How often should the dose of liquid T4 be incre... - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

141,254 members166,518 posts

How often should the dose of liquid T4 be increased?

Kitten-whiskers profile image
14 Replies

Hello everyone,

Sorry to ask another question but I was just wondering about increasing the Liquid T4.

As a follow on from my previous post - I have stopped the HC completely (I had been on 5mg for a while) then decided to increase it to 10mg (to help the adrenals cope with the medication) however that was a silly thing to do and I ended up feeling really dreadful, so have stopped taking it (still having Vit C, B & Ashwagandha tincture for the adrenals)

For the past seven days I have been taking a daily amount of 0.5ml = 2.5mcg of Liquid T4 and so far their doesn't appear to be any issues (this is a big improvement - 7 days without being toxic) but now I am starting to feel not so good and was wondering how long I should stay on this dose?

Thank you x

Written by
Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

KW, that's great you've tolerated the liquid T4. Feeling good initially and then feeling as you're declining is usually a sign that you need more meds, so I would increase gently now.

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

Hello Clutter,

Yes I am over the moon (feeling really grotty though) so started back on the HC.

Do you think I can start to increase from 0.5ml to 1ml from tomorrow or do I need to wait longer to let the body get used to it?

Thank you

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

KW, I really would recommend doing one thing at a time. If you have just started HC again perhaps you should wait a week and see how you react before increasing thyroxine.

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

Hello Clutter,

I would be keen to come of the HC completely, but I am not sure what symptom relates to the Thyroid and which relates to the Adrenals.

But you are right, i should change one or the other.

I am just so happy that I am on day 8 of having a tiny bit of medication every day and being able to tolerate it - that has never happened

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

KW, I wasn't suggesting you come off HC. Just suggesting you don't increase T4 at the same time you restarted HC so if you have a reaction you'll have a better idea whether the HC or increased T4 was the culprit. Just give it a few days before increasing.

What dose thyroxine are you prescribed?

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

I will stay on 5mg of HC and if all goes well, when I am on a normal dose of T4 then I will start cutting it back.

It was recommended that I started on 5ml = 25mcg this seems to be the standard dose and if that caused problems she was going to mask the unpleasant effects with beta blockers.

I would rather do it slowly, as I am the one that really suffers if it goes toxic

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

KW, you're right to take it slowly after all the problems you've had. Are you feeling any improvement in symptoms?

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

Hello Clutter,

Their has been a big difference, what I have noticed most is that I am stronger and can lift things I couldn't before.

After taking the T4 this morn I did feel and still do like a pressure round the heart - Not sure if that's the medication or just a symptom, or the adrenals.

I would just be happy to have the daily dose of 0.5ml - 2.5mcg to get used to for say a month so I know it isn't going to go wrong, then maybe think of a increase

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

KW, if you haven't had any problems with reintroducing HC after 5 days raise your thyroxine slightly every 5/7 days until you are on the prescribed dose.

If you only feel pressure around the heart after a dose and it wears off later it will probably be a reaction to the medication and you don't need to worry about it.

Any improvement in your mood? Your posts are brighter and you don't sound so anxious and low.

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

Hello Clutter,

I am so much happier - I think it is more to do with the fact that I am starting to be able to tolerate a medication now and now I feel although it may take time - I have a chance at getting completely better andplus I do feel better than I did, even on that small dose.

The feeling around the heart hasn't gone but it doesn't feel like I am going toxic, do you think that could be the HC ?

I didn't realise I could increase my dose every 5/7 days - that's great, I guess I am just being over cautious.

At last things are looking up

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

KW, I don't know anything about HC or its effects. If you raise your dose and you feel over medicated go back to the previous dose for a few days before trying again.

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

Hello Clutter,

I think it maybe the HC causing the problem - I will check my pulse tonight and if that is still reasonable then I will stop the HC, It has caused me lots of horrible symptoms in the past - it would be great if that just means I do not need it anymore :>

Clutter profile image
Clutter in reply toKitten-whiskers

Or try taking a smaller dose of HC?

Kitten-whiskers profile image
Kitten-whiskers in reply toClutter

That is a though, I am back down to 5mg, after the devastation of taking 10mg. I will cut it down to 2.5mg - hopefully it's that and not the meds

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Thyroid S - how should I dose?

so my Thyroid S arrived today and I will start taking it today. How should I dose? I am currently...
hankpym profile image

Should I split my T4 dose?

I'm male with hypothyroidism and take a mixture of T4 and T3. Mostly I have taken this as a single...
ak_83 profile image

Want to try very low dose of T3 - should I split the dose

I stopped taking 10 mcg T3 with my T4 as I developed atrial fibrillation. But on 100 mcg T4 only I...
Coachv profile image

Should T4 &T3 be at the same percentage.?

Just wondering if both T4 & T3 should be at around the same percentage, I always use the calculator...
Simplyred57 profile image

Waiting for the arrival of my supply of T3 - advice on dose please.

I had a TT in Jan 2013 I have just got more and more poorly. Complete exhaustion, breathlessness,...
France1 profile image

Moderation team

See all
RedApple profile image
RedAppleAdministrator
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.