Levothyroxine and Tiredness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• No ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I have only been taking this drug for seven days after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This drug is awful. I honestly would not suggest it to anyone. I feel like I'm pregnant and have menopause at the same time! I'm having hot flashes, sleeping terribly, my emotions are way out of control (got really upset and in tears over something that normally wouldn't make me react that way). I feel bloated, my joints hurt worse than they did before this med, my heart is racing, and I've had muscle spasms in my back, chest, and legs. I've also gotten severely nauseated for multiple hours every single time I've taken it. It was so bad yesterday that I had to run to the bathroom because I thought I was going to throw up. I also feel very tired, more depressed than usual, and I have intense anxiety that is making me paranoid. Never again will I take this drug! Don't put yourself through it. It's not worth it."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My doctor prescribed Levothyroxine for low thyroid, and I had been feeling so tired and wiped out. Levothyroxine did help improve my numbers (TSH of 7.5 dropped to 4.5), but I felt awful on it. Everything hurt, and I was so exhausted. After 3 months on Levothyroxine, I asked to try the brand name Synthroid. What a difference! It improved my numbers even more (same dose, TSH decreased to 1.75), and not only that, I felt better. I had energy. My experience is night and day. I know generics are supposed to be equivalent, but I can tell you there is a difference. Synthroid brand works so much better than Levothyroxine. Recommended."

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "My doctor prescribed Levothyroxine for low thyroid, and I had been feeling so tired and wiped out. Levothyroxine did help improve my numbers (TSH of 7.5 dropped to 4.5), but I felt awful on it. Everything hurt, and I was so exhausted. After 3 months on Levothyroxine, I asked to try the brand name Synthroid. What a difference! It improved my numbers even more (same dose, TSH decreased to 1.75), and not only that, I felt better. I had energy. My experience is night and day. I know generics are supposed to be equivalent, but I can tell you there is a difference. Synthroid brand works so much better than Levothyroxine. Recommended."

• Ted...
• July 31, 2016

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I feel awful! I have been on this drug for 6 weeks. I have so many side effects. 1. Very tired (no energy). 2. Nausea. 3. Headache. 4. Can't sleep (even if I take a sleeping pill). 5. Always feel hot. 6. Sweating. 7. Clammy skin (have to have the fan on all the time). I live in Canada so it's not that hot. Never felt so sick."

• miz...
• December 30, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I ended up with an emergency complete thyroidectomy after an ultrasound revealed the tumors (2 in each lobe of my thyroid) had grown and were the culprit for me having to turn my head to the left to swallow food or even drink liquid. After years of taking levothyroxine, I was put onto the brand name Synthroid. At worst, my levels were 86.4. Yes, you read that correctly. My hair falls out in clumps, I feel tired, exhausted, have body aches and joint pain, and chronic fatigue, etc. Now my routine is to take my Synthroid at bedtime with vitamin C. I wake up fine, I'm down from 325 to 181, and I feel great! Please remember your thyroid takes weeks/months to change, you won't notice anything three days to a month into taking this."

• pli...
• October 25, 2009

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I have taken Synthroid for 23 years. The first 3 years I did okay on it but over the past 20, I started to feel lousy. I'm tired all the time and very irritable. I've taken from 0.050 MG to 0.125. I still feel bad. It's been adjusted at least 30 to 35 times throughout the course of 23 years. I feel totally helpless and hopeless. My doctor will not change my thyroid medication."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "If you are taking Synthroid and you are still depressed, overweight, or losing hair (all symptoms of hypothyroidism, which this drug treats) then your dose is still not high enough. If your doctor tells you that you are 'within the normal range,' switch doctors - if you are still having symptoms, then your dose should be higher. I have been on this medication for several years now and as long as I'm on the right dose, I feel fine. I know I need an adjustment when I start to get tired and depressed. Those are the two most obvious symptoms for me (as well as hair loss). I have used low-carb diets effectively (New Atkins for a New You is good - has a section for vegetarians) to lose the weight I had gained when my thyroid became inactive."

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "So I have been taking levothyroxine for six weeks or so. I have been experiencing serious migraines, tremors in my hands, speech problems, sudden waves of exhaustion, sensitivity to heat, nausea, weight loss, food tastes terrible, ringing in my ears, and a whole lot of other things. I tried weaning myself off but ended up gaining a lot of weight. This medicine is the worst thing I've ever taken. Don't take it. Run far away."

