How often should the dose of liquid T4 be increased?

[Kitten-whiskers]

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

[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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-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 in reply to Clutter]

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 in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Or try taking a smaller dose of HC?

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Clutter]

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