Liothyronine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2022

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Cytomel gave me the worst side effect symptoms of my life in just 3-4 days. I got severe water retention, chest pain, rash on my body, and dehydration. I just took time afterward to negate the side effects of this drug. Can't wait to flush this out of my body and will never take it again."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2022

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "I have Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism with it. I was on Tirosint for a while and all the other T4 medications: Levothyroxine, Synthroid, Tirosint. This Cytomel makes me feel amazing and turns my brain back on immediately after taking it. Cytomel also seems to get rid of almost all the horrible joint pain and muscle aches from the other thyroid medications. It also helps to reduce my muscle stiffness and gets rid of those pesky muscle spasms. I think that all the T4 drugs actually cause more pain all over the body, but they are usually effective at getting rid of hypothyroid symptoms. I noticed this after I forgot to take my Synthroid for one day, less pain but more fatigue."

• Kim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 19, 2019

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had half my thyroid removed. Levothyroxine on its own was not working, so my primary care doc combined it with two 5 mcg liothyronine once daily, 4 days a week, and one tab all other days. I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin and anxiety through the roof! He told me to take it all in the morning and that I did not need to split the daily dose because my body would regulate absorption. I decided to go to an endocrinologist who did not change the amount but had me take one tab in the morning with my levo and the 2nd tab in the evening, but not too close to bedtime. On the days where I take only one pill, she had me split it in half and take half in the morning and the other half in the evening. This worked like a charm! Since we've adjusted it to where I take two tabs 3 days per week and one tab 4 days per week. I no longer split the one tab because it would crumble and take it in the morning, but I'm still feeling great!"

• Rai...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 13, 2024

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Cytomel works, but you have to make sure you are on the correct dose. Some people need a very high amount of T3 in their system, some very little. I’ve heard of a doctor who was on 400 mcg of T3 a day. I was taking 150 mcg per day, splitting it into two doses (while low carb). My hair did not fall out. It can shed for the first 3 to 6 months, but then it grows back in. I’ve always had very thick hair and Cytomel kept it that way. If you take too much or too little, I imagine this may cause your hair to shed. If you do not heal the underlying medical issue and eat poorly, you will need to take more and more over time, and your doctor may not approve the higher dose, so you’re left with hypothyroidism even on T3. You must change your diet. If you’re someone who hasn’t changed your diet (removed wheat gluten, grains, sugar, nightshades, etc.) and you feel well and slim/healthy on T3, that’s very rare, especially if you have Hashimoto's. Eat well (red meat, etc.)"

• wil...
• April 23, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "I had been on Synthroid alone for 7 years and managing my hypothyroid just fine with it. I felt great and pretty much back to normal. I got switched to a new Dr. He told me to start on Cytomel (even though I had NO new symptoms and felt just fine) based on my T3 results. I trusted his judgment as a doctor and took it. Biggest mistake of my life. I started in October, and by mid-December, I was dealing with the most severe anxiety I've ever had. I was snappy towards my kids and just downright angry because of it. I lost a ton of weight when I didn't need to, and my face started breaking out like crazy. When I mentioned the weight loss and acne, he never once said it could be because of that pill and my hormones were probably out of balance and that I should be happy I am so thin! I saw my primary Dr., and she is the one who told me that this pill is more than likely causing all of my symptoms, and after looking at all my past blood work, she realized I NEVER even needed it! My T3 levels were normal."

• Go2...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 20, 2022

For Underactive Thyroid "After pestering my doctor to take my symptoms seriously, it was time for my amazing doctor to listen to me and learn from my example. I started Liothyronine, 25 mg, because I'm 57 and have T2D. It was as if someone had turned on the lights in my life! I could now function like other people, with the energy to exercise, do self-care, my brain would focus again, and I have done so well that despite fibromyalgia and BPD2, I am able to go back to work part-time, at my request, because I am bored, and I have too many gifts to offer the world that were hidden for too long. *Caveat: I did have to reduce the dose to 12.5 when I stopped sleeping and was walking 5 miles a day. That was too much energy! My lab work looks great. Glad my doc finally listened! Have my life back, hooray!!"

• Kit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 27, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I was on NP when it was recalled the first time and swapped to Synthroid after going to the ER 3 times. Synthroid 50 and Cytomel (liothyronine) 5 mcg. At first, I thought it was just me, so I tried Cytomel twice with Synthroid (gave me head pressure) and once with Tirosint (in 3 months). On all 3 occasions that I took Cytomel, once I reached a 15 mcg+ dose for the week, it gave me side effects of being depressed, anxious, insomniac, palpitations, and even advanced me to menstruate a week early (all 3 times)! I want T3 so bad that I repeatedly tried to make it work. It’s just not for me."