• Nat...
• February 25, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on Levothyroxine for 30 years and never had issues until recently. I am having dizziness, nausea, I am exhausted all the time and have all kinds of 'hypothyroidism' symptoms while all along, my levels are fine. After doing some research, I find out that the makers have replaced one of the components (lactose) with 'mannitol' and 'citric acid' to prolong its shelf life. Look up the side effects of mannitol: dizziness, hair loss, nausea, tiredness...and here is our culprit: mannitol! In France, Merck had taken over the production of Levothyroxine and had changed its formula to mannitol: thousands of patients started getting sick. The government got involved due to the number of complaints about the side effects. Makers were asked to revert to the original formula with lactose, but then came out with Tirosint instead, which contains gelatin and glycerin instead of mannitol."

• fer...
• September 4, 2009

For Underactive Thyroid "Before I started the medication, I had severe hair loss and fragile nails. I was tired and had no energy. A couple of weeks after taking the medicines, I started feeling energized, started to grow hair again, and my nails started to grow and became very strong. I love the medication. I am a 54-year-old woman and have had menopause for 2 years."

• 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."

• Jen...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 30, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been taking this levothyroxine for about 5.5 years now, and it has never made me feel any better than before I started. I have never lost weight and actually have gained! I have no energy at all, I, in fact, feel like I’m dying a slow death!! I have told my doctors over and over again that I don’t feel better, and yet they continue to feed me this rubbish along with some supplements, and still nothing works!! I have cried to the doctor about my symptoms, and they tried to give me depression medicine, which I refuse to take. I am not a depressed person, the only thing that brings me down is this medicine! I think I’m going to stop taking it altogether! This is absolutely despicable. I have a feeling it’s this rubbish medicine! There is not enough info about this disease!!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 14, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism at age 14. I was gaining weight like crazy, feeling tired all the time, and losing my hair. The doctor had performed an ultrasound on my thyroid and discovered my condition and started me on Synthroid. My energy started to get better, and weight started to come down. But I went to a different doctor, and they put me on levothyroxine 88 mg, and it made me feel tired all the time. My skin is drier than normal, and I have constant brain fog. After age 22, I had gained almost 60 pounds after a major injury and couldn't lose it. The doctor wouldn't remove me from levothyroxine at all or recommend any different treatment options for my thyroid hormone or weight loss. So I changed doctors, and I have lost more than 100 pounds in the last 2 years. With the help of medication and the diet, I have been able to maintain it. But I would do anything to change my thyroid meds."

• Jou...
• February 20, 2017

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I was started on levothyroxine, then Armour, and my symptoms were worse than before medication. Tirosint literally gave me my life back. Then new insurance made me try Nature-Throid. Back to the same misery that plagued me the better part of the year. Whatever the cause or effect in chemistry, I am immediately changing back. Brain fog, sore muscles, lethargy, fatigue, constant hunger, weight gain. Never again will I try another medicine."

• cat...
• January 7, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "Been on levothyroxine for about 5 months. Initially 50 mcg. After about a week or two, I immediately felt better. 'Brain fog' was decreased, I felt a lot less tired, a lot less cold. Also, I lost a significant amount of weight (I put on a lot due to an undiagnosed autoimmune thyroiditis). I'd say the worst side effect of this is the massive hair loss initially, and my hair was tangled so easily. I am now on a maintenance dose of 100 mcg. Have bought myself a decent hairbrush and I feel a lot better."

• grm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2020

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was switched from my levothyroxine to Euthyrox a couple of months ago, and the cramping in my muscles was almost unbearable! At the same time, I have gained 10 pounds and my thigh muscles felt like they were frozen or stiff and didn't want to work. I was extremely tired and depressed from all the symptoms. The doctor ran blood tests and upped my dosage from 150 to 175 because it showed low - the only difference in what I was doing was the Euthyrox, and I had quite a time trying to get my doctor to prescribe another brand. The pharmacist said they had enough left of the prior brand to refill this month."

