Levothyroxine and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• ejm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

For Underactive Thyroid "I'm currently 16 years old, about 4 months ago, I was told I had hypothyroidism. Before starting the levothyroxine, I gained 80 pounds over a span of 6 months. Before this, I weighed 117. I was then put on levothyroxine at 197 pounds. It has done nothing but worsen the side effects I already had: shaky hands, hair loss, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, dry skin, sensitivity to heat, extreme lack of energy, insomnia. I've also gained 20 more pounds since being on it. Though I work out 2 hours a day and have a 1000-calorie diet, I still gain 2 pounds a week. My doctor doesn't think the weight gain is associated with the disease and blew it off. I don't know what else to do - not much more I can take."

• Tir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 24, 2024

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "I've been taking Tirosint since 2013. It changed my life. I attempted to go back to Synthroid and completely went backwards in my treatment, which caused my metabolism to slow down and my organs weren't functioning well. I'll never change from Tirosint again. I did have an issue when it changed to Tirosint or whatever the company is called, and the taste was horrible. I relapsed to the point I had to take time off of work. I gained 25 lbs within 4 months. I'm still fighting to get myself back to normal. I did report it. Hoping things change soon since I'm fighting harder than ever to feel the way I did before the changes. Insurance sometimes covers a small amount, but it's mostly out of pocket."

• Anonymous
• March 6, 2021

Levothyroxine "I was on my levothyroxine for over twenty years when they all of a sudden gave me Euthyrox at my Walmart Rx and asked my doctor why the change. He said it was the same thing, so I tried it for like 3+ months, and it was NOT the same! I felt like I was dying! My bones and muscles felt like they were deteriorating, I could stay awake for nothing, no matter how much sleep I had. The depression came on with vengeance. I gained weight. My bladder became weak. That drug should be outlawed, but the way they promote it, someone’s making money on it for sure. That’s terrible when lives are at stake. It’s bad enough having the health issues that we have, let alone people making it worse. That’s what the almighty dollar does."

• WWa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2019

For Hashimoto's disease "Levothyroxine worked for about 1 month. I felt better when I first started taking it. My T4 numbers improved. Then, gradually, any benefits from this drug faded. After a year on Levothyroxine, I now feel terrible...sleepy, low energy, weight gain. All the familiar symptoms came roaring back. The doctor never tested my T3 levels. I found a new doctor, who told me long ago that Levothyroxine would not work, that some people do not convert T4 to T3, and she has prescribed Armour Thyroid. I start that tomorrow."

• ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 26, 2017

For Underactive Thyroid "My concentration and vision had been affected by this medication, both have become very poor. I was informed that the med had reduced my TSH to a more normal level. My dose is up to 125 mcg. My energy levels are amazingly high, but my muscle strength has weakened to the extent that my joints hurt a lot and keep me awake at night. It does not improve weight or alter the state of hair and nails. Although tired and weak before, I remember being happier than I am now. I have gained a lot of weight and anxiety since taking this med. I don't recognize my reflection anymore."

• fir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2016

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I was 1st diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. The doctor said it wasn't bad to just watch it. After a couple of years, it got worse - I saw another doctor, and he did 6 biopsies - found that I had papillary cancer. Following month, I had my thyroid and 2 parathyroids removed. The surgeon put me on 100 mcg of generic Synthroid - seemed to be doing okay until I had the RAI, twice, then everything messed up. I was still having hair loss, ears ringing, teeth getting bad, bathroom habits were never the same, cramps, affected my salivary glands permanently, so I'm dry all the time. Plus, I've put on 25 lbs. I eat, I don't eat, it doesn't matter, the weight will not come off. The endocrinologist changed my dosage to 112 mcg, and I seemed to be doing better. I am back to 100 mcg with previous symptoms."

