Levothyroxine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mch...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was switched from my levothyroxine a few months ago. There was a doctor's name associated with it that I have never seen or heard of. I was given Euthyrox, and I also fill my prescription at Walmart. For a while, I have felt awful. More headaches, tired, achy, mood drops, thirsty, and have to pee more. Probably because I drink so much water at work. I am always hot, especially at work. I have been thinking it was because of the mask I have to wear at work. We are not allowed to use indoor fans either, so I get overheated, sweaty, thirsty, and headaches. It's been a vicious circle of not feeling well."

• 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?"

• Mea...
• February 4, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Taking Levoxyl for about 6 months, and unfortunately not working for me. The stomach pain is unbearable at times and unpredictable. Hair loss, spasms, vivid dreams, headaches, that horrid brain fog. (Hashimoto causes hair loss, including the medication. Make sure your iron levels are optimal.) These are just a few of a long list of side effects. Took Synthroid for about 2 years, and it worked to some degree, but hair loss was a nightmare and the lactose coating was a no for me-continuous digestive issues. Digestive issues with Levoxyl is enough to get me to seek other treatment."

• Aya...
• December 6, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I used Synthroid (25, 50, or 75) for over more than 10 years, but had to use the original, not the generic, because the generic does not work in some people. I've not been operated on, but for over 2 years, I've been using NatureThroid (32.5) instead, which was recommended by my ND, and I have to say that all my side effects that Synthroid caused had gone. I almost lost all my hair and had terrible heartbeats, headaches, joint pains, etc. I do not have Hashimoto, and really don't know if it works for people with this condition, but I tried NatureThroid, and I am very happy with the results."

• Thi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "After seeing my OB for some problems with menstruation, I was sent for about 10 different blood tests to check my hormone levels. Let's just say that we found the source of my problem and I was referred to an endocrinologist. She wanted to repeat my TSH level because she said that being at 3.65 was a little high for someone my age. So I went back within 4 weeks to get retested and my TSH was 10.36, and I was feeling it. I was so tired I could barely get out of bed. My headaches were out of control, and I gained about 10 lbs in a month's time. I just started 75 mg Synthroid a few days ago, so I'm feeling optimistic. I feel once we get my pituitary adenoma, thyroid, and my vitamin D under control, I'll be so much better. ADVICE: listen to your body."

• 178...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2018

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I had been on Synthroid for over 10 years for hypothyroidism. I was then diagnosed last year with Hashimoto's. I felt like the Synthroid was no longer working for me. I saw a new endocrinologist who gave me samples of Tirosint. I am a migraine sufferer and have been for years. I started getting headaches with the Tirosint that were different from my migraines. Not even two weeks after starting Tirosint, I had a headache so bad I could not stop puking. I ended up at the ER. As they started an IV and pain/nausea meds, they told me they needed to admit me to ICU. My heart rate was 166, and I was in AFIB. I have never had heart problems in my life, and there is no history in my family. Luckily, the drugs they were giving me in my IV put my heart back in rhythm, or they were going to have to stop/restart my heart. Once released from the hospital, I never took Tirosint again and went back to Synthroid. I am now permanently on Cardizem and an aspirin a day."

• 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."

• Lib...
• October 9, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on levothyroxine for 10 years, and it never did anything for me. My levels were never optimal, and I continued to gain weight, be depressed, and waste money on a useless drug. So far with the Tirosint, my only side effect is a slight headache. For the first time in my life, my hormone levels are excellent, but my wallet is empty. Tirosint is ridiculously expensive. I use a compounding house that sells a month's supply to me for $68 (Willow), as opposed to the $125 per month that CVS wanted. I feel the price is a disgrace, and something needs to be done about this. I have insurance that does not cover this drug (BCBS). My doctor gave me a discount coupon for $35 a month, but Blue Cross Blue Shield would not honor it. Ask your doc for this."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I took my first dose of Tirosint in the morning, and within a half hour, my ears started ringing, and I got a bad headache. By the time it was bedtime, I felt so nervous and shaky that I never fell asleep. It was an awful experience. The next day, I went back to my Synthroid."

• Mii...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "Just started taking this medication seven days ago, and I just can’t do it anymore. I was prescribed 25 mg, but since I’ve started taking this medication, I get headaches, have high blood pressure now, and have heart palpitations. This medication has the worst effects of any medicine I’ve ever been prescribed. It’s done more bad than good. I don’t think I can wait it out."

