Not many people mention the need for using anti deprssants whilst struggling with under active thyroid. Is there anyone out there that feels the need of such to help with the constant low mood along with lack of enthusiasum ??? My GP rightly says that if thyroid was to working properly then symptoms of depression should not be present but having struggled for the last 12 years with trying to get balance right becoming exhuasted with feeling fed up of 'constant low mood'
Anti-Depressants???: Not many people mention the... - Thyroid UK
Anti-Depressants???
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jayne777
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I presume you have had your ferritin, folate, vitamin D and vitamin B12 tested and all your levels are in the optimal part of their ranges? Optimal is nearer the top of the range not just in range.
If not then you should be aware low/suboptimal levels of those are associated with low mood as well.
I take paroxetine and have for 20yrs
Sorry, I hate to be one of those people asking what your test results are but is your hormone regimen optimal (not just enough levo but good t3)? I was very tearful and desperate on levo alone, even when it was a good dose which got all my numbers where they should be. I cringe to think of my appts w the endo, crying and saying how awful I felt and could they please do something.
I think your doctor is only half right in saying if your thyroid is working well your moods should be good. If you're properly medicated you should feel as well as if you didn't need meds at all if you see what I mean. And after all that time if you're still just struggling w levo maybe it's time to try something different.
Obvs antidepressants are worthwhile if you feel they're helping you cope. For many people they're a lifesaver. But if you're taking them instead of sorting out your thyroid stuff then possibly worth a rethink.
Can you pls explain what you said about struggling w your levels? Are you fluctuating? Or you feel overmedicated and not better on a higher dose of levo? I saw an earlier post about getting levels right where you expressed an interest in smaller denominations of levo and I wondered if you were sensitive to it and couldn't just do alternating doses like a lot of us do - ?
I was taking propranolol for years but still suffering with anxiety, when I removing gluten, introducing b12, vitamin D..my anxiety and low mood eased some what and was able to stop taking propranolol..everyday is still a struggle though. Looking into 5HTP, just need to find a brand that fits my requirements. It's natural and helps with a range of things including improving moods etc
I had the worst anxiety when my levo was reduced. Are you on enough meds? (Sorry, I sound like a broken record.)
Just a heads-up: 5HTP makes me feel appalling. You need to know whether low serotonin is actually the problem. And there's no NHS blood test for that. Although apparently there ARE lab tests for depression healthline.com/health-news/...
and apparently it's not low serotonin that makes you depressed anyway:
psychcentral.com/blog/archi...
Hi ANgelofthenorth
Have been on 5htp too ....off fluoxetine for 3 months ....really trying but on the shortest fuse I have ever known ....really low ....how have you been feeling ?😩
I make sure I take my t3 and I feel (mentally/emotionally) fine. I think there must a a rebound effect when you stop SSRIs. I opted for counselling instead, so I can't say for sure. It was bad enough getting off valium and librium years ago. My temper is also much better since being on T3 (and meditating).
b12deficiency.info/signs-an...
Your B12 needs to be around 1000 . Are you supplementing ? Scroll down to view the signs and symptoms of B12 Deficiency .....
Do you take antidepressant medication? I have read that it actually has a bad effect on the way the thyroid medication works.
There is little point in taking thyroxine and anti -depressants as they will cancel out thyroxine.
Not true, not totally
Very true.
Not in my experience
You are the only one then.
Have been on them for years and when I was diagnosed hypo they had no affect on my levels, once I got to my optimal dose of thyroxine I was fine for years until last autumn but I have Hashi's now
No Glynisrose she is not the only one.
You are reading the DOCTORS point of view.
Glynisrose I am not reading anyone's viewpoint.
I am sharing my experiential testimony. Can you please provide corroboration of your assertion as you have been asked to do many times on many threads.
Thank you.
Glynisrose,
Don't be argumentative with members who are expressing their own experiences which may not agree with your prejudiced assertions.
Glynisrose,
No she's not!
Please link evidence to support your assertions in future. If you don't I shall delete any posts where you assert that antidepressants negate thyroxine.
Could you provide a link to corroborate this, please? A proper study, or some such.
