Is it safe to just stop T3: Hi, sorry for all the... - Thyroid UK

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Is it safe to just stop T3

lexilou profile image
14 Replies

Hi, sorry for all the questions, I was taking 40mcg of t3 have been building it up for the last month, not on any other thyroid medication, I have stopped taking it 3 days ago due to side effects, I am waiting delivery of armour to try that, feeling terrible. Is it safe to just stop or should I have cut down slowly.

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lexilou
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shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

I would have cut back slowly until your Armour arrives. I don't think it's a good idea to go cold-turkey.

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply to shaws

Cold turkey is unpleasant but not dangerous. Cancer patients are given T3 for 2 weeks after stopping T4 and stop T3 14+ days prior to RAI.

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to Clutter

Thanks Clutter cold turkey is very unpleasant hit me like a steam train.

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to shaws

Yeah Ive found that out the hard way took 20mcg not sure what I'm doing anymore.

Thanks

You may be going too quickly, what dose did you start with?

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to

Cinnamon_girl, I started at 10mcg a month ago but could only do this for a couple of days then had to increase to 20 mcg as the lower dose made me really depressed, I have been increasing at roughly 5mcg a week.

in reply to lexilou

lexilou - the strength of T3 should not be underestimated. If you've been poorly for a while then any medication will have an effect.

For example, when I started on T3 the dose was only increased every 3 weeks or occasionally longer, I do self-medicate by the way.

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to

I have been self medicating as my Dr will not go any higher than 30mcg, I just feel whatever I do I feel worse. I have taken 20mcg today I just don't know what to do I just feel like its spiralling out of control and I will never get better.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator

Some information, if you haven't already read this:-

stopthethyroidmadness.com/m...

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to shaws

Thanks Shaws, I have read this before, So many different reasons why, seems it will take forever to get well.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to lexilou

You can, with a bit of luck, get well. I am on T3 only now but I did try several NDTs as well as levo/T3 before I got one that suited. What side effects were you having on T3?

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to shaws

Really bad Pain in leg joints that were worse when resting, not able to think straight , Hissing in ears and flu like symptoms. It feels like I get more hypo taking medication.

shaws profile image
shawsAdministrator in reply to lexilou

Reducing you T3 by 20mcg is quite a large amount to drop in one move but I know you're desperate.

Levo gave me muscle/joint pain I couldn't put one foot in front of the other.

Or you could try taking an antistamine tablet 1 hour before your thyroid meds, If you are sensitive to the fillers/binders you will have no reaction after you take your meds but you will have to change to an alternative.

Read question dated September 6, 2001

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

This is an extract re the USA T3:-

NO COMMON SIDE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED with the proper use of this medicine." (Medi-Span, Inc.: Database Version 97.2. Data © 1997.)

This statement makes a fact perfectly clear: When used sensibly, T3 is extraordinarily safe among prescribed drugs. When I say extraordinarily safe, I’m comparing T3 with drugs such as the amitriptyline which your rheumatologist prescribes for you.

web.archive.org/web/2010103...

OR

You could have a viral infection so I would ask your GP to refer you to a rheumatologist to check your painful legs. etc. You also have 'flu like symptoms etc.

lexilou profile image
lexilou in reply to shaws

Thanks shaws, I will try the antihistamine.

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