• Djm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "Do not take it! I was switched from Levo when I moved states. I was miserable for the 2 months I was taking Euthyrox. I had extreme exhaustion, I would take the meds in the AM and be back in bed for hours after. I would get exhausted doing laundry. More exhaustion than when I was pregnant. Extreme depression, and my hair was falling out. Also, the weight gain. I found this website, and it made me not feel crazy, but it was, in fact, the medication. My family doctor told me my numbers are in range, that it couldn’t possibly be the medication causing all this, and that I needed a “happy pill.” This is as I’m crying in his office, begging for something different. He then agreed to put me on Synthroid. It was more expensive, but it is what it is. He had told me my mono came back… Listen here, 2 days being on Synthroid and I got my life back! 2 weeks on, and I was running around Disney not needing a nap! Do not take this crap!"

• drr...
• November 15, 2017

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I switched over to Tirosint after taking levothyroxine for the past two years. It worked for me, I felt great and energetic. The only downside after switching is that I gained at least 10-15 lbs, and my face has gotten puffy. I hate it. My insurance won’t cover the dose I’m on (150 mcg), and it’s just way too expensive out of pocket. I believe my last refill was around $150, the pharmacy was able to bring it down to $113, which is still a lot for only a 28-day supply. I just switched to Armour Thyroid (90 mg). Hopefully, that will help with the weight loss, it’s also NDT, which is another good alternative if you prefer the natural route."

• 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!"

• Lay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 5, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "I read about Tirosint and had so much hope because it doesn't contain the harmful fillers that other thyroid medications have. I also was told this would absorb much better. I have now been on it for 6 months, and I am switching back to Synthroid. Despite my dosage being bumped up 3 different times, I have been hypothyroid the entire 6 months. It could never get my TSH below 8. I feel terrible, and I gained 25 pounds even though I have a small frame and don't usually suffer from weight gain. Really wish this stuff worked. If this stuff works for you, keep taking it, because the ingredients are better. I have severe hypothyroidism (my TSH goes up to 400 if I'm not medicated), so I think that's why it didn't work in my case."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "This medicine caused serious weight gain in 6 weeks (19 lbs). My knees swelled up like a tennis ball filled with fluid, tired, etc. My PCP had me on the lowest dose of Armour Thyroid. Found a nodule, so I was sent to the Cancer Thyroid Clinic. No cancer, just a cyst. That endocrinologist immediately took me off Armour Thyroid (Endos don't like alternative meds) and put me on 75 mg Levothyroxine. Horrible experience! While my labs were perfect, the Endo said after 2 months, my symptoms and side effects were horrible. The doctor refused to listen and I told her how much weight I gained, still no concerns. I went back to my regular PCP and am now waiting to try Nature Throid tomorrow. Just because those numbers look good doesn't mean it's the right fit for you!!"

• fat...
• October 31, 2009

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Been taking it for over 1 year and have had loads of weight gain, which in turn makes me feel tired all the time, so I'm not a happy bunny. It's hard to tell if it's just the fact that I've put on so much weight that makes me feel so bad or that it's a genuine side effect."

• Tuc...
• January 28, 2011

For Underactive Thyroid "Age 47: Female: Long ago hysterectomy; prior symptoms - unable to sleep at night, extreme tiredness, some notable hair loss, weight gain of 25 lbs., notable vision issues, mood changes, lump in throat, and somewhat difficult to swallow. Blood test shows elevated TSH at 4.69, so the doctor put me on this medication at .05 mg to be taken in the morning with a full glass of water. I saw Dr. Oz say you are to take it at night so it works better. I took it yesterday at noon for the first time and this morning, and will take it tonight before going to bed so I can work it into my system for nighttime, like Dr. Oz suggested. I slept through the night for the first time in a long time, but I was up at 5:30 a.m. That's awesome to me. Will check back soon."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 7, 2012

Levothyroxine for Hashimoto's disease "This medication did help with dry skin and hair associated with Hashimoto's and perhaps did lessen my anxiety 'somewhat.' Can't be sure since I also am in menopause and use Vivelle Dot patches and Prometrium. I gained 30 lbs in about one month of starting it. My TSH is low now and Free T4 is almost optimal, but Free T3 is still too low. CONS: packed on the fat which I cannot get off, raised blood pressure, does not help with constant fatigue."

