Synthroid and Pain: What Users Say

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

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."

• Sal...
• March 26, 2015

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "In a nutshell, I had my thyroid removed ten years ago. I had a lot of horrible symptoms that I can only describe as feeling like a 100-year-old severely arthritic woman. My lab results always came out within range no matter what dosage I was on. I even called the Synthroid company to discuss the various doses and learned the only difference between the doses I was trying, besides the amount of thyroid hormone, was the food coloring. In a quick internet search, I learned my symptoms might be related to the food dyes. My endo rewrote my prescription using no-dye tablets. Within one week, I had no pain. I take two 50mcg tablets daily, and on Monday and Thursday, I add a half tablet. Life is good!"

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

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."

• Mar...
• June 17, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I have taken Synthroid (branded) since 2005 (dose .075) with no issues or side effects, have kept annual notes on TSH, T3, T4 test results since that date. Recently, my TSH dropped to .25 with T3 and T4 in normal range. Doc switched me to .50 from .075 because my TSH was low. The side effects were absolutely awful for 5 weeks, with the worst being muscular pain throughout my whole body, afraid my legs would give out. I stopped taking it after 5 weeks for 2 days while waiting to see Doc to see what’s happening. Within 1.5 days, the symptoms relieved without any pain medication. I believe there is some change to the drug and have contacted AbbVie (waiting for an answer) to see if the fillers (which are numerous) have been changed from 1 dosage to another. If you are having any side effects, you must call them and report it, especially if they are long-term or severe as mine were. I am back on .075 with no issues... something is wrong here. Will keep posted."

• Anonymous
• April 12, 2016

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed about 2 years ago. I weighed about 190. I was put on 125 mcg Synthroid right after the surgery. I lost about 20 pounds without trying at all. My dosage was increased to 175 mcg. I then started gaining weight. My endocrinologist increased my dosage to 200 mcg. My weight went up to 224 lbs. Never weighed so much before. I've been told by a couple of other doctors that the higher doses of Synthroid should cause weight loss, not gain. I am 72 years old. In general, I have aches and pains, something wrong every day. Don't know if that's Synthroid related or not. But I am very uncomfortable with all this weight, just doing everyday things."

• Hyp...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2013

For Hashimoto's disease "6+ years on Synthroid, and this is what I have to show for it. Used to be a size 12, now a 28, no periods, pain all over, hypo symptoms still, mental and mood symptoms (anxiety, depression, mood swings). My growth hormone is only 40 and my FSH is 78. I can't have children. Finally switched to Cytomel, it broke me out and still had the same symptoms as above. My level was over 20 last they checked. Just got a prescription for Armour, hoping I finally get my life back."

• Jac...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 7, 2019

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "Lately, I have been experiencing flu-like body pains. Feeling achy, weak legs and arms. This medicine is ruining my life. Every time I increase the dosage, even by small amounts, I feel so nervous and withdrawn."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 26, 2023

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed in December 2013 and have not felt like me since it was removed. I have been on Synthroid 100 mcg and am having back and knee pain, terrible chest discomfort, tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which prevents me from doing daily chores as I would like. Doctors keep saying it has nothing to do with the med, but I beg to differ. Cardiac workup fine; at times cholesterol goes up, glucose and blood pressure go up, and the list goes on. When will the doctors listen to patients and not try to tell them how they feel (because they are not the ones suffering)? Pray that I can find a doctor who has thyroid problems. These drug companies are thinking of their bank accounts and not that of the people who have to take their drugs."