Levothyroxine and Heart Palpitations: What Users Say (Page 2)

• 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."

• jum...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 10, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on levothyroxine for about 1 month. Within about a week of dosage change, I began developing hives on my right eye. I thought it was just allergies, as it is summer time. I woke up this morning with both eyes swollen, all but shut, and I itch all over, and heart palpitations. Called the doctor, was told to stop taking this medication for a few days to see if allergies subside, then call them."

• taz...
• October 13, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on levothyroxine for several years. My dosage has been adjusted several times. I had a terrible experience with the higher dosage... migraine headaches, palpitations, night sweats. Come to find out that I was actually having a reaction to the dye in the higher dosage. Once that was figured out, my doctor put me back on the 50 mcg and had me take two pills each day. So far, it's been great."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 10, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "Original symptoms slightly decreased, but side effects such as heart palpitations, sweats, hunger, weight gain, hand tremors, feelings of panic/stress, insomnia, acne, and irritable/depressed make me question if it is the drug or if it is the dosage. Dr. says a higher dosage is needed. Endocrinologist says a lower dosage is needed. Surely, medicine for a complaint should be more clear-cut and less guesswork done by the medical profession. I'm told there is no other drug available to me for my hypothyroid problem."

• 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."

• 202...
• April 18, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on levothyroxine for four years. I have no thyroid. I have gained 60 pounds. I am angry about the weight gain. I have absolutely no energy when I used to have too much. The major problem that I found with this drug is that it gives me bad heartburn. I also have heart palpitations. The doctor claims my levels are where they should be and refuses to switch me to anything else."

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "I had only recently started thyroid medication. Just 25 mg of Levothyroxine. (My TSH was 5.43, I was told borderline.) I took it for about 9 days. Then I felt a bit out of breath, I had a sort of pressure on my chest, sweating, trembling, palpitations, and diarrhea. I had a paramedic check me over, and he suggested I go to A&E to be checked out. So an ambulance was called. Anyway, I had bloods taken and ECGs, etc., done, and fortunately, all was okay. But they think it was the Levothyroxine that had caused this. I have now stopped taking it."

• 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."

• kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "After experiencing horrific side effects from recalled NP thyroid, given mistakenly Nature Thyroid, Synthroid, and regular pill Tirosint. My endo figured Tirosint SOL might work for me. The whole 'less ingredients' sold me. I pushed through a total of 5 weeks with major heart palpitations, heat intolerance, left arm electrical-like pains, and increased anxiety attacks. I am now on antidepressants because of this. Finally, I put my foot down and decided that while this might be great for a big percentage, it just wasn't for me. Got back on Armour, we shall see how I do."

• Anonymous
• July 29, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking levothyroxine for several months. Never had any symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Test results determined the problem. Lately, I have been experiencing some palpitations and tiredness and am feeling a bit nervous."

• Bet...
• May 19, 2009

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have had my thyroid removed one year ago. Medication causes blurred vision. Some weight gain, nothing significant that can't be worked off with exercise. But, even though I have this problem, it's better than previous symptoms: heart palpitations, sweating, losing 20 lbs in less than a month without trying."

• 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!!!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was on Synthroid 50 mcg and generic levothyroxine 50 mcg. With both medications, I had palpitations, heat intolerance, and severe insomnia. Synthroid was worse than levothyroxine. My TSH numbers were fine, but I couldn't tolerate the insomnia. The positive thing was that I lost 30 pounds. I was switched to Tirosint 50 mcg and immediately could finally sleep. No more insomnia, no more palpitations, no more heat intolerance. I recently got my lab work back, and I have a normal TSH, but I've started getting hypothyroid-like symptoms I used to have when I was on no thyroid medication. So even though my TSH is normal and I can sleep, I am having weight gain, increased constipation, and hairline eczema. Alas, I will try another brand!"

• 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."