• reb...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 13, 2024

Liothyronine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My body doesn't convert T4 to T3 properly, and mostly makes reverse T3, so I was always hypothyroid, even when one endo prescribed such a large dose of Synthroid that I started going into a thyroid storm. This was before the surgery for fibrous variant Hashimoto's that made my thyroid gland so hard it was affecting my breathing, and 3 biopsies could not recover any tissue to check for cancer. After surgery, I could breathe better and did not have cancer, but until one doctor tested my reverse T3 and Free T3, checked the ratio, and figured out I didn't have enough T3 and prescribed Cytomel, I was in thyroid hell for all those years. Now I am not. If he hadn't figured it out I would be dead now from TRMDD causing me to have episodes of suicidal ideation. I can also think clearly. No more thyroid hell! The medication is prohibitively expensive, but can be compounded for less, although it is still pricey. I take 1-1/4 of a 25 mcg Cytomel tablet, divided for BID, and 12.5 of Synthroid."

• Hyp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2022

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "I self-diagnosed as hypo several years ago after suffering from almost every classic hypo symptom, but with 'normal' TSH labs. A non-traditional Endo finally agreed with me after testing more than just my TSH and considering my symptoms. But finding something that worked has been hard. I felt almost worse on T4 alone. Armour Thyroid helped for a while, but then I began crashing and found my reverse T3 numbers had skyrocketed. My doctor pulled the AT and started me on 25 mg of Cytomel. Within a day, my constant headaches were gone, and I felt lighter and more energetic. It’s only been a week, but I’m optimistic."

• Clc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2020

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "I gained 25 lbs on an antidepressant over 9 months. I have tapered off, but no weight loss. Have some fatigue, low temp. Doc said, although the rest of the blood panel of tests was okay, he would like to see my Free T3 around 3. It was 2.56. I took my second dose this a.m., 5 mcg. Same both days. Anxious, dizzy, feel like I'm weak in my legs. Tearful - almost foggy. Doc said it was a low dose and I might feel better, or notice zero change. No more for me... I don't like the way it makes me feel."

• Sie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 7, 2023

For Underactive Thyroid "This hormone can be really amazing, but you have to be very disciplined with your diet because it won't absorb properly — or, your thyroid disease will progress, then you'll need more T3, and it may not get into your cells properly if you don't have good iron levels, cortisol, etc. I caution you to take this seriously, as I wish I did. You can feel far worse on a hormone if it's not absorbing properly, that is because your own T3 is suppressed while on T3, so you need to make sure your cells are receiving this hormone. I found that I could eat a lot more and still stay relatively slim, but that didn't last past the 6-month mark. I began having issues with the hormone. Also, different brands affected me differently, so that's also important to note. I always recommend eating very well: no grains, soy, dairy, egg (if you have issues with eggs), remove allergens, no legumes, no nightshades, basically AIP/clean Paleo, keto/carnivore. I highly recommend Paul Robinson & STTM."

• Aim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 18, 2021

For Underactive Thyroid "I had a lot of side effects after being on this medicine for about a year. At first, it helped my energy level, but then I had rapidly changing moods, insomnia, sweating, anger/irritability, feeling like I might go crazy/jump out of my skin, severe bloating all over, but the worst part was the feeling of depersonalization/derealization. Scary! Lowering the dose down from 10 to 5 mcgs didn’t help. I’ll just stick with Armour without this added. Check out the list of side effects for this drug on Mayo Clinic’s site, it’s not pretty."

• Sol...
• May 15, 2021

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Started Cytomel 5 mg about 8 days ago. As my T3 was low. And just did not feel well. I had hair loss, weight gain, major constipation, and very irritable, dry skin. I am hoping to feel better and be more regulated in many ways. I am curious what everyone’s T3 numbers were before starting. Cytomel may be too soon for me to notice any change yet? Thank you."

• Rea...
• December 12, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I have Hashimoto's. I had been medicated on Synthroid and wanted to change after reading all the thyroid books about T3. I took NDT for a couple of years, and when I had labs done for a hysterectomy, they were so bad I had to put surgery off for a year. I then went on Tirosint and begged my endo for T3 because everyone said my numbers weren't optimal. She put me on 5 mcg, and I have taken that with 88 mcg Tirosint for over a year. I have had cycling depression the whole time and slowly put on weight no matter what I do. Recently, I had a bad flare, and my doctor said maybe it's the T3. Stop taking it. I did, and a lot of my pain and fatigue lifted. I tried re-dosing several times, and everyone in my support group is shunning me because I want to quit. I am withdrawing now and hope that is over soon. I am absolutely glad that it works for some people, but I have had all the cortisol, anemia, and other testing, and it's definitely the med causing this! It isn't for everyone!"