• coo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 28, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 25 years ago, after being treated with a medication to stop premature labor (cannot remember the name of the drug). Several women who were treated with this same drug and had babies at the same time I did were also diagnosed with thyroid problems. During the first 22 years, I took levothyroxine 125 mg. I was still extremely tired, although my clarity of thinking cleared up. I was reduced 2 years ago to 100 mg, same drug, still very very tired, no desire to interact with people, laying in bed watching TV all day. I have reported my exhaustion at every doctor visit without any help. Life is passing me by, and at 60 I feel I should be in my prime. I need a change of meds, perhaps a natural med."

• coo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 28, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 25 years ago, after being treated with a medication to stop premature labor (cannot remember the name of the drug). Several women who were treated with this same drug and had babies at the same time I did were also diagnosed with thyroid problems. During the first 22 years, I took levothyroxine 125 mg. I was still extremely tired, although my clarity of thinking cleared up. I was reduced 2 years ago to 100 mg, same drug, still very very tired, no desire to interact with people, laying in bed watching TV all day. I have reported my exhaustion at every doctor visit without any help. Life is passing me by, and at 60 I feel I should be in my prime. I need a change of meds, perhaps a natural med."

• 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."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "I first found out I had hypothyroid 10/24 (OB checked because I've been trying to conceive) TSH level 8.7. After taking 50 mg for 1 month, my TSH level went to 3.0. Unfortunately, after that, I started getting negative side effects such as constantly sleepy, unfocused, and feeling really out of it, slight depression, and exhaustion. I hated it. A friend who was hypothyroid recommended taking Kelp vitamins for the iodine. I started taking 25 mg Levo and my Kelp vitamin daily. Jan 20, TSH was at 3.5 (Dr. wanted me to stay on the same 50 mg prescription, but I was still having negative side effects). I also had Vitamin D checked Jan 20 per friend's recommendation and found out that was low too. So I STOPPED taking Levo and ONLY took Vit D and Kelp Vit. Apr 18 levels checked again, and TSH was 2.8 HALLELUJAH!"

• 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."

• nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2019

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "First of all, there are coupons for this, and I pick it up from Walmart for 28.30. Search coupons free for Tirosint. I first tried a company that is a scam company. They charged me 50 dollars, saying my medication was going to be 60 a month. Too late, I gave the scumbags my credit card and forget this bogus company out of Florida. The medication doesn't work for me, my hair falls out, I'm tired, and I'm gaining weight, so I'm going back to a compound which worked for me in the past. Good luck everyone with this. Uggh."

• kit...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I was put on Synthroid 1 year after telling my endocrinologist (he was taking care of my type 1 diabetes) that I think I have low thyroid (it runs in my family). After a year, he finally tested my TSH, which was high, and put me on Synthroid. My TSH came back fine, but I told him my hair was still thinning, my nails were still brittle, my stomach was still swollen, and I got every bug that was within 100 miles. I also developed total exhaustion and only left the house for doctor appointments. I went from 103 lbs. to 130 lbs. He put me on a higher dose and switched me to Levothyroxine (generic for Synthroid), which caused a rash and itching on my face, then on the rest of my body, it felt like a ball in my throat. Changing doctors now."

• Ros...
• October 23, 2013

For Underactive Thyroid "I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism about six years ago. I had gained a lot of weight and couldn't lose it, and I had almost all symptoms (thinning hair and eyebrows, low body temp, lethargy, etc.). During my first year on thyroxine, I lost 50 pounds. It just came off. I was ecstatic. Slowly, my weight went up. I gained 20 pounds, which was okay because I was still a normal weight. About 3 months ago, my doctor upped my dosage. Suddenly, KABOOM - I gained 12 pounds within two months - five of those pounds were gained between last night and this morning. That's when I knew something was wrong. I haven't been overeating, and I'm active. But the pounds I've gained will NOT come off. No more."

• Mc5...
• January 20, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism a week and a half ago. I'm 21 and slightly overweight. My thyroid levels were tested because I sweat excessively. I only felt dizzy on the first two days of taking this medicine. I always feel tired right after I take it, but that goes away after I work out or concentrate on something. After about 3-4 days of taking it, I noticed that I was sweating less! I think I'm slimming down (but that could be because I have had more energy to exercise). I take .025 mg. I'll update in a few weeks!"