• Tha...
• February 16, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My pharmacy went out of business, so I went to a pharmacy close to me. I had been on (Synthroid) Levothyroxine 88 mcg for years. This new pharmacist had given me Euthyrox 88 mcg, and within a few hours, I started getting nervous. Shaking so bad I could not work, talk (voice became shaky), I could not think straight. My child had to pick me up from work and take me to the EMS building to get checked out. My B/P was 200/90 and had an irregular heartbeat."

• Mrm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "This stuff is horrible. Walmart switched my med against my doc's orders, he had it stated I was only to take a specific brand name. Walmart then refused when my doc reasserted I was only to take a specific brand because of the side effects I've had with generics. Walmart still refused, so out of desperation, at this point, I'd been without my thyroid meds for nearly a month, I let them switch my prescription to Euthyrox. It has been awful, I feel exhausted and cold, with foggy brain and blurry vision as if I'm taking nothing. Yet I have the side effects of being overmedicated: high blood pressure, aches, irritability, anxiety, heart palpitations. This stuff is garbage! I'm pretty sure this must be yet another junk item Walmart imports. I'm now looking into switching pharmacies."

• 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!"

• Ber...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 22, 2021

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Walmart also changed my prescription to Euthyrox. I’ve only been taking this medicine since earlier this year. I’m feeling heart palpitations, along with stomach problems, as I’ve always been pretty regular in that area. Also, I’m feeling like I’ve got a lot of phlegm in my throat and coughing during the night. Feels like there’s something in my throat. I’m calling my doctor tomorrow! Thanks for all your comments, I’m glad I came to this site."

• Oca...
• May 11, 2018

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have only 3 days in this medicine since I have the short thyroid, it does not produce enough. I must say that before being on this medicine, I had never felt any discomfort, but once on this at a high dose of 112 mcg, on the second day, I had palpitations and shortness of breath. I had to go to an emergency room. Then the nervousness began: anxiety. I lowered the dose to 50 mcg and began to feel, on the third day of using it at 50 mcg, I have sunstroke inside me, something hot, muscle aches, headaches, chills at night, sweat on the hands and legs. It's the worst feeling I've had. I went to the emergency room, and they just told me that this medication can give these side effects until the hormone is regulated, and then everything goes back to normal - until then, I can feel this. I told him to switch to the Zytroid brand and use 25 mcg to see if the situation improves."

• Kir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For Hashimoto's disease "This stuff ruined my life. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's when I got bloodwork to see why I wasn't getting pregnant. I felt totally fine at the time. The doctor noticed I had high thyroid antibodies. Six weeks later, and I'm ridden with the worst anxiety of my life. I wake up with heart palpitations, which I've never had before. My ears are also ringing loudly all the time. I feel like I'm going crazy. I had to start a new anxiety medication called Buspar, but I still feel the heart palpitations and my ears still ring. My anxiety is a little better. I told my endocrinologist this, and he tried switching me to Tirosint, which is levothyroxine without the fillers. I am honestly scared to try it, so I'm not taking either. I felt fine prior to all this, and now I feel awful. Supposedly, it takes six weeks to get out of your system. I hope I can feel normal again. I was told I have to do IVF, but I'm not even in the right state of mind now, and I don't know if I can do IVF with high antibodies and being unmedicated."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2023

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on Synthroid for four weeks after I had a prothrombin time (PT) test. I didn't notice much change until week four, and I developed pretty severe heart palpitations that I'm still getting on and off. My anxiety increased, and I had brain fog, bloating, and weight gain. I have been off of it for a week, and my numbers are double what they were prior to starting it."

• 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."

• Von...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 11, 2022

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Poor experiences from this medication. The side effects and warnings given with the drug, take notice, it does happen. Headaches, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, flushing, and swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, and lower legs! Yes, you can have all of these from the generic. They try to tell you the makeup/compounds are the 'same,' but they aren't! If they were, you wouldn't have all of the side effects. I can sit in a relaxed position watching a comedy, all of a sudden, my heart will race and shortness of breath until the episode subsides. I don't have any of these problems with Synthroid. Unfortunately, my insurance requires prior approval for the brand name. My doctor and I have to jump through hoops every year to get my insurance to cover the brand name."