Many thanks
I agree with Jefiner. As long as you take the anti depressants 2-3 hours apart from thyroxine it will work. My experience.
Glynisrose,
The idea that:
ANY amount of ANY anti-depressant would EXACTLY "cancel out" ANY dose of levothyroxine seems to me to be absolute nonsense.
Your statement implies a detailed and full understanding of ALL antidepressants including the following:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Milnacipran (Ixel, Savella)
Tofenacin (Elamol, Tofacine)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
Etoperidone (Axiomin, Etonin)
Nefazodone (Nefadar, Serzone)
Trazodone (Desyrel)
Reboxetine (Edronax)
Viloxazine (Vivalan)
Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)
Amitriptylinoxide (Amioxid, Ambivalon, Equilibrin)
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane)
Dibenzepin (Noveril, Victoril)
Dimetacrine (Istonil)
Dosulepin (Prothiaden)
Doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan)
Imipramine (Tofranil)
Lofepramine (Lomont, Gamanil)
Melitracen (Dixeran, Melixeran, Trausabun)
Nitroxazepine (Sintamil)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)
Noxiptiline (Agedal, Elronon, Nogedal)
Pipofezine (Azafen/Azaphen)
Protriptyline (Vivactil)
Trimipramine (Surmontil)
Opipramol (Insidon)
Tianeptine (Stablon)
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Maprotiline (Ludiomil)
Mianserin (Bolvidon, Norval, Tolvon)
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Setiptiline (Tecipul)
Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam)
Metralindole (Inkazan)
Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix)
Pirlindole (Pirazidol)
Toloxatone (Humoryl)
Amisulpride (Solian)
Lurasidone (Latuda)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Agomelatine (Valdoxan)
Bifemelane (Alnert, Celeport)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Ketamine (Ketalar)
Tandospirone (Sediel)
Teniloxazine (Lucelan, Metatone)
Ademetionine [S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)] (Heptral, Transmetil, Samyl)
Hypericum perforatum [St. John's Wort (SJW)] (Jarsin, Kira, Movina)
Oxitriptan [5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)] (Cincofarm, Levothym, Triptum)
Tryptophan (Tryptan, Optimax, Aminomine)
If you have such knowledge and understanding, please share it will all of us, in full.
Glynisrose If you meant something else, please explain properly so that we do not misunderstand what you are actually saying. It is quite clear that a number of people are taking your statement in a way that could be detrimental.
D'you know what the saddest thing is about that list ? If you don't get on with one pharmaceutivcal alleviant for depression, there are many other drugs GPs might trial, to help you toward wellness.
T4 or T4 or T4 or you're in range.... 
After 18 years on T4,in addition to many symptoms of hypo getting worse(GPs always said blood tests showed I was optimally medicated LOL)I crashed into a 2 year depression with acute anxiety.GP put me on Cetalopran(Very popular with GPs when anxiety is a big feature)I had a terrible reaction.Stuck it for over 3 weeks.I now believe I was not serotonin deficient,so an SSRI was wrong for me.It was my thyroid/adrenals that were the problem.
Tried 5HTP.Made me more anxious.After much internet research I ordered SAMe from America through a UK Ebay shop.After 10 days I began to come out of the depression.It is a methyl doner & I now know I am hetero for MTHFR.
I weaned myself off the very low dose I was on after 18 months,when I began taking T3.This is the antidepressant my body was in desperate need of.I had ceased converting T4 to T3.I used Paul Robinson's T3 dosing method to encourage my adrenals to heal.I now take all my T3 in the early hours,when cortisol production is greatest. I cannot tolerate thyroxine or NDT.Anxiety is the worst symptom I get.
Am back on a tiny dose of SAMe,too,just 200mcgs every other day.200mcgs daily pulled me out of the depression.200mcgs every other day is keeping low mood thoughts much easier to rationalise.Many people with depression take up to 800mcgs daily.
Beta blockers & SSRIs are counterindicated in underactive thyroid disease(ref Dr Peatfield's book)
Hi could you tell me what SAMe is ?