• 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!!!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• Pom...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 5, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Been on levo for 35 yrs. Started Euthyrox in May 2020 when Walmart changed meds. Pharmacist said it was the same thing, just a different manufacturer. Was fine for a while, then started feeling bad. Saw Dr in Dec 2020 for hives on my shoulders and forearms. Levels were slightly elevated but not enough for concern. Between Dec 2020 and Mar 2021, it all went south. Started having strange symptoms - sensitive skin from scalp to foot, itching, insomnia, palpitations, and weird headaches that seemed to come from nowhere, and then the rash started. Nothing put on topically helped. Changed detergent, lotion, and shower gel, and it got worse. Suspected the Euthyrox. On Mar 30, found these reviews that explained it all. Saw Dr the next day, said I was the 2nd person that day with the same problem. After doing research on my levels, in Mar 2020 my level was 3.5; in Mar 2021, the level was 23."

• 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."

• Ton...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Back in February, Wal-Mart switched my levothyroxine to Euthyrox. I really thought nothing much about it. After a few weeks, I was in the ER with tachycardia, high BP, bloating, and nausea. It occurred to me it could be the med change, but my levels were good, so I thought it was anxiety-related. I ended up a month later at the ER again for the same plus major digestive problems. I eventually talked to pharmacy about switching me back, they did, and I started to get better after a couple of months. Then, a week ago, I got the Euthyrox again and I thought it was probably just digestive problems and gave it another try. Well, all my problems are back: rapid heartbeat, headache, bloating, and nausea. I'm calling Walmart tomorrow as now I'm certain it's the Euthyrox. Walmart or the makers of this drug should have to pay all my medical bills from the last 6 months."

• hat...
• November 24, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Tried 25.50, .75, .125, doctor changes amount like no man's business. Mercury. Actavis, Whochatdt. All seem to have bad side effects. I'm sick of headaches, nausea on a good day, tremors, heart palpitations, jittery, etc. on a bad day, which seem to be 5/7 days a week. I don't want to poison my body anymore, but I've been scared into taking it. I think I'm scared of coma, not dying, just a coma. What else can I/we try? I know I am not alone."

• Mar...
• August 15, 2008

For Hashimoto's disease "I have Hashimoto's disease and have been taking levothyroxine for approximately 4 years. My dosage was recently raised from 88 mcg to 137 mcg. I cannot sing the praises enough about this medication. I have not experienced any side effects and feel better most of the time. I have learned to control my weight issue with diet and exercise, the weight loss is slow, but at least it's working. Before I was diagnosed, I was always tired, would sleep most of the time, could not concentrate, became forgetful, and had an incredibly painful headache on the back of my head. I'm so glad this drug is available."

• Nut...
• January 5, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Recently, I've been having a lot of headaches, extremely tired, and very bad mood swings. Night sweats come and go. Poor sex drive. I'm usually hot or warm. I was also experiencing pain in my feet, and I get cramps in my lower calves from time to time. I've been taking levothyroxine for about 10 years now. At first, there was a moderate weight loss. Then, just recently, over the past six months or so, I gained over thirty pounds. There has been no change in my diet. My doctor checked my TSH levels; not surprised, they were extremely off. He has upped my dosage from 150 MCG (I remained on this dosage for 9 years) to 175 MCG. This is day one with the new dosage, and I'm hoping all goes well."

• Bir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 26, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "It took a couple of years to get to the correct dose. And I started taking it in the morning with just water on an empty stomach. I was nauseous, had headaches, felt shaky, I didn't like how it made me feel. So, when I got to 250 mcg a day, I started taking 125 mcg in the morning and 125 mcg in the evening, on an empty stomach with only water. I don't have the sick feeling anymore, and I am finally in the normal range, have been for about 2 years. I feel really good, and with a healthy diet and low exercise (I'm on oxygen, can't do a lot), I have lost 60 pounds in 9 months. Feeling much better."

• 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."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 27, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My dad had his thyroid removed about 30 years ago due to having severe Graves' disease. He's taken a high dosage of levothyroxine (200 mcg 2x a day). We used to have his prescriptions filled elsewhere but switched to Wal-Mart. About 2 years ago, they switched his meds to Euthyrox. He had been able to function previously and walk. Once the Euthyrox was introduced, things changed drastically. He started having muscle issues in his back and neck, then his arms and legs. He gets severe headaches and dizziness. Has been hospitalized 3x since February 2022. We are now realizing when he was hospitalized, he indeed got better because he was getting actual levothyroxine and not Euthyrox. Now we have to go back to the doctor and have him send over either brand name or fill his prescriptions elsewhere. Wal-Mart seems to be the only factor in all of these stories."

• 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."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I'll be switching to Tirosint most probably. The reason is that Mylan, which makes the generic Levothyroxine, has switched to using mannitol as the preservative. I've been getting headaches for weeks until I traced it to the mannitol and started using some pills for old bottles."