I have been on t3 for 10 days and not yet noticed any difference. One cause may be that I am now consistently waking in the night. I fall asleep easily about 11 pm but finding that I am awake again about 3 o'clock for 2-3 hours. This is causing me to be so tired that I am sure it is negating any good the medication is doing.
Anyone else had a similar problem or got any ideas how I can try to stay asleep?
Many thanks for any help.
It would be a good idea to add some detail about how much you are taking, when, and any other medicines (are you still taking levothyroxine as well?). Those who have experience would then be better placed to make some suggestions.
Rod
This is a link re T3. This is an excerpt:-
This information is accurate—when plain, full-strength, one-time-per-day doses of T3 are used properly, there are no adverse effects. The only adverse effects occur when a patient takes a dosage that for her is excessive. With Cytomel, if overstimulation occurs, it can be stopped with one or two small doses of propranolol. Or the patient can simply reduce her dosage of Cytomel the next time she takes it. I want to emphasize, however, that when our protocol is used properly, there is no overstimulation to be avoided by using timed-release T3. The protocol has safeguards against adverse effects.
And finally, why do I specify that the typical patient use one full dose of non-timed-release Cytomel for life? Because extensive testing has shown that this is safe, effective, and most economical—when used within the context of our entire protocol.
web.archive.org/web/2010103...
I would take any other supplements/medications 4 hours apart from T3.
Thanks shaws but just to be clear are you saying that I shouldn't split the dose but take it all in the morning?
That's what was part of Dr Lowe's protocol for his patients and I have always taken mine in one dose, whether T4, T4/T3, NDT or T3. I cannot be bothered to remember or carrying pills around (alarms) and I want to feel normal and free but more importantly I am well. I haven't been overstimulated (i.e. taken too much) but as Dr L says, just miss or reduce next day's dose.
What/where is Lowe's protocol?
Are you saying that taking t3 at bedtime is no different for the body than taking it at waking?
I take Seriphos at bedtime to help me stay asleep but it isn't helping. Last night I took 10mcg t3 and slept until 5:30 instead of waking at 2:00. Would you/ Dr Lowe say there was no cause and effect?
Usually I take 65 mg ndt on waking and 5 mcg Cynomel 2x during the day
Dr Lowe took his own 150mcg of T3 in the middle of the night. I take mine when I get up. I am well. Some prefer bedtime dosing. Dr Lowe prescribed only NDT or T3 - he would never prescribe levo on a principle.
This is from the following link:
Dr. Lowe: As a rule, our patients take thyroid hormone only once per day. An advantage of this one-per-day schedule is that its easier to find a window for good intestinal absorptionwhen the stomach or small intestine doesnt contain food.
web.archive.org/web/2010103...
I have been taking the ndt and t3 by dissolving it in my mouth (between gums and cheek) instead of swallowing. The point being that direct absorption prevents it from going through the digestive process with its attendant problems. Does Lowe have anything to say about this method?
All recommendations says swallow with a glass of water
As far as I know the molecules of thyroid hormones cannot be absorbed within the mouth as the molecules are too large so you end up swallowing most and not getting the benefit of a full dose which is absorbed by the stomach rather than it being digested within your stomach. Tablets are not sublingual.
When I took T3 only I took a tiny dose (quarter of a tablet) just before I went to sleep and it helped me to stay asleep longer.
I think you might be waking up because your body runs out of T3 during the night.
This night-time dose works for some but not others. The only thing you can do is experiment and see if it works for you.
Churchie, I take T4 + 10mcg T3 in the morning and the second dose T3 20mcg at bedtime. Try shifting your second dose 2/4 hours later to see whether that improves sleep or try it at bedtime.
I find that when I wake in the night it is normally a result of being undermedicated, I rarely take a dose later than 6pm. I originally split mine into 4 doses. now on 2-3 depending on my needs. for me on t3 only this works for me and gives me consistency without peaks and troughs.
Carrots
Sleep...
Not sleeping...
Carbimazole and sleeping tablets 
Sleeping 
Sleeping
