Sertraline

[Bears010]

I take sertraline and it has recently been increased to 200 I take it when I take my levo. Is this what is causing my chronic fatigue?

[Daisybean]

Is that 200mgs? That's a fair bit. I've been on 50mgs for years then was diagnosed hypo a couple of months ago. 6 weeks on Levo was enough for me....It's tricky if you are with the NHS as all they offer you is Levothyroxine, so now I am self treating myself -- initially with NDT and now T3 only. Just started so we'll see how that goes! I'll stick my neck out here and say that Levo doesn't work well for an awful lot of people and actually for many once they've been on a relatively high dose, it makes them worse. Even though your blood tests might come back tickity boo. How are your B12, serum folate, iron levels? If you could get them tested that would be great. It's really really important to get these optimal - not just 'within range' but optimal. Any chance you could get those tested, and ask for a print out of your lab results? Even just the iron ferritin would give you an idea....chances are you won't be 'allowed' the full iron panel. Tell your doc you are utterly exhausted and DEMAND your B12 and iron to be tested. Hope that helps.

[Bears010 in reply to Daisybean]

See below (put it in wrong place)

[PinkNinja]

It's best not to take them at the same time as other medications can inhibit the absorption of thyroxine.

Do you have your latest thyroid blood tests? It might be that you are not yet on an adequate dose of thyroxine. Are you taking the Sertraline for depression? If so, you might well find that your depression eases once your thyroid is adequately treated.

I hope you find the answers so you can feel better soon.

Carolyn x

[Bears010 in reply to PinkNinja]

See below (put it in wrong place :-/)

[Bears010]

Have been 125mcg levo for over 20 years. Have been on sertraline for about 5 years. Have had a bad couple of years with stress culminating with suicide attempt last august. Have been on high dose since then but not coping well and fatigue been increasing. Sertraline increased two weeks ago but stress has increased markedly in that time too. Collapsed at work yesterday had emergency appointment today but had to get help to get there. They did ecg but said there was nothing they could do till next week and take it easy over the weekend and I will feel better.

[PinkNinja in reply to Bears010]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. For me, my depression was almost certainly caused by my thyroid. Since getting this sorted out I no longer require antidepressants (having been on them for around 15 years!)

Can you get another thyroid test? If so, please post the results on a question on this forum and we can see if we can help. It might be that you are not on a high enough dose of thyroxine. You may also need to look at other things like iron, ferritin, B12 , folate and vitamin D. If you can get any of these tested too, it would be really helpful to see the results.

Antidepressants can contribute to fatigue and I'm fairly sure they can have an impact on absorption of thyroxine. You must make sure you are not taking your sertraline and thyroxine at the same time.

I hope you find out what is causing this.

Carolyn x

[Bears010 in reply to PinkNinja]

Thank you Carolyn

They will do tests this week after I have 'rested' over the weekend!

My temp this morning was 35.4

[PinkNinja in reply to Bears010]

That is a very low temp. No wonder you feel exhausted! It sounds like you are not on an adequate dose of thyroxine

[NFPPW in reply to PinkNinja]

I take mine separately and am still easily tired.

[NFPPW]

I believe so. I am on 200 sertraline and 50 levothyroxine. Easily tired everyday for 3 years. Going to look for an alternative. I have a thyroid book which you get from chemists and it suggests that if you take sertraline you may need to increase your levothyroxine.