Levothyroxine and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 9, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I’m so thankful for this comment section. Walmart Pharmacy switched my Levothyroxine for Euthyrox. After a month and a half of taking it, I noticed I was feeling very poorly. Severe headache, thirst, muscle aches, extreme feeling of being cold, and generally achy and fatigued. After thinking about what I was doing differently, I did some research and realized it was likely the med change! Switching back to the Levothyroxine that I have taken for the last 20 years and hoping to be back to “normal” ASAP. Thanks, everyone, for sharing your stories. :)"

• 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."

• Fin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 26, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on this medication for 5.5 years, and at first, I'd felt great. Things were going well until 3 years ago when I'd started having side effects. Weight gain every year (10 lbs), even though I'd worked out and ate pretty healthy, couldn't sleep, depression got worse, mood swings, sometimes I wouldn't have a period, extreme fatigue, brittle nails, and muscle ache. Every time I'd taken blood work, the test came out fine. I'd gotten tested for everything else and nothing seems to work. Just recently, I'd started crying myself to sleep because of the mood swings. I'm also falling asleep while driving because no amount of sleep keeps me up. I'd finally done more research because my doctor only suggested two medications. I'm calling today."

• Jen...
• September 2, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking 125 mcg levothyroxine for 30 years, and everything has been well. Walmart changed my prescription to Euthyrox, and I have had chest pains, racing heart, followed by a slow heartbeat, headaches, and a general malaise. Do not take this medicine! Something is not right with it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• March 8, 2010

For Underactive Thyroid "I've been on levothyroxine since I was about 16 (I'm 38 now). I stopped taking it in 2005 and found that after plucking my eyebrows, they didn't grow back. I had hair loss, fatigue, mood swings, everything you can imagine...I had it. I am now going back on the dose I was on prior to stopping, which is 325 mcg. I know it's a lot, but my thyroid is so off the charts they need to ramp me up. I'm hoping I won't feel so tired and bipolar after a few weeks of being back on the medication. I'm not really clear on why I stopped taking it, but I'll be happier for being back on it."

• 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."

• mol...
• November 24, 2009

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I have been on 2 different dosages of Synthroid for almost 20 years. In January of 2009, my doctor decided to take me off 1 of my dosages, that was the worst experience of my life. I went into withdrawals, fatigue, and depression all over again. I am now just getting back on my other dosage, keeping my fingers crossed it will all work out for the best again."

• up-...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 6, 2021

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Have been taking this in the morning for years, recently, I started taking it several hours before I fully wake up-I don't have the time every morning to take it and wait to eat or drink. Prior to this, I would have enlarged thyroid, extreme fatigue, overt emotional distress, and body aches and pains. Current TSH is 1.3, at diagnosis, it was 70.5. I do have celiac disease as well. I have noticed a remarkable difference in my mornings since changing the time I take my Synthroid. I wake up with a clear mind, I feel like I actually slept, and my body doesn't hurt just from existing. Neck feels normal throughout the day instead of fluctuating throughout various stages of inflammation, and temperature intolerance is not that bad. Without this, I would be back to barely functioning, and my body would be at full gear developing more unsavory and life-damaging diseases. First and foremost, my goal is to halt the progression of this disease."

• slc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Please do not take this medication. My pharmacy switched me from Levothyroxine to Euthyrox, and since then I've been having anxiety, fatigue, loose bowels, extreme sweating, muscle aches, and pains. Called the pharmacy today, had them switch me back to Levothyroxine. Hopefully, this will help."

• Too...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2017

For Hashimoto's disease "I'm a 55-year-old male, diagnosed with hypothyroidism on 8/30/16 (T4 lab 0.8 ng/dl). Started on Levothyroxine 50 mcg at a weight of 226 lb. On 11/10, T4 was up to 1.1 ng/dl (within normal range), and my weight was 224#. While taking the med, I experienced a dull headache in the morning along with terrible fatigue by midday. My PCP sent me to an endocrinologist who increased the dosage to 75 mcg in hopes of improving my T4 level and weight loss numbers. T4 was 1.3 on 3/10/17, but weight increased to 233#. With my endocrinologist's approval, I stopped taking the med due to side effects, and within a week, the headaches and fatigue stopped, and weight began to drop. Requested to try Armour instead, but the endocrinologist is not a fan."

• sur...
• September 21, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "My TSH levels were/are 4.9, which is borderline but still hypo. My T-3 and T-4 levels are normal. I was prescribed 50 mg of Levothyroxine to be taken before breakfast. From the second day, I felt so tired and lethargic that I could mostly just lay on the sofa. After four days, I stopped taking it altogether. I emailed my doctor and asked him if taking the med every other day would be OK, and he said to try it. But because I have to have energy and meet the public in my job, I have not done that yet. I just can't take the fatigue/lethargy again. I still feel tired, so I guess it is hypo, but the med makes me feel worse. Such a dilemma. Any suggestions would be welcome as I see this as getting worse but with no solution."

• 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."