• Ree...
• May 29, 2020

For Underactive Thyroid "I have Hashimoto's disease and have been on Synthroid and Cytomel brand name only for years. Felt great. All of a sudden, Cytomel needed prior auth, doc gave me generic. Having major bloating and constipation. Anyone else experience with Cytomel generic?"

• MEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2021

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "This medication is horrible! I have had severe adverse reactions on both the brand name and generic form. Painful limp knees, tachycardia, palpitations, and all of my hair fell out! Never again will I take this medication. It’s not worth my life."

• Jou...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 23, 2022

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "Taking Synthroid for Hashimoto’s and continued to have fatigue, muscle aches, and cramps. Adding Doctor generic Liothyronine was like taking nothing. Switching to brand name Cytomel 5 mcg 2x daily, I felt normal for the first time in 10 years. Muscle aches/cramping gone, good energy and mental focus returned. I have my heart under control, and I’m still on Cytomel. Hair loss I've also had, and you need to have your selenium levels tested. I had some doctor-prescribed supplements I had to stop because they contained selenium and it built up. Right now the biggest problem is that I can’t get my Cytomel Rx filled because Pfizer has some backorder that’s gone on for two months with no explanation. I have to take generic liothyronine for now; fatigue and muscle cramps are back."

• Moc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2013

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "After thyroid removal, the horrible experience of Synthroid, and finally getting on natural desiccated thyroid, I had to switch to T3 temporarily due to my RT3 being too high. The conversion was fairly easy, but a bit taxing on my adrenals. I had to be more careful of stressful situations for a little while. Overall, I am very happy with the T3 and may just stay with it. Although, dosing four times a day is tedious."

• Sis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2020

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I just brought my sister to the ER because she wanted to kill herself. Ever since she started this drug a week ago, after her thyroid was removed, she has had tremors, headaches, sweats, vomiting, and severe depression. She lost all energy and could not sleep. She only took 2.5 mg. They admitted her to the psych floor and will keep her for a week. This is a powerful drug that needs close monitoring."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2012

For Underactive Thyroid "I have gained 20 pounds in the last 2 months, feel really hungry all the time, am having a hard time breathing for about a month now. I do not know if the breathing is from the medication, air, or allergies. My thyroid is under control, though."

• Fee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2019

For Underactive Thyroid "Diagnosed with Hashimoto's June 2018. Since I can't convert T4 to T3, I was put on Cytomel, increasing by 5 mcg every 6 weeks until my TSH was in optimal range, which took 6 months. I felt better than I did in years. Then, I became hyperthyroid but was having symptoms of both hypo and hyper. So, my dose was decreased and was told I didn't have to be seen for a year. Last month, I pleaded to have my TSH tested again. My TSH was 45.0! Thinking it was a lab error, I got retested five days later, and it was 80.1! My endo DOUBLED my dose of Cytomel (and my TSH went down to 25.0). However, I felt like I was on steroids and begged him to lower the dose. He did, but now I am gaining weight, bloating (post-menopausal, so it's not related to menstruation). I feel horrible again."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2016

For Underactive Thyroid "When I was first diagnosed, the doctor gave me levothyroxine, which uses lactose as a binder for the chemicals. I had a huge reaction to the pill. I felt like I wanted to get out of my skin. Bad stuff. So I started taking the desiccated thyroid, which was much better, and I have been on it for many years. Recently, one doctor changed to liothyronine. I got huge headaches that would not go away no matter what I took. In two days of taking the pills, I stopped taking it on my own and switched back to the one that I had been on for so long. The dosage now has to be increased, but at least I will not get the headaches."

• Rle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2022

Liothyronine for TSH Suppression "Thyroid cancer patient and TSH was high, T3 was low. Was hypothyroid, gaining weight, lethargic, and always tired. Mood had been terrible for the last 2 years post-thyroidectomy. Asked my oncologist to add Cytomel as a last option to boost my mood, energy, and metabolism. Added 10 mcg of Cytomel to my 150 Synthroid, and within a couple weeks, I feel a lot better emotionally and mentally. Weight loss has been about 5 lbs so far with no negative side effects. It seems to be helping stabilize my mood, and energy levels are up!"

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

"I took half (2.5 mcg) of the smallest dose (5 mcg) for four days. Had a bad headache 3rd and 4th day and also heat sensitivity. I checked with the doctor, who said it sounded like side effects and to stop taking it."

• God...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2018

For Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "My doctor had me on levothyroxine (once a day) and liothyronine (1/2 tablet 2 x a day). I switched health care providers (nurse practitioner), and she reduced the levothyroxine, cutting the liothyronine completely. I've gained weight and am extremely tired. I thought it was the heart med and blood thinner they put me on. After reading this about all of you, it may be because she drastically reduced the meds. I am seeing a new doctor now, and hopefully, she will add back the liothyronine after checking my blood. I have been drinking caffeine to be able to function, which I am not supposed to do because of my heart."