SAMe is S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine.Lots on the internet on it.Web.MD is a good start(their american page)
It has been prescribed in Italy for a long time.It is advisable to take good doses of B12,B6 & folate in the methyl form alongside & buy tablets that are individually sealed.
Its being used by dog behaviourists now,too,like SSRIs
If you want more info on the Ebay shop I use,PM me.
Doctors are PAID to prescribe anti -depressants.
they are paid on every script they write not just AD's
On the UK they currently get extra funding points for ADs (and heart meds), but nothing for thyroid meds.
It's worth noting that T3 can be prescribed as an antidepressant-like medication to patients who are not hypothyroid. So as hypos it's really important to make sure we have enough T3 if depression or anxiety is an issue. Depression, low self esteem and suicidal thoughts are all symptoms of being hypothyroid.
Very interesting interview audio interview between DR JC Lowe & Dr Mercola on how T3 saved him from suicide.I take T3 only,as T4 elevates my anxiety levels which when bad,lead to automatic thoughts of suicide to escape the terror
You brought my attention to T3 being prescribed as antidepressants. I had never come across that info before and found it very useful. You said - 'depression, low self esteem and suicidal thoughts are all symptoms of being hypothyroid'. Can you remember where you found that info? I've had those symptoms over more than one period, was seeing consultant psychiatrists, but none twigged despite me telling them I was hypothyroid. In fact they were both totally useless
Many are useless I'm afraid the three items in that list all come from different places. Depression you will find on most symptoms lists. Low self-esteem I've only seen a handful of times, but it does appear on some of the better lists of symptoms, like perhaps Dr Peatfield's, and it may be on ThyroidUK website.
The suicidal thoughts might be all personal experience, as are the others to an extent. I was relieved when I heard 'low self esteem', because actually a lot of the depression/distress I've suffered has strongly had that flavour. And I have now met several other people who have the same.
kellybroganmd.com/what-you-...
marigold22 - wondered if you were aware of the lady above. Great Newsletters and a book.
Reply to SilverAvocado - my first attempt didn't sit underneath your reply to jayne777. You brought my attention to T3 being prescribed as antidepressants. I had never come across that info before and found it very useful. You said - 'depression, low self esteem and suicidal thoughts are all symptoms of being hypothyroid'. Can you remember where you found that info? I've had those symptoms over more than one period, was seeing consultant psychiatrists, but none twigged despite me telling them I was hypothyroid. In fact they were both totally useless
I'm rather new to the hypothyroid world, however, I have taken Effexor XR for depression and Tranxene for anxiety for 20 years. I don't know if the thyroid has anything to do with the depression and anxiety but I'm not willing to give up my sanity and stop the medication to find out. I did have my right thyroid gland removed in March and was put on Levo. I had such a bad reaction to that medication I stopped taking it and after researching natural remedies I am taking Nature throid. Getting along just fine - have energy enough to come to work on a daily basis, clean the house, wash the clothes, shop for groceries - you know, normal stuff. I have never stopped taking my depression/anxiety meds. I don't ever want to go back down the rabbit hole.
kellybroganmd.com/what-you-...
Maybe this would be an interesting read. Newsletters and a book available 
Generally low mood and lack of interest is Low T3 and possibly sex hormone and/or amino acid imbalance (serotonin, GABA, dopamine). Dopamine is the one that's usually involved with enthusiasm for life. Most modern ADs contain fluoride which is not what you want with hypo - there is some evidence that they might raise FT3 slightly, but surely better to medicate low thyroid correctly instead of adding unnecessary drugs. Where's the blood test that "proves" you are depressed?
Antidepressants completely and totally annihilated what used to be my life. I am still learning how to exist in this alternate life that I never could have possibly imagined if it hadn't happened to me. Elizabeth Kenny explains it pretty well in this video. youtu.be/TRIv1Vlc3Wk
I don't currently take it I'm afraid. If you create a new thread to ask for sources members will PM you, it's not allowed to give specific sources in the main forum.
