Intolerance to levo?

[win_4ever]

I have had a blood test and as far as I know they came back normal. I won't know the actual readings as my doctor is away and I don't see him until next Tuesday. But I have been thinking that I have had more and worse symptoms since I was started on levothyroxine. Can I be intolerant to levo?. Does anyone have experienced this?

[LuckyKat]

Hi, yes I've had that experience. For the first few weeks levo did nothing for me and then my symptoms got worse. My GP kept insisting that I just needed to be patient so I lasted for 8 months. By that time I'd educated myself and decided to try NDT on my own. I felt better in 3 days.

Regards, Katy

[Clutter]

Win_4ever. You can be intolerant to Levothyroxine (T4) but you'll struggle to get a doctor to agree that T4 causes problems.

I felt poisoned as soon as I was switched from T3 to T4. 15 months later I was 90% bedridden. Once I cleared the build up of T4 from my system I was able to tolerate T4 with T3 as T3 calms the adverse effects T4 only causes me and my FT3 is now good whereas on T4 only it was below range.

[win_4ever in reply to Clutter]

Yes Clutter I know the doctor will not believe it is the levo but I will still ask the question. Also upon reading about teas being contaminated with fluoride and aluminium I have stopped drinking it, so that is another problem how long does it take fluoride to go from your system because I have felt a little better since omitting tea BUT is is it just psychological.Its all about waiting now. But thanks for your import.

[Clutter in reply to win_4ever]

Win_4ever, Have you tried alternative makes of Levothyroxine to the one you are taking? The three generics are Mercury Pharma in 25, 50 and 100mcg, Actavis (also known as Almus) in 50mcg and Wockhardt 25mcg.

I don't know anything about fluoride and aluminium detoxing or how long it takes to clear the system.

[win_4ever in reply to Clutter]

clutter..No I didnt know about them. Can you get them from NHS? You think it is worth asking doctor to try me out on them?

[Clutter in reply to win_4ever]

Win-4Ever, You will be taking Mercury Pharma, Actavis (Almus) or Wockhardt. Ask your pharmacist to supply the alternative to your current make next time you fulfil your prescription. If they don't have it in stock ask for it to be ordered or take the prescription elsewhere.

[win_4ever in reply to Clutter]

Clutter, I am in uk and I dont get to have the prescription it is on repeat and dispensed at GPs surgery. Even if he changes dosage the doctor sends it via computer to dispensary. So if there is an alternative to Levo do you think he will tell me?

[Clutter in reply to win_4ever]

Win_4ever, the prescription will just state Levothyroxine. Your pharmacist will dispense one of the 3 makes. You are entitled to request an alternative to the one you currently take. Discuss it with your pharmacist. If necessary ask for the prescription back and take it elsewhere. My prescriptons are sent electronically to a pharmacy I specified. I can change the pharmacy or elect to collect the paper prescription from the surgery when I order my next repeat prescription.

[puffyface]

It sounds from some of the messages on this forum that you are not alone in feeling worse on levothyroxine. I certainly do. I am reading other peoples experiences before going back to the doctor to ask for him to try something else. How long have you been on Levo and what dose?

[win_4ever in reply to puffyface]

puffy face, I have been on levo for a couple of years but put up with bad symptoms until I found this site and started to get a little knowledge.I am currently on 75mcg

[puffyface]

It's an amazing site isn't it. I've only been on Levo for a couple of months and am horrified by how EXHAUSTED I feel and how much weight I am piling on. From what I understand there are a few reasons why the symptoms get worse. Not on a big enough dose. Not able to convert the T4 to T3 (so perhaps need to take T3) or perhaps the brand doesn't suit. I'm sure there are lots of other reasons, but I really don't want to feel like this every day. So - big change in lifestyle! Also, have been referred to a specialist in London next week and fingers crossed he will be able to help. I will post any information.