• TJa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the autumn of 2017 and was started on levothyroxine 100 mcg daily, and after 2 years, nothing has changed! I haven't had a single moment of relief. Still exhausted. Still unable to lose weight. Still feel like I have the flu all the time. TSH levels are near 0, but my T4 levels are also still very low. MRI shows nothing wrong with my pituitary. This medicine just doesn't work, and the doctors won't increase the dose."

• hei...
• April 30, 2010

Levothyroxine for TSH Suppression "I had a total thyroid removal after cancer was found, five years ago. I also lost 2 out of 4 parathyroid glands in the operation, which depletes my calcium intake. Please be aware we need our thyroids to survive, if you stop medication and don't have enough supply naturally, you will get very ill within a short period and end up getting something like pneumonia and possibly die. I have been on it 5 years now and have slowly and steadily gained weight, this could be aging, having children, etc. But I have spoken to others who also tried to get weight off and couldn't do anything about it, even with a personal trainer! I am on 200 mg a day for 6 days a week to suppress my TSH to stop cancer cells from growing again."

• Tri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 17, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "I am 78 years old, and I have taken thyroxine since I was 35 and have been reduced regularly as the test results change. I was on 0.75 for 20 years. I am now in my 79th year. Recently, I was changed to 1/2 of a 0.25 and 1 tab of a 0.05. Is this an increase or decrease in dose? I have been feeling very sickly for at least 4 years. I am tired, gaining weight, brittle hair, cold feet, and hands constantly."

• Apl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2022

Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I have used Levothyroxine for 30 years. I was first on Synthroid, but had to switch due to cost. Then I was on generic levothyroxine 125 mcg. Five years ago, I was lowered to 100 mcg, everything was still fine. Three months ago, Walmart filled my prescription with Euthyrox. I have taken this for 2 1/2 months. I feel horrible, I already have heart issues, R.A. Now I have no energy, my hair is falling out, I am gaining weight, all the stuff I used to have. Also, my blood work shows my thyroid is low. How could Walmart just up and give me this crap drug? Doctors need to make a stand for the patients. If they don’t give me what I had, I’m done with Walmart."

• kin...
• July 18, 2010

For Hashimoto's disease "I have been depressed for almost 3 years, could not get enough sleep, was no fun, slept all the time, had no interest in anything anymore, felt like I was in a cloud most of the time, had vibrations in my thyroid, have gained 40 pounds. I started to take this medicine 3 days ago, and I feel like a different person - the old me. Everyone is commenting on how different I am. My body must have been so depleted of the thyroid hormone for years, and my body was not working right. If this gets better and better, my life is going to change! I am so happy!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• September 6, 2011

For Underactive Thyroid "I have been on the generic version of levothyroxine for 4 months now. Have not noticed any difference in how I am feeling at all. The ones I do notice are not positive. All I do is look for a place to lay down all day. My hair is dry. My weight has not come off, I might be gaining more. I can't tolerate heat anymore, and I sweat. I used to love the heat, and I never had noticeable sweating before. Also, my periods have stopped. I went from 25 to 50 mcg and no change at all. I had hyperthyroid, now hypo, they say I will switch back to normal and gave me the levothyroxine just to alleviate being so tired. Well, in my opinion, this medicine is not the answer for me."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2011

For TSH Suppression "I have never had to take medication in my life until being prescribed levothyroxine. I experience disturbing short-term memory loss and weight gain despite regular exercise. Also, neck swelling and throat discomfort are annoying."

• DON...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2022

Levothyroxine for Underactive Thyroid "The same thing happened to me as everyone else is describing. I have taken Levo for over 15 years now, and my levels have been fine. Walmart switched this on me and told me, 'It is the same thing, just different packaging.' I thought something was off, but I went with it. I took them for two weeks, then I had my first blackout. I had a hot flash, hard time breathing, and ran into the door until collapsing to the floor. I tried to dismiss it, but then not even a week later, I was with some friends, and I felt totally fine when all of a sudden, I had the heat flash again. I tried to walk to the door and fell straight down to the floor. I tried to stand and fell again. Do not take this drug, it will cause you serious issues. I have also been feeling very tired and gaining weight since taking it. It doesn't do anything to benefit your body."