me was the depression. I felt dread and doom every day. I couldn't take it anymore, so I stopped taking it, then I went to a different doctor who prescribed me Armour."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "Follow-up 6/09: Thyroid numbers are holding within accepted levels. I've missed a day on occasion, and I can tell when I do, as I become more easily fatigued. But other than the 8-10 pounds I can't shed, I'd say this medication is a success. I am a 45-year-old athletic male professional. I was diagnosed with an underactive thyroid about 1.5 years ago. I tried self-treatment (eliminating foods that remove iodine from the body, etc.). I also took iodine supplements with no effect. After 30 days on levothyroxine, I felt much better: more energy, mental clarity, and a positive attitude. I have now been on the medication for 9 months and have only experienced one negative side effect. I have gained approximately 8 lbs. I will follow up after my April checkup."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed in December 2013 and have not felt like me since it was removed. I have been on Synthroid 100 mcg and am having back and knee pain, terrible chest discomfort, tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which prevents me from doing daily chores as I would like. Doctors keep saying it has nothing to do with the med, but I beg to differ. Cardiac workup fine; at times cholesterol goes up, glucose and blood pressure go up, and the list goes on. When will the doctors listen to patients and not try to tell them how they feel (because they are not the ones suffering)? Pray that I can find a doctor who has thyroid problems. These drug companies are thinking of their bank accounts and not that of the people who have to take their drugs."

• Mr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "Endo prescribed 25 mcg levothyroxine for slightly elevated TSH. No changes after several weeks. Went to another endo who then diagnosed me with adrenal insufficiency. I’m now taking hydrocortisone 10 mg. No more fatigue and fainting. Critical misdiagnosis, in my opinion."

• 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."

• 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."

• Lyd...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 3, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I've been on Tirosint for over 6 years now. I tried Synthroid and even Armour. Nothing worked until Tirosint. I started with 25 mcg and went up to 50 mcg and have been on 50 mcg like forever. My levels went from 14 to 8, then to 6, then to 4. Then I went back up to 8 and my doctor increased me to 75 mcg. Well, I thought I was going to die. The headaches, the fatigue, seeing spots, feeling dizzy, stomach discomfort, etc. Then some kind of lump developed on the right side of my neck. Like some kind of alien moving along my neck line & as it was happening, I called for my husband and said, 'What is that thing!!!!' So, I just put myself back on the 50 mcg and within 2 weeks felt better but not totally better. I think by increasing my med to 75 mcg was not a good plan by my doctor. I always say if it isn't broke, don't fix it!!!"

• Del...
• August 16, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Thyroid was removed 3 years ago due to Hashimoto and nodule hyperplasia. Surgery discovered a substernal thyroid. Prior to surgery and attempts to reduce goiter with Synthroid, felt terrible every day. Multiple diagnoses due to muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia, stomach upset, rapid heartbeat, irrational blood pressure. Take Synthroid every morning 1 hour prior to breakfast. Feel great. No negative side effects. All above symptoms are gone. Age 59!"

• TPF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Oh my gosh. I am so pissed after reading all this. I have been on a physical roller coaster for almost a year now. Last May, unbeknownst to me, Walmart switched me to Euthyrox from my regular levothyroxine medication, Synthroid. When questioned, I was told it was the same. Fast forward a short time, I can't get out of bed. I can't even think or carry on a conversation, literally. I have a condition that causes me fatigue, so I just figured I was having a relapse. My thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level had jumped to 13+. I didn't have the other normal symptoms like my skin/hair being dry and constipation, so I didn't pick up on it, it might be my thyroid or the medicine. Just in a fog, with extreme fatigue, pain, and irregular heartbeat. My doctor increased my meds. I talked to the pharmacist. I was told again that it was the same thing, but 'some' people have problems taking it. I asked if they could note it on the computer. I would have to call every month. Fast forward to almost a year later and I'm still trying to get things regulated."

• Bel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My doctor switched me on Monday to Tirosint from levoxyl, and after 4 days, I'm going back to my old medicine, and I thank God I still have some because I can't go another day with these headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches. I've been on levoxyl, Synthroid, and levoxyl, and none have made me feel this horrible. I was planning on dealing with it to see if the symptoms would go away, but I work doing payroll and taxes, and this medicine is making me work really slow and making errors, so I don't have the luxury to wait and see if, in time, I feel better. What I don't understand, from what I've been reading, is that this is a more pure form of levoxyl, so if he's giving the same dosage, wouldn't it mean he's overmedicating me? I haven't talked to him yet."

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 9, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Nope. Euthyrox is not viable for Hashimoto's. I’ve asked for the pharmacist to continue dispensing the green generic tablets because of severe fatigue, headaches, weight gain, yada, yada, yada this medicine delivers. It looks like it may work for a couple of folks here but not the majority. Even if the pharmacist or doctor looks at you like you have no clue, every one of us realizes that fine line with levothyroxine. Even in ultra-low dosages, sensitive Hashimoto's patients know right away. I don't feel like garbage, so I pass."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 9, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "In February, I was switched from name-brand Synthroid to Tirosint 25 mcg. I also take Cytomel 5 mcg. Since then, a month later, I am fatigued, pain in joints, especially in hands, wrists, legs, ankles, and very irritable. I'm not sure if Tirosint is the cause, but nothing has really changed to make me feel like this. I'm guessing it has to be from Tirosint."