Levothyroxine and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• WWa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2019

For Hashimoto's disease "Levothyroxine worked for about 1 month. I felt better when I first started taking it. My T4 numbers improved. Then, gradually, any benefits from this drug faded. After a year on Levothyroxine, I now feel terrible...sleepy, low energy, weight gain. All the familiar symptoms came roaring back. The doctor never tested my T3 levels. I found a new doctor, who told me long ago that Levothyroxine would not work, that some people do not convert T4 to T3, and she has prescribed Armour Thyroid. I start that tomorrow."

• 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."

• 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!"

• she...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 14, 2023

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Worst drug on the planet! I had always taken levothyroxine until May 2022. I went to get a refill when the pharmacist at Walmart said they had switched to Euthyrox. He told me it was the exact same thing, so I thought nothing of it. The side effects were absolutely horrid. Gaining 15 pounds, having extreme fatigue, a rash on my chest, extreme irritability, and hot flashes, just to name a few. I feel like I was robbed months of my life taking this medicine that I was not warned about. Not to mention, in the meantime, we had spent hundreds of dollars seeing doctors thinking it was my hormones or maybe diabetes. Thankfully, I complained to my sister enough about how bad I was feeling, she googled the drug (something I never thought about because I was told it was the exact same thing as levothyroxine). I got off of it in September, and I still do not feel like myself! I hope and pray they take this off the market."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds a month after levothyroxine was changed to euthyroid with a 40-pound weight gain. Have lack of energy and after 2 years have fatigue, thinned skin, chronic muscle soreness, and decreased libido."

• 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!!!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This medication did help with dry skin and hair associated with Hashimoto's and perhaps did lessen my anxiety 'somewhat.' Can't be sure since I also am in menopause and use Vivelle Dot patches and Prometrium. I gained 30 lbs in about one month of starting it. My TSH is low now and Free T4 is almost optimal, but Free T3 is still too low. CONS: packed on the fat which I cannot get off, raised blood pressure, does not help with constant fatigue."

• Car...
• August 9, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "Pre-levo, my weight increased from 115 to 135 in 3 years (despite no change in eating/exercise). I was constantly fatigued and developed horrible menstrual cycles. I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, and I was prescribed 50 mcg levothyroxine. I am just finishing my third month on the medication. The first month was bad - I felt even more fatigued and was very constipated, but I stuck through it because my first period on the medication was light and asymptomatic, back to a normal 4-week cycle. These second two months were great. I have so much more energy! Also, I have lost 12 lbs since I started the medication 3 months ago, despite not changing anything about my eating habits and exercise regimen. The only reason I am not giving the medication a higher rating is because my menstrual cycle has been off. However, I am optimistic that my body is just getting used to the medication and my menstrual cycle will stabilize as time goes on."

• dtd...
• February 1, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "All thyroid drugs to treat hypothyroidism make me very ill - nausea, weakness, extreme fatigue with flu-like symptoms, weight loss. My TSH is 46, so I need to take something. Very frustrated and anxious about how this can be treated. The endocrinologist doesn't seem to know what to do."

• 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?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 30, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I am certain that this medicine is harmful. I started taking it ten days ago. My doctor prescribed a lower dose of 112 mg instead of the 125 mg I have been taking. This is the tenth day of taking it, and I feel bad. I have been fatigued, sleeping ten hours, dull headaches, stomach pain. For the past four days, it feels as if I am sleepwalking through the day. I just called Walmart and asked them to replace it with Levothyroxine. They should stop selling this Euthyrox!!"

• jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I took levothyroxine 0.05 (50 mcg) for 4 days. On day 3, I developed side effects of joint pain, muscle weakness, fatigue, crying, severe hunger pains, and insomnia. On day 4, all of these side effects intensified, in addition to developing itching skin and sweating. I called my all-night pharmacy because this all came to a head on a Friday night and the doctor's office was closed. I was told to stop taking it because I was having a severe reaction to it. I have not taken this in 2 days, and I'm still sick with joint pain, weakness, itching, and sweating. I will never take this again. By the way, my TSH was 6.4 and I was having no hypothyroidism symptoms. I only found this out due to yearly lab work and physical."

