How long does it take to feel the effects of t3... - Thyroid UK

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How long does it take to feel the effects of t3 ? Only been taking it 3 days after stoped taking levothyroxine last week ?

Tiggysmummy profile image
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Tiggysmummy
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19 Replies
ecie profile image
ecie

Depends how much you're taking.

I took 25mcg for the first time two hours ago and not feeling anything yet.

Tiggysmummy profile image
Tiggysmummy

I have been started on 10mcg for the first two weeks then a full tablet of 20mcg there after, didn't know you can get 25mcg x

ecie profile image
ecie in reply to Tiggysmummy

I purchased mine from abroad where I assume dosages are different (and when I didn't have an rx for T3). I now have a rx here for 20mcg.

Redditch profile image
Redditch

I was started on 10 in the morning and 10 at night two weeks ago and I felt the difference about 40 minutes after I took the first tablet! I quickly moved my "night" tablet to 2:30 PM and can now do a full day at work!

If you can't feel it.. then I would seriously suggest that it's not the right drug for you..

Tiggysmummy profile image
Tiggysmummy

I do feel different, but not sure if it's just me wanting it to be different , I have been ill for such a long time quite literally debilited through taking levo, so I'm unsure if it's a week off levo or the new meds, I'm starting on a lower dose than you only 10 mcg a day in the morning x

jackie1075 profile image
jackie1075 in reply to Tiggysmummy

My endo told me that t3 only stays in the system for 8 to 12 hours, might be better to split your dose into two, take one in the morning on waking; and the next in the afternoon about 2-3pm. Also get your dr to check your FT3 and TSH now to see if you can up the dose, give it a couple of weeks to make sure the T4 is out of your system. Good luck Jackie

jackie1075 profile image
jackie1075 in reply to Tiggysmummy

Sorry just wanted to say my endo also says that t3 is 5 times stronger than t4 so your 10mh of t3 is like taking 50mg of t4, speak to your dr about thsi as it seems a really low dose. I take 20mg t3 and 50mg t4

trblmaker13 profile image
trblmaker13 in reply to Tiggysmummy

I JUST started on T3 and I'm only taking 5mcg in the morning and 5mcg at 2-3pm. After reading some of these replies I'm starting to think my dose is too low, as I feel nothing. Did you get your dose up'd

Tiggysmummy profile image
Tiggysmummy

I was going to buy from abroad, but I through my dummy out the pram and steamed my feet last week , said I was not taking levo any more as I had no quality of life, got a phone call from my gp 5 days later asking me to come in ...... My blood pressure was not high and no headaches for two days, she decided to swap me to t3 . I finally stood up for my self x

ecie profile image
ecie in reply to Tiggysmummy

That's fantastic :) (both that you stood up for yourself and that your GP swapped you to T3). From what I've read, as a thyroid patient you often (more often than not?) have to be your own advocate, even if it doesn't work (because sadly in many cases you could give your GP and endo essays arguing your case for T3 and they won't budge an inch; my GP only changed his mind today after years).

juliaheppers profile image
juliaheppers in reply to Tiggysmummy

Well done you I'm just starting on 20 mcg and I can feel it only slightly but as another site member said its like a light bulb then when I take my levo it gets dark again in my brain

On Levo i feel so ill and will be stamping my feet next visit

I'm also considering not taking levo to see if my many symptoms improve

I've been on t3 for 10 days and it can't be a coincidence that my pretibial myxedema has improved

I also have graves eye disease and when I take my levo my eyes get worse

You have inspired me to keep on fighting

Kindest regards

Julia xxxxx

Jagmac profile image
Jagmac in reply to Tiggysmummy

Which country are you in>

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

I have seen the effects it has on someone within about, umm, five minutes. And that has been a tiny amount.

This emphasises, yet again, the extraordinary variation between people.

Rod

marbez10 profile image
marbez10

You need to give it a chance. I've been on T3 (20mcg) with T4 (reduced from 150mcg to 75mcg on taking T3) for about 2 months but felt no significant difference until about 5 weeks later. Keep going.... and good luck! :-)

boo16 profile image
boo16

I took a 1/4 tablet of T3, 25 mcg tablet, and within 2 hours the world 'came alive'............Where have I been for the past couple of years??x

Zabby profile image
Zabby

It might just be that you need a higher dose. If you and your doctor aren't planning to increase it soon then you should probably still be taking levothyroxine as well.

Tiggysmummy profile image
Tiggysmummy

My go has started me in a low dose for only 14 days then up to 20 MCG there after.... I have not had a T3 blood test as they only do them at the local hospital and I have waited 5 months too see an endo, so my go swapped me as she has seen a complete decline in me... I was on 125 mmg Levi and have never got well on it in 6 months only worse x

dylansmum profile image
dylansmum in reply to Tiggysmummy

Hi Tiggysmummy, You are on 20mg T3, are you taking any levothyroxine with this, or just T3 only? I have been naughty and purchased T3 abroad, I am the same as you, on 125mg levothyroxine, so not sure if I should stop the levo as apparently T3 is 4x more potent. Sorry if I sound muddled but! to conclude are you just taking 20mg T3 a day only?xx

Tiggysmummy profile image
Tiggysmummy

I have only just started to take t3 I was told to take 10mg a day for 14 days then a full tablet20mg there after, I was on levo 125 mmg but have spent months ill and unable to do any thing, and I'm sure it's the levo making me so poorly . I quite littrelly told my gp I would not be taking it any more, I have waited 5 months too see an endocrynoligist and today got an appointment in September !! But my gp agrees that the levo alone isn't doing me any favours. I think I need a mix of both t4 and t3. But will wait till I see the doctor again. It's only been 6 days and I have no headaches and my blood pressure has completely returned to normal and I am much more aware of what is going on around me and can think a lot clearer . I'm not 100% yet but don't think I ever will be. X

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