Levothyroxine and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Won...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 16, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on Synthroid for 10 years. I was in so much pain in my joints, I couldn't function. This is a known side effect of this medicine. My numbers were where they were supposed to be per the doctors, but I still felt tired and my hair was still falling out. After my husband and I did research, we worked with my doctor and switched to Armour Thyroid. Within 6 weeks my pain was gone, I felt better. I wasn't tired and my hair was falling out. No matter what medicine you use - you know how you should feel. Do the research and work with your doctor. Only you know how you should feel. Don't depend on the doctor to tell you."

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 30, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Pharmacy gave me Euthyrox instead of Levothyroxine (generic). I didn't think it would make a difference, so I have been taking it for several months. Kept feeling worse but didn't connect it to the meds. To the point now I can barely function - arms hurt so bad, so tired I can hardly make it through my day, headache, etc. Called pharmacy to see why they switched it. She said, 'That is just what Walmart sends us. Lots of people have been complaining and switching back.' So, so am I! Hope I start feeling better soon. Shame on you, Walmart, for switching people's meds without a doctor's request!"

• los...
• November 20, 2013

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My thyroid disease was caught by my determination to find the real cause of my sudden physical & mental change. Long story short, I had thyroid cancer twice (2010 & 2012). April 2013 saw a thyroidectomy, followed by radiation 3 months later. It has taken all my strength not to give up. I am finally on 175mcg & my endocrinologist is brushing off my complaints of being depressed over nothing, tired, weak, cold, forgetful, waking up with aching feet. She said 2.1 is in range & Synthroid is the solution. It isn't enough! Either it or my dose isn't agreeing with my body. I'm so tired of being tired. Some days it feels like I have cinder blocks tied to my feet."

• Sky...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "When Dr. increases the dosage for levothyroxine, I get overly anxious, palpitations, lack of concentration, can't sleep, an overall feeling of not feeling well, faintly feeling, no energy, bloated, itchy, eye problems, irritated, confusion, feeling like crying, very emotional, and this is only taking 50mg. I felt I was dying. The moment I took half of 25mg like I was doing before, I returned to my normal self. Doctors don't care about your symptoms, they just want to go by the book, and I'm not the only one reporting this. Others like me are out there. Doctors are not listening to us."

• mls...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This drug is causing all kinds of awful issues. My hair is falling out, I'm completely exhausted, want to sleep all day/night, can't think straight, can't make it through my work day, loose stools, headaches, cold. Increased heart palpitations. I feel exactly as I did when I wasn't taking anything."

• KEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was a long-time Levoxyl user prior to the major recall that happened, and I loved Levoxyl and felt fantastic before the recall that happened! I have tried it 4 separate times, and each time I try it, I feel horrible. Imagine the most tired feeling you could ever feel! I cannot function and require naps when I try taking it. Not sure what changes they made to the formula, but for me, it is horrible. I just had to share this, just in case anyone out there is feeling this same feeling. Trust me, the formula has changed and not for the better..."

• Gay...
• October 21, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "Horrible drug. Almost landed in ER. Been taking Levothyroxine, generic for Synthroid, for years, a little yellow oval pill with no issues. Called for a refill at Walmart. Arrived home to find boxes of blister packs. Definitely not my normal pills, which came in a pill bottle. Called Walmart and asked about this drug Euthyrox by Merck in Germany. Person who answered the phone said exactly the same, no worries. HE WAS WRONG. Didn't put 2 & 2 together for over 3 weeks as I became sicker, my side effect symptoms were brain fog, strange headache all day, every day, dizzy, heavy pulse in my neck, sudden heatwaves, unsteady on my feet, vision weird, and exhausted. Figured out it was due to changing to this manufacturer. Many reviews from people who experienced the same side effects after Walmart changed to this manufacturer. Walmart should have said something. Doctor gave me a prescription for the old Levo. Immediately stopped taking Euthyrox. Today is the 4th day back on the old pills. 90% better. Called Walmart Corp. & FDA. NOT LIKE OTHER GENERIC LEVOTHYROXINE."

• CB ...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 25, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed in 1990 and have been on Synthroid ever since. The dosage has changed over the years. Right now I'm on a dose that requires two pills each morning - the 200mcg plus the 50 mcg. I have to wonder if a lot of the symptoms many of us experience aren't due to the Synthroid, but rather the lack of a thyroid and having to get the hormone from a pill? Maybe it just doesn't ever feel quite the same no matter what brand it is. I am usually tired. I can't get enough sleep. Often am achy too. I have always been prone to anxiety and depression and have been on Effexor for years. That helps with a lot of symptoms I had (night sweats, mood issues, etc.) but still so tired."