• new...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "After taking levothyroxine from Alvogen for 15 years and Synthroid prior to that, all with perfectly normal thyroid levels, Walmart switched my prescription to Euthyrox in late June. After a short time, I began to feel as I did when first diagnosed with hypothyroidism many years prior: rapid/irregular heartbeat, hair loss, insomnia, extreme fatigue, and new side effects such as difficulty swallowing, under-eye swelling, tightness in the chest, and nervousness/irritability. I called my doctor when Walmart again tried to give me a refill of Euthyrox. The doctor called in my original meds, and the cost went from $9 for 90 days of the levothyroxine to $288 now!!! I'm changing to a new pharmacy. I'm going back to 75 mcg of the Alvogen levothyroxine!"

• Tri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 17, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "I am 78 years old, and I have taken thyroxine since I was 35 and have been reduced regularly as the test results change. I was on 0.75 for 20 years. I am now in my 79th year. Recently, I was changed to 1/2 of a 0.25 and 1 tab of a 0.05. Is this an increase or decrease in dose? I have been feeling very sickly for at least 4 years. I am tired, gaining weight, brittle hair, cold feet, and hands constantly."

• Exp...
• July 31, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been hypothyroid for ten years. My medication currently is 125 mg Levothyroxine and 25 mcg Cytomel. I moved recently to Barbados and was prescribed the Eutirox. I had a personality change on them, I became sensitive to sound and highly irritated, aggressive, and my appetite increased and energy levels decreased. I know my symptoms very well and monitor any changes. My abdomen became swollen with fluid and painful, my face and eyes puffy. I was relieved to find this site."

• 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."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I too got this from Walmart. Just awful. Took it for two weeks and began feeling so dizzy I would have to sit down. Tightness in my chest, then had terrible heart palpitations. The fatigue and dizziness got so bad all I could do was sit on the couch. This is a clear case of the cure being way worse than the disease. Take this stuff off the market."

• Yvo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "This drug needs to be taken off the market! Should have been taken off before now with all the negative reactions. My dosage is 88 mcg. My experience after beginning this drug is as follows: insomnia, headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, leg cramps, weakness in legs. I am so angry! Can't we trust our FDA to approve only what is safe for us? Look at the low rating!"

• Has...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 2, 2019

For Hashimoto's disease "I feel that there is a slight improvement, but it’s modest. My hair falls out badly with this med. I take 100 mcg daily. It makes me agitated sometimes, and I break out in hot sweats. Sometimes it feels difficult to take it. Heat intolerance during summer. I still feel sluggish. It’s not that great of a medication, and I can’t wait to try Amour."

• red...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 20, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I had a bad experience with Euthyrox. I had extreme anxiety, weight loss, and fatigue. I have changed to a different generic of levothyroxine, and I feel much better. I would rate Euthyrox a 0 if I could."

• Nin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart changed my levothyroxine to Euthyrox. I questioned the pharmacist because I had never taken one in a blister pack. She said it was the exact same thing, that they had taken the dye out of the pills and repackaged. I started taking them, I got severely ill: lightheaded, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, cold sweats, chest pain, and dizziness. I went to the doctor, he said I tested positive for the flu, still did not think about it being meds, so I wound up at the ER with chest burning, dizzy, body shaking uncontrollably. They said all my tests looked okay. Then he asked if I had started any new meds. I told him I started Euthyrox about 16 days ago. He told me to go back to my old pharmacy, not Walmart, and get them to fill a new prescription with the levothyroxine that I was supposed to be taking! I have been back on my regular meds for 2 days, still have a ways to go to get back to normal. People, please do not take this drug. I can’t believe Walmart is still dispensing this drug."

• Lis...
• April 6, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have Graves' disease with RAI to get rid of my thyroid and have been taking Levothyroxine for 8 years. This past summer, I developed a stinging, itchy, red rash on my face that no doctor has been able to explain, and it continues to get worse. Then my heart palpitations came back even though I'm on a beta blocker for them as I have had MVP for the last 18 years. Also having extreme fatigue and feeling cold all the time with low-grade fevers. Just had my TSH, and it's .36 when it's always around 2.5. Can't remember it ever being in those low numbers. Never thought about the Euthyrox until today, so I decided to check when Walmart switched my Levothyroxine. Lo and behold, June of 2021. The rash started shortly afterward along with excessive histamine in my body, which my doctor has referred me to an allergist. Never had any histamine issues either until the same time when I was switched over to Euthyrox. I will be calling to get switched back to see if there's a change."