Self medicating

[Linzilei]

I am on 50mg and don't get to see the doc till Thursday but I am so sluggish and want to sleep all the time do you think it will be safe for me to up my medication without the doctors concent as my last results where 6.1 they jumped from 5.2 within the past 6 weeks I would just like to have a day off work and not sleep it away Tia x

[Clutter]

Linzilei, it's safe to increase to 75mcg. It will take 7-10 days to absorb before you're likely to notice any improvement. You'll probably need an increase to 100mcg in another 6-8 weeks.

[Linzilei in reply to Clutter]

Thankyou . I have been taking 50mg now for 16 days and just feel so bad these last few days so that what makes me think they need upping. Also I have been feeling more and more shakey I have suffered with anxiety and depression for 6 years but this feels strange different if you know what I mean I am just so fed up with wanting to sleep tia

[Hidden]

Hello Linzilei,

I would think you are under medicated as 50mcg Levothyroxine is a small dose. You haven't been medicating long so your doctor will probably increase your dose anyway.

Because you have felt ill for some time it would be wise to get VitD, Vit B12, folate and ferritin levels checked as deficiencies in these are common in people suffering thyroid issues. Ask your doctor to do tests and post results complete with ranges (numbers in brackets) for members to comment.

When optimally medicated you should find a lot of your symptoms will go but some can lag 6-8 weeks behind good biochemistry.

I hope you feel better soon,

Flower

[Linzilei in reply to Hidden]

Hi I have taken 75mg today and am hoping I feel loads better I will keep posting and I want to thank you for taking the time to reply to me x

[Hidden in reply to Linzilei]

Remember symptoms lag behind good biochemistry ...

meaning your levels might be right but you might not feel the whole benefit for a week or so.

Flower

[shaws Administrator]

When you go for a blood test for your thyroid hormones always have the earliest and fast (you can take water) Also leave about 24 hours between your last dose of levo and the test. Take levo afterwards. Always get a print-out as well for your own records and you can post them if you have a query. Levo should be taken first thing with a glass of water and wait about an hour before eating.

Because we're dealing with hormones they have to be increased gradually, unfortunately.

[Linzilei in reply to shaws]

I see the doc on Thursday and will ask for a prong out of all the tests I've had and I will then see the difference . I had a vit D test and thats low so I will find out more about that . Thanks