• ire...
• October 27, 2011

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Synthroid for about 7 years. I am 43 now, but I still feel very tired and have no energy or motivation. My bones feel weak. I have been telling my doctor that maybe I need a higher dosage, but he said no. I suggested changing the medication, but he insisted I am fine. But I know my body. My hair is falling out, it's thin. Maybe a new doctor can help me."

• ire...
• October 27, 2011

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Synthroid for about 7 years. I am 43 now, but I still feel very tired and have no energy or motivation. My bones feel weak. I have been telling my doctor that maybe I need a higher dosage, but he said no. I suggested changing the medication, but he insisted I am fine. But I know my body. My hair is falling out, it's thin. Maybe a new doctor can help me."

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 1, 2019

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was on generic levothyroxine for over 30 years at 112 mcg per day. I felt ok, but over the past couple of years, I had ups and downs with it. It got really worse since January with dizziness, extreme tiredness, and nausea. Come to find out, the manufacturers replaced the lactose ingredient with mannitol, which was our culprit. After researching, I discovered that mannitol is no longer allowed in France and Belgium due to its side effects. I asked my doctor to switch me to Tirosint (pure form with no mannitol or dyes), and my symptoms have subsided! So far, so good. I need to wait 2 weeks to check my levels. I bet I may even have to lower my dose as I seem to absorb this one better. I am thankful to the manufacturer of Tirosint, as I feel so much better!"

• gfm...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 2, 2013

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this medication for almost 22 years. My thyroid is dead, the doctor said due to childbirth. I started out on the lowest dosage. The doctor didn't want to shock my body, so I had to cut them in half for 2 weeks and then slowly go up from there. I am now taking 200 mg, and have been for several years now. The medication works well for me. If I miss a day, I can tell, and I feel really tired."

• Anonymous
• March 17, 2020

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Synthroid is terrible, it gave me an exacerbation of mental health symptoms! Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, constant dark thoughts, and depression. My TSH dropped from 0.50 to 0.02, and still no symptoms of hyper, just the same symptoms of hypo: weight gain, tiredness, and depression. I thought I was losing my mind! Trying to adjust my psych meds, thinking that was the issue, didn't work because it was the levo causing the problem. It's difficult to separate symptoms of mental health problems from thyroid problems because they can be similar. I got a referral from my PCP to see an endocrinologist. They switched me to Armour. Significant improvement. Levothyroxine stinks! I'd rather take no thyroid medication and suffer the consequences than take Levothyroxine."

• bby...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the last days of October of this year. My doctor prescribed me 50mcg levothyroxine distributed by Mylan. I was only on the medication for 3 days! The medicine made me so fatigued and tired, I could hardly go through my day without wanting to pass out and go to sleep. And not only that, but my chest was feeling really uncomfortable. It felt like someone had put 20 pounds on my chest and overall having difficulty taking a deep breath. My doctor then prescribed me the brand name Synthroid with only 25mcg. I had energy like I haven't had in a year, but on the third day, I was having shortness of breath, my heart was beating so hard and fast, and I felt so lightheaded. Seriously, scariest experience I have had."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was put on Synthroid after having my thyroid removed due to cancer 6 years ago. I think I've been put on every dosage there is. I have not felt the same since. I'm always tired, I wake up wanting to rip someone's head off, armpits sweat horribly, cry over nothing, depressed, hair loss, always colder or hotter than people around me, no energy, etc. But when I talk to my doctor and explain my issues, I'm told that I'm fine. (I beg to differ, needless to say I'm going to see a new doctor next visit.) Though I'm sure Synthroid is a wonderful medication, it just doesn't seem to be working for me in my opinion... my doctor seems to think differently."

• Anonymous
• January 18, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was put on Synthroid after having my thyroid removed due to cancer 6 years ago. I think I've been put on every dosage there is. I have not felt the same since. I'm always tired, I wake up wanting to rip someone's head off, armpits sweat horribly, cry over nothing, depressed, hair loss, always colder or hotter than people around me, no energy, etc. But when I talk to my doctor and explain my issues, I'm told that I'm fine. (I beg to differ, needless to say I'm going to see a new doctor next visit.) Though I'm sure Synthroid is a wonderful medication, it just doesn't seem to be working for me in my opinion... my doctor seems to think differently."

• KAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Thyroid removed in 2014 due to cancer. Have been on every medicine out there. I was happy on Nature-Throid until a change in 2018, and it quit working. Not happy with NP or Synthroid. Just tried Tirosint 6 weeks ago. Noticed a lot of aches and pains have disappeared. Although this med is absorbed much easier for me, and I had to start skipping a day every 5th day on 125. If I didn't - I experienced pains in lower legs and other signs of overtreatment. I just got my blood work, and TSH was 1.19. So it's working very well. Could probably go on 100, but Dr. is happy with what I am doing. I had a small amount of Hashimoto in my removed thyroid. This med is stronger than levo, so be careful when switching. I was on 135 levo before the switch and started on 125 of this med, and I could tell it was still too much. I even eat breakfast with mine. It doesn't even bother it. So those with gastro issues, try eating with your dose. I'm happy and hope it stays this way for a while. I'm tired of switching meds."

• Deb...
• January 7, 2014

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid irradiated in 2005 due to Graves' disease caused by Hep C treatment (Ribavirin & Interferon). At first, I saw an endocrinologist that prescribed Armour Thyroid, but loss of job and insurance forced me to go to a free clinic, where I received Synthroid. The clinic doesn't seem to understand the difference between experiencing low thyroid levels from naturally occurring hypothyroidism and complete loss of thyroid. My NP says to me, incredulously, 'You take an awful lot of thyroid!', and at that time, I was only taking 75mcg a day. Finally, after three years of 75 to 100mcg, when I felt absolutely crazy (tired, confused, hair loss, cranky, paranoid, angry, enormous weight gain), she now has me on 150mcg which seems not perfect but better."

• tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I started taking Levothyroxine around 2 months ago, building up from 50 to 75. Recently had blood test back, and my results have come back as normal now! I went from nearly collapsing while out walking my dog. Having aches and pains. Brain fog, no energy at all... falling asleep at the drop of a hat! Fights with hubby, because I was so fatigued! Was going on like that for years, until Doctor gave me the blood test, and realized it was a medical condition. I thought it was me, just being tired and irritable. Now I am starting to recover, slowly, weight gain. Went from 9 stone to 12.2. 3 stone. now I have to lose all this weight because of hypothyroidism... nightmare! But I feel more awake, more energy, hope this review helps someone!"

• B2L...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 6, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Brand name only! Levoxyl brought me back to life after being on Synthroid for the past 6 years. I was on Levoxyl since my thyroidectomy, then was forced to switch to Synthroid when it was recalled. On Synthroid, I was barely functioning, horribly depressed, very tired, moody, painful heavy periods, horrible thoughts, migraines, and motion sickness all the time! Miserable! I finally told my Dr I want to get back on Levoxyl. Thank GOD I did, almost immediately all the bad symptoms stopped and I feel amazing! I’m back to the land of the living! If you are feeling like I did on Synthroid, do not hesitate and switch to BRAND NAME Levoxyl!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "While it brought the TSH into the appropriate range, the exhaustion, lethargy, constipation, etc. was unbearable. For 20 hours out of the day, felt drowsy, unmotivated, and sleepy. This is no way to live. Got on Tirosint and what a difference."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 30, 2015

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "While it brought the TSH into the appropriate range, the exhaustion, lethargy, constipation, etc. was unbearable. For 20 hours out of the day, felt drowsy, unmotivated, and sleepy. This is no way to live. Got on Tirosint and what a difference."

• Sha...
• January 19, 2014

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've been on Synthroid for over 15 years due to Hashimoto's Disease and also partial thyroidectomy due to a nodule. For anyone who is on the medication and says they are feeling depressed, tired, etc., check into the symptoms of hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's disease as it may be that your medication is not at the right dose. My doctor considers 'normal' TSH to be between 1 and 3, while the AMA lists it as between 1 and 5. When I am at a 4, I do not feel well and have all the symptoms. DON'T just STOP taking this medication on your own as you can have severe side effects. GO back to your doctor and discuss how you feel. I cannot take the generics as they do not work for me. Only SYNTHROID for me! (I'm on 225 a day!)"

• Anonymous
• June 8, 2010

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I've been on Synthroid (Levothyroxine) for about a year and a half now. They've changed my dose 4 times so far and I'm currently at 100 mcg. Once they keep me on a dose for a bit, I feel okay, but with every change I have a few annoying side effects. I can say that if you take it every day like you're supposed to, it will work eventually. You have to be patient, it won't make you feel great right away. It took me about 3 months. But it helped with my lethargy, weight, and even depression. It's pretty good if you take it as prescribed. If you stop taking it suddenly, the effects of hypothyroidism come back pretty quickly and severely, so I recommend taking it as your doctor states."

• Nat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 4, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "If you have been taking generic levothyroxine and have been experiencing extreme tiredness, chest pain, dizziness, nausea, headaches: find out if the formula contains mannitol (or other) and report it to the FDA. Go to the FDA website. Mannitol is not allowed in levothyroxine in France and Belgium because of its many side effects!"