but because I can't sleep if I'm hungry I always have something to eat before bed. Has any one else had this problem or has anyone eaten and still taken the tablets with good effect? Also how long does the gap need to be between food and Levo?
Thanks for any replies
I'm looking forward to seeing the answer to this too! I've never understood how anyone can take it at night and not eat for hours before or hours after. I can't sleep if I go to bed hungry, or I wake up in the middle of the night if my blood sugar drops too far.
The other issue I have with the "taking at night" idea is having to take levo with lots of water. I'd be up all night going to the loo!
Why lots of water - I take mine with a few sips.
Moggie x
I read somewhere that levothyroxine and other thyroid meds are not absorbed or metabolised in the stomach, but further down in the intestines. Also, stomach acid can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. A substantial amount of water is required to wash the pills into the correct place to aid absorption.
I just checked the patient information leaflet and it says to swallow the pills with a glass of water.
I also found this - the patient instructions for Synthroid which, as far as I know, is the same as levothyroxine :
rxlist.com/synthroid-drug/p...
"It is very important to take levothyroxine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The levothyroxine tablet can dissolve very quickly and swell in the throat, possibly causing choking or gagging."
I just did a google for "how much water to take with levothyroxine" and there seems to be lots of agreement (and grumbling!) on the water issue.
I have never had an issue with not taking it with loads of water but if you feel this is an issue for you then take it with a full glass. I know if it was a toss up between taking it at night with only a small glass or water and taking it anywhere near food in the daytime I would stick to a small amount of water and night time dosing.
But we are all different and you must do what's best for you.
Moggie x
p.s. some people on here take it with no water at all and let it dissolve under the tongue due to choking issues so, once again, do what suits you.
I just thought I was doing the right thing. 
And it was one of the things (the other was the food issue) that made me wonder how anyone could ever take levo at night.
I read that you should drink a whole glass of water with it and not a few sips so that they go right into the lower stomach and to stop them melting in the throat..
A gap of two hours either side of taking levo is ideal. I stick firmly to this rule and wouldn't dream of eating just before bed (although I used to). There are so many things that interfere with levo and a full stomach is one of the, - it hinders the body being able to absorb your medication. We often see people come on here who are not doing to well and when it is pointed out too them that they are eating/drinking to soon before or after taking levo they then come back on a few months later and say what a difference it has made.
Moggie x
I've NEVER drunk a whole 8oz glass of water with my Levo, I couldn't. I was never given ANY information so I just do what I've been doing for the past 33 years.
I take it at night with whatever I have to hand, but it's never coffee, sometimes water but mostly it's watered down freshly squeezed orange or water with a twist of lemon in. I am sure I'm doing it all wrong but if I always do it the same, then whatever happens one day will happen every other day too...eventually it evens itself out.
I take mine at night with a swig of water. Used to take it in the morning, but I need my cuppa first thing !
ive been on it a week and been taking it when I wake up, and then trying not to have my cuppa for an hour, but its hard and then ive now read youre supposed to not have calcium 4 hours either side, so now going to try it at night with water. I do eat quite late about 8pm, but wont take it til about 11pm, so that should be ok..... just better not have too much cheese I guess, ! x
Thank you for all your replies. I will think about it but probably rather wake between 5 or6 am to take meds then go back to sleep, rather than go without my supper. Couldn't sleep if I haven't eaten for 2 hours. Sadly
I take my 125mg levothyroxine with a few swigs of water first thing and then leave it a considerable amount of time before I eat my breakfast and I always make sure it's an hour past before I have my first coffee. I've read having it at night. How is this different to taking it first thing in the morning?
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