• Rae...
• December 12, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "More recently, I got put on a generic and have had lots of problems! My life has been miserable! I have a different PCP, and these people do not seem very knowledgeable regarding thyroid (which I believe is very common). At the same time, I was also under a lot of stress, so I thought the stress was causing my symptoms, except the stress is over and the symptoms are still there and getting worse and worse. I was taking good care of myself, eating well, getting lots of exercise, taking supplements, etc., but everything I was doing was not helping. Saw my PCP, and she is putting me back on Levoxyl. This was an awful experience. My heart rate was very low, I was extremely cold, I lost about half of my hair, and my skin was extremely dry no matter how much cream I put on it. And a lot of other symptoms too. Depression was bad. Joint pain and stiffness. I had swelling under my eyes, and my hands were swollen. And at the end, I was extremely fatigued. The rating is for the generic medication."

• Hik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Two years ago, my pharmacy switched over to this and told me it was Levothyroxine, just under a different brand name. Me or my doctor did not put the two together. I gained 30 lbs, and I now have chronic fatigue and pain, slow heart rate. I stopped running because the fatigue was so horrible I could barely function going to work on a daily basis. My quality of life was failing, and I felt like no one was listening to me. When I switched pharmacies, I was getting Levothyroxine again, and in two weeks, I noticed more energy. By week three, I was running again and actually able to clean my house, run three miles, and make dinner and have guests over, all in the same day! This drug was ruining my life. I can't get back the last two years, but this drug needs to be removed from the market. The sad part, my TSH was normal, so my complaints were ignored."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 19, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Awful. Walmart switched me to this from my normal levothyroxine. I have felt horrible for the last 2 weeks. Extreme fatigue, achy joints, anxiety, etc. I realized this is the only thing that has changed, so I called them to refill my normal levo. Beyond frustrated that they switched me. Hopefully, I start feeling better soon. I'm not sure how they can even do this."

• bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was prescribed Euthyrox and had taken it for 3 months. Unfortunately, my pharmacy did not have it in stock and gave me Levothyrox instead. After several days, I started having a menstrual cycle, which wouldn't be a huge issue, however, I've been through menopause and haven't had a cycle in 13 years. I was also experiencing severe pain in both my hips and my neck, and severe fatigue. I contacted my doctor and pharmacist and am happy to report I'm back on the Euthyrox, and I'm feeling much better."

• Fat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2022

For TSH Suppression "Started taking 75 mcg because my TSH was high at 54. No TPO or CRP. T3 good at 3.5, T4 a little low at 0.9. Felt good overall. I was taking 30 mg of iodine daily. Didn't think it would hurt to take, but within 2 weeks became very fatigued. T3 dropped to 2.5. TSH dropped to 25. Could not stay awake during the day, especially in the middle of the afternoon! I wanted to just lay down and go to sleep! I complained big time to my doctor, who switched me off levothyroxine to 60 mg of Armour. The next day, bursting with energy all day up to 9 pm with no fatigue, but my heart rate went from 70 to 160! I felt great, but concerned about the high heart rate! Called doctor, who immediately took me off Armour. Found out that levothyroxine and Armour are highly reactive! Levothyroxine stays in the body for 30 days, so it reacted with the Armour. After the levothyroxine wore off, the Armour had no effect, and the fatigue came back! I since have resumed my iodine intake at 30 mg, and my T3 now is 3.0."

• Hyp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2022

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I suffered for 6 months not knowing what was wrong with me. Hospital after hospital, doctor after doctor. Extremely horrible chest pains every single day was the main symptom, but tiredness, constipation, appetite problems, etc. Finally, my doctor found I had an extremely underactive thyroid, with my ranges being in the 1,000s. She put me on 25 mg levothyroxine. At first, it actually made me feel worse. Really sluggish, my blood pressure was high if I drank any caffeine throughout the day with the medicine. It took about 4-5 weeks for it to actually kick in and now I feel completely normal again. It’s such an amazing feeling. I can drink caffeine now without it counteracting with the medicine. I suggest taking it really, really early in the morning and don’t eat for an hour after or drink anything, also take it on a slightly empty stomach."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2008

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Since starting on Levoxyl, I have gained at least 25-30 more pounds. I still feel tired."

• vin...
• April 4, 2009

Levothyroxine "Synthroid was horrible. I had severe fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol while taking it."

• Rob...
• February 28, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "For the past three months, I experienced weight gain even though I run 5k five days a week. I feel tired and lack energy."

• OFa...
• March 11, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Can't lose weight on Levoxyl. I sweat profusely, have brain fog, fatigue, and so many symptoms of hypo."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on 25 mg, and I started out feeling better, more like myself. However, I have had some fog, anxiety, and depression lately. Also, I have had fever and fatigue. I need to switch medicines."

• Bil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Ever since my thyroid was removed, I feel like rubbish. Yes, the goiter found next to it had cancer. Anyway, no energy, fatigue, achy, almost like angina-like symptoms, insomnia, weight gain."