What would happen if you took your weeks dose i... - Thyroid UK

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What would happen if you took your weeks dose if thyroxine in one go?

Tatty10 profile image
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Tatty10
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16 Replies
Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

I think I've read somewhere that some endocrinologists are researching this and expect that it's ok (probably not a good idea then, especially if prone to reverse T3)

Slj1970 profile image
Slj1970

This maybe some help, don't think I'd want to give it a go though.

thyroid.about.com/b/2009/03...

Tatty10 profile image
Tatty10

thanks for the replies, has anyone tried this? it would be much easier to remember, and not having to wake up at 5 every morning sounds good.

Moggie profile image
Moggie

I know what would happen to me if I took a weeks worth of levo all in one go - I'd end up in A&E with severe heart palps and possible worse.

Moggie x

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis in reply to Moggie

Yes, I'm sure it wouldn't suit many of us

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Why do you waken at 5 a.m. Why don't you just take your medication when you wake up naturally and your finished for the day.

Tatty10 profile image
Tatty10 in reply to shaws

hi i need to get up at 6 to have breakfast and go to work so then when i am at work for 9 can then take my calcium and rest of meds, i need to have a routine because i am so forgetfull

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to Tatty10

You could take them at bedtime - just leave your meds at the bedside so you don't forget as long as you haven't eaten 2 hours before.

Moggie profile image
Moggie in reply to Tatty10

So are you leaving just an hour after taking levo to eat or longer.

Moggie x

Tatty10 profile image
Tatty10 in reply to Moggie

Hi i try to leave it for about an hour and half before i eat or drink anything, and 4 hours for my calcium and other vitamins and meds

Moggie profile image
Moggie in reply to Tatty10

You might want to do as Shaws suggested and try night time dosing as this stops all the clock watching.

Moggie x

Tatty10 profile image
Tatty10 in reply to Moggie

Think i will give it a try, how long after food or drink should i wait?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Tatty10

Have a good read here:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Rod

Moggie profile image
Moggie in reply to Tatty10

A woman's stomach takes two hours to empty after eating and that's why I always stick to the two hours rule as levo needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Taking meds at night just cuts out all the clock watching. The only thing you have to do is make sure you have nothing to eat or drink (except water) two hours before bed - which is good for you anyway. You might get a headache for a week after changing but then you might also feel lots better as levo is know to absorb better in the body overnight.

Also don't forget that milk contains a lot of calcium and also needs to be kept four hours away from levo. It was my endo that mentioned the milk.

Moggie x

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

This has often been mentioned as something done by district nurses handling the old folk. They only visit once or twice a week and pour the whole 3/4/7 day dose down the poor dears' throats.

I suspect (but have absolutely no evidence) that this is only even possible without causing mega-issues because the poor folk are actually under-dosed. After 3/4/7 days without, they are definitely well below but even the big dose doesn't actually make them over-dosed. The majority of the dose possibly gets bound to the three blood proteins quiet quickly - after which they rely on that getting steadily unbound to keep their Free T4 at an acceptable level.

I am deeply concerned that this might be a wholly inappropriate thing to do but I know no more than any other lay-person!

Rod

Moggie profile image
Moggie in reply to helvella

That's awful Rod - god forbid any of us reach that stage that we have to rely on others to give us our meds. Makes you frightened of getting old.

Moggie x

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