Lowering thyroxine doses and feeling better - Thyroid UK

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Lowering thyroxine doses and feeling better

4 Replies

Hi,

How do thyroxine levels drop and stabilise if you are constantly topping up with thyroxine daily. (Even at a slightly lower dose).Does it take a long time to be rid of the side effects of over medication whilst taking adjusted dose.

Has anyone had recent experience of this?

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4 Replies
TJc64 profile image
TJc64

Hello, I have recently done this . 2 months ago I had a blood test . My TSH level was 0.02. My doctor told me to reduce Thyroxine. My Ft3 and Ft4 were within range but Ft3 was in lower end . I was advised by some on the forum not to reduce as It was not an indication of being overmedicated. I reduced my dose taking 50mg and 25mg on alternate nights . Within a few weeks I started to get hypothyroid symptoms and this last week I have been very unwell . So I have gone back to my original dose . In answer to your original question . I would say within 2 - 3 weeks I noticed a difference . 8 weeks down the line . I feel a big difference. Very Hypo ! My levels fluctuate.

Clutter profile image
Clutter

Pidge67,

It is the amount of Levothyroxine you take which over medicates you. If you reduce dose the higher levels will drop in around 7-10 days. If you skip 2 or 3 doses of Levothyroxine it will speed up washing out of the higher dose.

in reply to Clutter

Clutter,

Thankyou for your invaluable advice. 😊

LAHs profile image
LAHs

Levo thyroxine has a half life of seven days so if you change to a lower dose you would not expect to feel any change for at least a week. Since it is a HALF life the old dose will still have some affect for at least the second week but will be less. You should expect to feel the effects of your new dose about 2 weeks after your change of dose.

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