Liothyronine and Headaches: What Users Say

• Big...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 1, 2012

Liothyronine for Hypothyroidism, After Thyroid Removal "I had my thyroid removed 3 years ago. I have been on various T4 supplements since: Synthroid, levothyroxine, Tirosint, and continued to complain of fatigue, fogginess, weight gain, achiness, shortness of breath at exercise. FINALLY switched doctors as my Indian doctor would not try Armour. The new nurse practitioner looked at my labs: high T4, nonexistent T3. She switched me back to Synthroid and decreased the dosage, then added, for the FIRST time, Cytomel (T3). Within 3 days I have noticed a HUGE difference. So happy and still nailing the time test. BUT, fog is lifting, energy level increasing, sleeping well, HAPPY. I am hoping this continues. Noticed a slight headache at first but not bad. Will continue to cautiously be excited that we are ON to something."

• Lyn...
• March 17, 2018

For Underactive Thyroid "Was on Armour Thyroid for 15 years, however, was feeling super tired (always wanting to sleep), no energy, had severe brain fog, my headaches were horrible, and my thyroid numbers were always okay. After asking my doctor to please change my medication (as I was progressively getting worse), she prescribed a combination of liothyronine and levothyroxine, and a miracle happened!! Headaches disappeared, could sleep through the night without waking up in severe pain (headache pain), only needed 8 hours of sleep, my dizziness and brain fog lifted, and my energy returned, all symptoms alleviated after about 3 weeks. Have had a few symptoms with this medication, but they have subsided. Feel wonderful after all these years, have my life back!!"

• CMa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

Liothyronine for Underactive Thyroid "I have had hypothyroidism for years preceding menopause, and it was worse during menopause. Doctors always prescribed one of the big three, like Levothyroxine, with combination T3 and T4. I had bad reactions to all. It was only after I did the research that I found this T3-only option. Luckily, my current doctor let me try it (Nov. 2020). Two hours after taking one 5 mcg pill, I felt better. My mood lifted and my mind was clearer. I had the energy to complete a workday. It has been a godsend. We have slowly increased my dose... two pills, three pills, and four pills (20 mcg) a day. Any more is too high for me. While initially I had the occasional headache when I first woke up in the morning, that is gone now. No other side effects. No weight loss, but holding steady. I work out a lot (now I have energy) and try to stay under 1,000 calories/day to maintain. No hair regain, but no big hair loss either. Female - 54 yrs."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."