Hello jayne777,,I have an underactive thyroid and I take anti depressants, I have been going through everything you have been going through,,, and yes it is tiring to have to keep everything in the upper edges of "happy"... I was on one anti depressant for many many years and felt that it had become to used to me and was not giving me the 'lift' that I needed,,,so I changed to another one,,and then fun began, it was knocking me out each day and I was getting worried about driving, even missing a podiatry appointment into the bargain,,,,so I have now changed again to another one,,,with more of a stimulant effect, and this one seems to be doing a good job,,
If your body is running out of steam then give into it, let it make you sleep and then gain the extra rest,,,if your body is making you do this then it needs the time,,,,also have a look at your vitamins and minerals,,to give your body so extra support. Yes I know what it is like to keep things going and and dealing with the side effects that the underactive thyroid brings with it,, so if you need the anti depressants then take them and see what help they bring to you,,,
Don't worry too much,,,,it tires you out,,,,ttfn from Karen.
Hi Karen
Thank you for your reply. Many years ago I took Citalopram and found it did help but have not taken it for a while and for some unknown reason this year I have had that sinking feeling that 'Everything is becoming an Effort' and getting to a stage where I am fed up of feeling fed up. I guess we all know our bodies well enough to recognise when something is not right. I have recently had lots of vitamin level testing and all come back pretty good, however my research has taught me that taking Siberian Ginseng/Vit B12/Vit D plus Multi Vit/Min will not do any harm. Luckily I have a young doctor who is keen to work with me and seems more determined than me now to get my thyroid working. He has however recognised the need now to prescribe what he wants as a short term course of Fluroxitine 20mg to help lift mood which in turn will also I hope help me to get a bit more enthusiastic about life and give me inspiration about getting better again. I would be interested to hear which Anti D you take. I am quite shocked but not surprised how many people I know now have to take an Anti D even without having Thyroid issues. I agree worrying does not help.
Hello jayne777,, sorry my reply is late,,,have been trying to get my emails dealt with,,,,anyway I originally was on Imipramine for about 20 years,,,well it was not working anymore,,,so I tried Clomipramine,,,but it put me to sleep,,,,so cannot be depressed when asleep?.
I have now been trying Sertraline 50mg,,and up to now I feel awake and alert,,,and only go asleep when I am knackered,,bit like today. I have been on A/D tablets since 1996 and then my u/a thyroid kicked in ,,,and that is really a duff play. Low mood is one of the side effects of u/a as well as all the other stuff,,,, it does not do your soul any good being depressed and feeling down,,,it might have something to do with serotonin levels, which are hard to keep balanced,,,especially when we are trying to keep other bits and parts of us in good running order,,,,life is one long set of battles and taking the tablets for them!!!!!,,,would like to hear you thoughts and comments on the subject,,,,,ttfn from Karen.
Hi Karen thank you for your feedback and thoughts on Anti D. I truly believe it is probably quite hard to get by without some kind of Anti D whilst having thyroid issues. My own personal experience is that if I can maintain a resonable level of enthusiasm along with a bit of alertness by the use of an Anti D then I can deal with the physical fatique/aches and pains etc etc that an Under Active gives us all. To have both physical and mental fatique is an impossible option and if it means I am on Anti D for the rest of my life then so be it because I do not want to be up against that 'Brick Wall' feeling again. Having been prescribed Fluoxetine less than a week ago I certainly feel more positive but am feeling a bit tired along with a bit of a headache so not sure if this is the right one.....early days and will discuss with GP in couple of weeks. All in all I think it is important to recognise what is right for you and to know your limits. I am pleased for you that Sertraline is working for you and making you feel ALERT ....thats a great feeling. Not sure if you find the use for vitamins but I am certainly looking more into the use of Vit B12 and Vit D and a good quality Multi Vit/Min. The tablet cabinet is getting bigger by the day!!!
jayne777 - fluoxetine contains flouride - which was used to suppress an over active thyroid in days gone by. Maybe the book below could be helpful. Newsletters and a website also available
Hello jayne777, I always look to taking something to maintain a good level of things,, especially my digestion and such like, and as I am getting older things to help with my general body structure and functions,,,,,I agree we do need the support that the a/d tablets give us,,,and keeping away from the brick wall is a priority to say the least,,,,ttfn from Karen.
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